Escape into an idyllic setting, far from the bustle of the city at Lake Manyara. Located 100 km southwest of Arusha, in northern Tanzania, this shimmering lake lies at the heart of lush vegetation, both beautiful and serene.

Discovering Lake Manyara

The name Manyara derives from the Maasai word Emanyara, which refers to a species of euphorb plant cultivated in the country.

Covering an area of approximately 231 km², Lake Manyara contains natural salt and phosphate deposits. It is dominated by evergreen fig trees and mahogany. The water and its surroundings serve as habitat for numerous herbivores, such as impalas, hippopotamuses, elephants, wildebeest, buffalo, warthogs and giraffes.

Moreover, Lake Manyara offers remarkable discoveries for bird enthusiasts. Over 300 migratory birds, including the pink flamingo, the grey-headed kingfisher and the long-crested eagle, can be spotted in the area.

Best time to discover Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara can be visited year-round. The months of September and April are particularly recommended for observing the arrival of migratory birds.

You can reach Lake Manyara by plane or by car. By air, there are regular flights and charters that connect Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Arusha to Manyara airstrip, just 10 minutes from the lake.

By road, Lake Manyara is well connected to major Tanzanian cities, including Ngorongoro, Arusha, Babati, Dodoma and Mto-wa-mbu. Rent a vehicle suited to winding roads, as the paths can sometimes be challenging to navigate.