About Lake Manyara Green Camp
Lake Manyara Green Camp is one of only two safari camps located inside Lake Manyara National Park, allowing ...
... you to enjoy early morning and evening drives with few other vehicles around. With eight tents, it provides a good base for experiencing the wilderness of Lake Manyara and the wide range of activities on offer.
We are delighted to see another camp opening up within Lake Manyara National Park, and at an affordable price. While it’s not luxurious, the tents have been beautifully designed and are very comfortable and we love the emphasis on the outdoors lifestyle. We were also impressed by the camp’s eco-credentials. A stay at Lake Manyara Green is a great way to unwind and get back to nature.
Our view
We are delighted to see another camp opening up within Lake Manyara National Park, and at an affordable price. While it’s not luxurious, the tents have been beautifully designed and are very comfortable and we love the emphasis on the outdoors lifestyle. We were also impressed by the camp’s eco-credentials. A stay at Lake Manyara Green is a great way to unwind and get back to nature.
Country manager: Tanzania
Accommodation
8 tents
Children
Best for 6+
Open
All year
Activities
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Lake Manyara Green Camp
1 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 12 pictures of Manyara Green Camp to get the candid view.
View galleryLake Manyara Green Camp: Our full report
Lake Manyara Green Camp is one of only two safari camps located inside Lake Manyara National Park, allowing ...
... you to enjoy early morning and evening drives with few other vehicles around. With eight tents, it provides a good base for experiencing the wilderness of Lake Manyara and the wide range of activities on offer.
Lake Manyara Green Camp is the sister property of Serengeti Green Camp, and provides simple but surprisingly comfortable accommodation in a remote location. These camps, as their name suggests, have been designed to be as green as possible, and the management are committed to keeping the ecological footprint to a minimum. All their electricity comes from solar panels and the camp has rainwater collection in place.
The camp is located on the edge of a wide, dry sand riverbed next to a waterfall which cascades down from the Rift Valley Escarpment. The site feels very secluded, and after the park gates close you will be one of the few people remaining in the park. Its location means that yours will also be one of the first vehicles on safari early in the morning, and you will also be able to enjoy sunsets over the park once the day-trippers have left for the day.
The eight safari tents are discreetly tucked into the foliage alongside the riverbed, each on a raised wooden platform with a small veranda outside. The tents themselves are fairly simple in style yet tastefully designed and furnished, with beaded lamps, woven blankets, wooden floors and cosy chairs, all in a neutral colour scheme of creams and soft greens. A zipped door leads through to the en-suite bathroom, which is open to the elements, with an outside 'bucket' shower and composting toilet with a flush – this captures and recycles water from the washbasin.
At present, the tents can accommodate two people and can be arranged as either a twin or double, however there are plans in place to bring in a family tent, with two separate tents joined by a raised wooden walkway. This is an exciting prospect as we feel that the camp can be a particularly good choice for families. With supervision, older children can enjoy exploring the waterfall and shallow pool at its base, while the range of activities on offer is likely to keep them entertained.
The camp's slogan is 'touch the earth', and a stay at Lake Manyara Green Camp is really about embracing nature and feeling connected to your surroundings. As such the central indoor areas are quite minimal. There is an outside 'lounge' with big cushions and soft seating and a short distance away is a fireplace surrounded by directors' chairs. Dining is typically under the stars, with a barbecue and outside kitchen set up where you can watch the chef at work. For the occasional rainy day, there is a communal tent which also functions as a lounge and dining area.
For Expert Africa, what really makes Lake Manyara Green Camp special is the range of activities on offer here, all of which are led by highly experienced guides. In addition to game drives you can go on safari walks along the scenic lake shore. On our most recent visit in 2018 we saw flocks of greater flamingos and good numbers of giraffes and zebras – and even a couple of bush pigs wading in the shallows. While you’re staying here you can also visit Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway, to explore the forested canopy from high up on wooden walkways. You can often watch monkeys jumping between the trees and elephants are sometimes spotted in the undergrowth below. Outside the park you can go mountain biking through the local villages or canoeing on Lake Manyara itself, a large part of which is beyond the park boundary. You can also visit the village of Mto Wa Mbu, which is only a short drive from the main park gate.
Geographics
- Location
- Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- Stay here for two or three nights to explore Lake Manyara and try the different activities on offer here.
- Directions
- Lake Manyara is around a three hour drive from Arusha, with the drive from the park gate to Lake Manyara Green Camp taking around a further two hours.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- We found the food at Lake Manyara Green Camp surprisingly good! The camp has an open kitchen, and much of the cooking takes place in front of the guests. The chef welcomes guests to join him to help prepare dishes and learn new recipes. The food is fresh and tasty, with a combination of local fare and international cuisine.
Breakfasts typically consist of a selection of fresh fruit, cereals, toast, pancakes and syrup; eggs are cooked to order.
Lunches are normally fresh and light. On our most recent visit we enjoyed homemade samosas and spring rolls accompanied by dipping sauces and fresh salad, followed by tropical fruit kebabs.
Dinner is a three-course meal, typically eaten outside under the stars. We tucked in to barbecue chicken, served with green salad and vegetable kebabs. Dessert was a tropical fruit salad and cream. - Dining style
- Group Meals
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is available on request.
- Drinks included
- Most drinks are included, with the exception of premium wines and spirits. This is a small, simple bush camp and does not stock a wide variety of drinks. If you want champagne or specialist spirits then you would need to request and pay for these in advance of travel.
Special interests
- Walking safaris
- Join an experienced walking guide to explore the shores of Lake Manyara where you can discover the diversity birdlife as well as the larger mammals. This is a great way to escape the vehicles and see the park from a different perspective.
- See ideas for Walking safaris in Tanzania
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Lake Manyara Green Camp welcomes children of all ages.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions.
- Special activities & services
- There are no special facilities, although with supervision children can explore the shallow pools by the waterfall and the guides can help them to discover the different animal tracks around camp.
- Equipment
- There is no specific equipment such as highchairs or cots.
- Generally recommended for children
- Lake Manyara Green Camp would be a good choice for families with older, well behaved children. The camp has a relaxed atmosphere, and the range of activities are likely to keep children entertained.
- Notes
- The camp is unfenced, and children need to be supervised at all times.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Manyara Green Camp
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Lake Manyara Green Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- They say their solar system is more than adequate for the camp's requirements and no backup generator is needed.
- Communications
- Phone signal is not reliable. There is no Wi-Fi here, the ethos of the camp is about getting back to nature.
- TV & radio
- There is no TV.
- Water supply
- Transported in
- Water supply notes
- Drinking water is transported is, however a rain water collection system is in place for showers and washing.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- Staff are first aid trained and for anything more serious there is an international hospital in Arusha, which is a three-hour drive.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Guests are escorted after dark. There are no safes, however the manager would be happy to safely store valuables if you wished.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in camp and the riverbed acts as a fire break.
Activities
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- Not Possible
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is included, this is hand washed and line dried. The camp uses a coal iron, and this is not suitable for delicate items.
- Money
- Foreign exchange is not offered and credit cards are unfortunately not accepted.
- Accepted payment on location
- There is very little need for money here, however tips will need to be in cash and all major currencies are accepted.
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Lake Manyara Green Camp's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Manyara Green Camp.
Excursions from Manyara Green Camp
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Manyara Green Camp. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Lake Manyara Safari
Half-day or full-day
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park makes a great safari destination. Here, along with elephant herds and plains game, you’ll find jungle-like forests that are home to blue monkeys, a soda lake tinged pink by flamingos and some of Tanzania’s best birding.
More about Lake Manyara Safari
Mto Wa Mbu Village Walk
Two to three hours
Discover the nuances of day-to-day life in the large Tanzanian village of Mto Wa Mbu with a knowledgeable local guide. This is not a village set up for tourists – Mto Wa Mbu is a real community and offers a chance to see a side of Tanzania that many visitors pass by.
More about Village WalkOther lodges in Lake Manyara National Park
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Kirurumu Manyara
With spectacular views over Lake Manyara, Kirurumu is one of the simplest camps we offer in northern Tanzania.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Comfortable, stylish and remote, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is one of only two places to stay inside the park, and offers excellent guiding and service.
Lake Manyara Serena
Lake Manyara Serena is a large, reasonably priced hotel perched on the lip of the Great Rift Valley with spectacular views of Lake Manyara.
Escarpment Lux Lodge
Escarpment Luxury Lodge offers stylish, modern accommodation and stunning views of Lake Manyara National Park.
When to go to Lake Manyara National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Manyara Green Camp in Lake Manyara National Park
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Lake Manyara National Park in January
Lake Manyara National Park enters its short dry season in January. The tree-climbing lions, a unique attraction, are more easily spotted as vegetation thins. The groundwater forest remains lush, hosting baboon troops and blue monkeys. Birdlife is particularly interesting as resident species enter breeding plumage and migrants arrive. The alkaline lake attracts flamingos and other water birds.
Game viewing improves as animals concentrate around water sources. Night game drives reveal nocturnal animals like hippos at the Simba River pool. The Treetop Canopy Walk offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. While the southern areas of the park may still be wet, the northern sections provide better wildlife viewing. January offers great value for visitors, with quieter park conditions.
- Migratory birds present in large numbers
- Fewer visitors, more peaceful experience
- Possible to see newborn animals
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in January
Lake Manyara National Park in February
February in Lake Manyara National Park sees rising temperatures, reaching around 33°C/91°F. The short dry season continues, making it an excellent time for wildlife viewing. The park's famous tree-climbing lions are more visible as they seek refuge from insects and heat in the trees. Elephant herds are frequently spotted in the savannah plains and forested areas. Game drives are highly productive, with increased chances of spotting diverse wildlife including buffaloes, wildebeests, and various antelope species.
Birdlife is particularly rewarding, with both resident and migratory species present. The alkaline lake attracts large flocks of flamingos, creating a spectacular sight.
- Excellent for bird watching, many species active
- Flamingos often visible on Lake Manyara
- Wildlife more dispersed due to water abundance
- Lower rates at lodges and camps
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in February
Lake Manyara National Park in March
March marks the beginning of the long rainy season in Lake Manyara National Park. The landscape transforms as vegetation becomes lush and green. While this can make wildlife viewing more challenging, it creates beautiful scenery. The groundwater forest is particularly vibrant during this time. The park's famous tree-climbing lions may be harder to spot but are still present. Elephant herds can be seen enjoying the abundant vegetation.
Migratory birds are still present, making it an excellent time for birdwatching enthusiasts. The alkaline lake's water levels start to rise, changing the dynamics of the shoreline.
Some camps may begin to close, but many larger lodges remain open.
- Rainfall increases, vegetation still lush
- Migratory birds prepare to depart
- Good time for photography with clear skies
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Lake Manyara National Park in April
April is the wettest month in Lake Manyara National Park, with an average rainfall of 250mm. The park's ecosystem is in full bloom, with lush vegetation and flowing streams. While big game viewing becomes more challenging due to dense foliage, this is an excellent time for botanists and bird enthusiasts. The groundwater forest is teeming with life, and the Treetop Canopy Walk offers unique views of the verdant canopy. The famous tree-climbing lions may seek shelter from the rain, making sightings less frequent. Despite the rain, dedicated wildlife enthusiasts can still enjoy rewarding experiences, especially in observing smaller creatures and lush plant life.
Migratory birds are still present, adding to the park's rich avian diversity. The alkaline lake reaches its highest levels, altering the landscape dramatically.
- Landscape beautiful with wildflowers blooming
- Big game viewing more challenging
- Birdwatching still excellent
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in April
Lake Manyara National Park in May
May in Lake Manyara National Park typically sees the rains continue. The landscape remains lush and green, offering beautiful scenery. Wildlife viewing starts to improve as animals begin to congregate around water sources as the rain decreases. The groundwater forest is particularly vibrant, hosting diverse primate species including baboons and blue monkeys. The famous tree-climbing lions become more active as the rains decrease. Elephant herds are frequently spotted enjoying the abundant vegetation. As the month progresses, game drives become increasingly rewarding with improved wildlife sightings.
Birdlife remains excellent, with both resident and some lingering migratory species present. The alkaline lake's water levels remain high, attracting various water birds. The Treetop Canopy Walk offers excellent opportunities for observing the forest ecosystem.
- Improving visibility for spotting wildlife
- Elephants more easily seen in open areas
- Water birds attracted by the high levels of the alkaline lake
Our view
This is not a great time to visit
Weather in May
Lake Manyara National Park in June
June marks the beginning of the dry season in Lake Manyara National Park. Wildlife viewing improves significantly as animals start concentrating around permanent water sources. The famous tree-climbing lions become more visible as they seek elevated spots to catch breezes and avoid insects. Large elephant herds are frequently spotted in the savannah plains and near the lake. Game drives become highly productive, offering opportunities to see diverse wildlife including buffaloes, wildebeests, and various antelope species.
Birdlife remains excellent, with many species easily observable. The alkaline lake begins to recede, concentrating flamingos and other water birds. The Treetop Canopy Walk provides unique perspectives of the forest and its inhabitants. Night game drives reveal nocturnal animals and offer a different park experience.
- Dry season starts, vegetation thinning out
- Tree-climbing lions more visible on branches
- Large herds gather at remaining water sources
- Clear skies perfect for landscape photography
- Comfortable temperatures, low humidity
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
Lake Manyara National Park in July
July is an excellent month for visiting Lake Manyara National Park. The dry season is in full swing, resulting in excellent wildlife viewing conditions. The park's famous tree-climbing lions are often spotted in acacia trees, providing unique photo opportunities. Large herds of elephants frequent the shrinking water sources, offering impressive sightings. Game drives are rewarding, with increased chances of spotting diverse wildlife in the open plains and around water bodies.
The alkaline lake continues to recede, concentrating flamingos and other water birds in spectacular numbers. Birdlife remains rich, with many species easily observable.
- Prime time for game viewing and safaris
- High chance of seeing the Big Five
- Busy season with more visitors in the park
- Spectacular sunsets over Lake Manyara
- Hippos concentrate in shrinking water bodies
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in July
Lake Manyara National Park in August
August in Lake Manyara National Park offers superb wildlife viewing opportunities. The dry season peaks, concentrating animals around remaining water sources. The famous tree-climbing lions are frequently spotted, often seeking refuge from the heat in acacia trees. Large elephant herds are easily observed in the savannah plains and near the shrinking lake. Game drives are highly productive, offering excellent chances to spot diverse wildlife including buffaloes, wildebeests, and various antelope species.
The receding alkaline lake creates a spectacular sight with thousands of flamingos and other water birds. Birdlife remains rich, with many species easily observable. The clear skies and dry conditions make this an ideal time for photography.
- Excellent month for wildlife photography
- Tree-climbing lions frequently spotted
- Large elephant herds near remaining water
- Peak dry season, excellent wildlife viewing
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in August
Lake Manyara National Park in September
September is an excellent month to visit Lake Manyara National Park. The dry season continues, providing optimal conditions for wildlife viewing. The famous tree-climbing lions are often spotted seeking refuge from the heat in acacia trees. Large elephant herds congregate around the shrinking water sources, offering impressive sightings. Game drives are highly rewarding, with increased chances of spotting diverse wildlife in the open plains and around water bodies.
The receding alkaline lake concentrates flamingos and other water birds, creating spectacular scenes. Birdlife remains rich, with many species easily observable. The clear skies and dry conditions continue to favour photography.
- Wildlife concentrated around water sources
- Predator sightings increase near prey
- Birdlife abundant at hippo pool area
- Pleasant temperatures for outdoor activities
- Great month for night game drives
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Lake Manyara National Park in October
October marks the end of the dry season in Lake Manyara National Park, offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The famous tree-climbing lions are frequently spotted as they seek elevated positions to catch breezes. Large elephant herds are easily observed around the remaining water sources. Game drives are highly productive, with diverse wildlife congregating in open areas.
The alkaline lake reaches its lowest levels, concentrating flamingos and other water birds in impressive numbers. Birdlife remains rich, with many species easily observable. As the month progresses, there's a possibility of short rains, which can bring welcome relief to the parched landscape and animals.
- Last month of peak dry season
- Fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities
- Vegetation sparse, easier to spot animals
- Migratory birds begin to return to the park
- Ideal for combining game drives and walks
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Lake Manyara National Park in November
November sees the start of the short rainy season in Lake Manyara National Park. The landscape begins to transform as vegetation turns green. Wildlife viewing remains good, although animals start to disperse as water becomes more widely available. The famous tree-climbing lions may be spotted less frequently as they have less need to seek elevated positions. Elephant herds begin to move away from permanent water sources. Game drives can still be rewarding, especially early in the month.
Birdlife becomes particularly interesting as migratory species arrive from Europe and North Africa. The alkaline lake's water levels start to rise, changing the dynamics for water birds. The Treetop Canopy Walk offers unique perspectives of the rejuvenating forest. The Maji Moto hot springs provide a warm retreat on cooler, rainy days.
- Short rains begin, landscape starts to green
- Wildlife still easily visible near water
- Migratory birds arrive in large numbers
- Newborn animals may be seen in the park
- Lower visitor numbers, more exclusive feel
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Lake Manyara National Park in December
December in Lake Manyara National Park sees the continuation of the short rainy season. The landscape is lush and green, offering beautiful scenery. Wildlife viewing can be challenging as animals disperse due to widely available water, but patient observers can still have rewarding experiences. The famous tree-climbing lions may be harder to spot but are still present. Elephant herds enjoy the abundant vegetation across the park. Despite occasional rain showers, game drives can still be productive.
Birdlife is excellent, with both resident and migratory species present in large numbers. The alkaline lake's rising water levels attract diverse water birds. The Treetop Canopy Walk provides unique views of the vibrant forest canopy. December can offer great value for visitors outside the peak holiday period.
- Abundant birdlife, including flamingos on lake
- Wildlife more dispersed but still viewable
- Possible thunder showers in afternoons
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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