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Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge


3°22’21.4"S 35°49’38.2"E

About Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

In a stunning location, perched high on the edge of the escarpment, Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge has ...

... commanding views over Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley, and the northern end of Lake Manyara National Park, 300m below. During the dry season, bushbuck and dikdik climb the steep scarp to browse and graze in the lodge's cool, shady gardens. Like most of the Serena properties in East Africa, this is a big lodge, accommodating up to 145 guests.

Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge is typical of the Serena Hotels brand: it lacks luxury or intimacy, but does provide a practical, comfortable base at a reasonable price. We had good service here on our most recent visit (in Feb 2018) and it was friendly and efficient. We loved the stunning views from the cliff-top location. If staying inside Lake Manyara National Park isn’t an option, then visiting from here is a good alternative.

Our view

Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge is typical of the Serena Hotels brand: it lacks luxury or intimacy, but does provide a practical, comfortable base at a reasonable price. We had good service here on our most recent visit (in Feb 2018) and it was friendly and efficient. We loved the stunning views from the cliff-top location. If staying inside Lake Manyara National Park isn’t an option, then visiting from here is a good alternative.

Lyndsey Marris

Lyndsey Marris

Country manager: Tanzania

Accommodation

67 rooms

Children

Good for children

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Mountain biking

Mountain biking

Night drive

Night drive

Private activities

Private activities

Traveller reviews of Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

11 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


89%
11 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
6
Good
4
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr J.fromAtlantic Beach

Arrived 20 Jul 2021, 1 nights

"Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge review"

"Great pool scene with fantastic views and superb service... …" Read Mr J.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Rusty HudakfromStow, OH

Arrived 31 Jul 2019, 2 nights

"Lake Manyara Lodge"

"Probably the nicest place we stayed, but without the character of a tent …" Read Rusty Hudak’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs CHfromGuildford

Arrived 8 Feb 2019, 1 nights

"fab view at L Manyara Serena Safari Lodge"

"Set in beautiful grounds with a wonderful view of the lake the rooms are well …" Read Mrs CH’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

ABfromSanta Fe

Arrived 5 Jul 2018, 1 nights

"Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge review"

"The Lodge was very luxurious and we enjoyed our stay there very much. …" Read AB’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms TGfromLondon

Arrived 14 Feb 2018, 2 nights

"Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge review"

"The setting and view are very good. …" Read Ms TG’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Average

Mr & Mrs PfromHockley

Arrived 23 Jan 2015, 1 nights

"A good lodge with nice rooms and great views"

"We arrived at the lodge in the late afternoon after our game drive into the …" Read Mr & Mrs P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs RfromCanada

Arrived 21 Jan 2014, 1 nights

"Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge review"

"Amazing view and pool. Lovely to have hang time. the food was good. The night …" Read Mrs R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Dr & Mrs EfromPoole

Arrived 2 Oct 2013, 2 nights

"Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge review"

"Two nights here with good food and service. Excellent infinity swimming pool …" Read Dr & Mrs E’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

The L familyfromLondon

Arrived 7 Aug 2011, 1 nights

"Hotel in a stunning location on edge of rift"

"This was a welcome overnight stay after the flights from UK. The hotel …" Read The L family’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs LfromSussex

Arrived 3 Feb 2011, 3 nights

"Fantastic location overlooking Rift Valley"

"A comfortable room with a good sized shower room. We found the service very …" Read Mr & Mrs L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge reviews

Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge: Our full report

In a stunning location, perched high on the edge of the escarpment, Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge has ...

... commanding views over Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley, and the northern end of Lake Manyara National Park, 300m below. During the dry season, bushbuck and dikdik climb the steep scarp to browse and graze in the lodge's cool, shady gardens. Like most of the Serena properties in East Africa, this is a big lodge, accommodating up to 145 guests.

Situated 2km off the main highway, down a short private track, Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge was built in 1996 and is constructed largely of stone, thatch and dark wood. In many ways we think that the design of the Lake Manyara Serena is more innovative than its nearby sister-properties, the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge or the Serengeti Serena near Seronera.

Green creepers and mature bushes border this Serena’s stone paths, which lead from the main areas to the closely congregated 67 bedrooms. Designed to loosely resemble local houses with thatched roofs and thick stone walls – they are, for the most part, ordinary and simple.

The best feature of these rooms is their stupendous views over the escarpment, and down to Lake Manyara National Park. To get the very best view of Lake Manyara, we recommend the first-floor rooms, which come with a small veranda. Sixteen rooms interconnect, and so can be used by families. All rooms can be used as triples. There’s one suite with a lounge. And some rooms are double-storey units.

The rooms at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge are comfortable, but somewhat impersonal. Inside, the walls are white, the floors either blue-tiled or done in polished red cement (the plan we were told when we last visited in 2015 is for blue tiles throughout). A patterned bedspread adorns the double or twin bed, which is hung with a mosquito net. Furnishings include a vibrant wall hanging above the bed, a rug in front of a dark-wood bedside table and a couple of bedside lights. Each room also comes equipped with an internal phone, a wooden cupboard, a small chair and mosquito spray.

Smoking rooms are specific – they have ashtrays – and only a limited number are assigned to smokers. However, do request a non-smoking room to be sure.

Equally simple are the en-suite bathrooms at Lake Manyara Serena. In each, a kidney-shaped mirror hangs over the basin, which is set into a wooden surround laid out with complimentary toiletries. A white-tiled shower, flush loo and a hairdryer complete the package.

The reception and main areas are large and airy, and include a spacious dining room; bar area; TV room with satellite TV (also the site of evening entertainment, such as Maasai dancing); conference room; computer room with three terminals; and a small shop selling a limited range of gifts, T-shirts and toiletries. All of these areas radiate from the main lounge, which is furnished with cushioned chairs, clustered around small, wooden tables. Everything is decorated in a Serena’s retro white, green and orange colour scheme.

A big hotel like this is designed to accommodate lots of people, but in each room they've largely succeeded in creating a welcoming atmosphere with their use of colour, ceramic uplighters, fireplaces, and pots of Maasai spears that lend a local feel.

In the spacious dining room, there's a change of colour: red-and-blue stucco décor on the walls and Maasai blankets on the serving tables, which are dotted with small Maasai ornaments. Dining can be inside or out at the Lake Manyara Serena, but the dining terrace is quite small. There's also a self-service area for tea and coffee, complete with baskets of tea cakes and biscuits.

A couple of stone paths wind from the main building to a kidney-shaped infinity pool (open 10am-6.30pm; no lifeguards), which is partly framed by bushes. Sun-loungers line the pool and there is a small bar. Bushbuck are often seen on the lawn and there are stunning, panoramic views over Lake Manyara National Park stretching north to south. This is the best area of the lodge and evening entertainments often take place here when the lodge is busy.

The lodge has a rather small, dark spa. A resident therapist offers manicures, pedicures and deep-tissue massages all day, and while the range isn't particularly comprehensive, it’s ideal if you want a bit of relaxation for an hour or so.

Most travellers will use the Lake Manyara Serena as an overnight stop on a driving safari, perhaps between a visit to Tarangire or Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater. It’s certainly close enough to Lake Manyara to spend the whole day in the park (the Manyara National Park boundary is less than 1km as the pied crow flies from the lodge). However, it takes about 1½ hours to reach the Ngorongoro Crater from the lodge, and it’s too far to use as a base for Tarangire National Park.

Alternatively, if you’re not using the hotel as a pit-stop, then you can take advantage of activities organised by Lake Manyara Serena Lodge:

  • A mountain-biking trip heads down the Rift Valley Escarpment to Mto Wa Mbu village, taking about three-and-a-half hours. The cost – about £30/US$45 per person – includes a guide, drinks/snacks and a transfer back up the escarpment to the lodge, as well as mountain bike, helmet and gloves hire.
  • Alternatively, there's the option of a walk around Mto Wa Mbu where guests can meet with the local people and visit the village’s farms, kindergarten, milling machine, church and local homes. This, too, costs roughly £30/US$45 each and generally lasts about three hours, including the drive to and from the village; it's recommended for all ages.
  • More strenuous is a forest hike, which heads from the lodge along the edge of the escarpment and descends into a nearby gorge – where it's possible to explore groundwater springs. The hike ends at the gates to Lake Manyara National Park, where you'll be picked up and driven back to the lodge. It lasts around two to three hours and costs about £20/US$30 per person. You do need to have a reasonable level of fitness for this activity.
  • A little easier is the nature walk, lasting roughly an hour and led by a qualified naturalist. This concentrates on the area at the edge of the Rift Valley and is free of charge for overnight guests. This is suitable for most age groups and abilities.
  • In the evening, at 7.00pm, there's a three-hour night drive through the national park in an open game-drive vehicle with a guide and spotter. Costs depend on the size of the group, but start at £50/US$75 per person based on a group of two.

Geographics

Location
Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania
Ideal length of stay
The Lake Manyara Serena is often used for one-night stops between parks, or might be used for 2-3 nights as a base from which to explore Lake Manyara National Park. Or use it as an overnight stay before a flight from the airstrip.
Directions
Situated 107km west of Arusha, Lake Manyara Serena Lodge sits 2km off the main road and is accessed via a well-maintained dirt track.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board
Food quality
Lake Manyara Serena Lodge offers international cuisine and caters for vegetarians, children and other dietary preferences on request. There is a self-service coffee and tea bar near the restaurant that guests can use all day.

Breakfast is a buffet-style meal, with hot-and-cold dishes laid out, as well as a good choice of cereals, yoghurts and fruit. A chef will prepare eggs to order.

Lunch is also served buffet style. Although we didn't sample the food on our last visit, we did see the dishes being laid out and were impressed. There was an extensive two-tier buffet with a choice of hot food including curry, and mashed potatoes, plus a wide variety of salads and cold meats, as well as lots of condiments and a cheeseboard with six different cheeses.

Dinner at the Lake Manyara Serena is generally a four-course set menu, which is served to guests at their tables.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Yes
Drinks included
Drinks aren’t included; a local beer costs roughly £3 or US$4.50.

Special interests

Cultural Experiences
Lake Manyara Serena offers a wide range of cultural experiences. You can go on a half day mountain-bike trip down the Rift Valley Escarpment ending in Mto Wa Mbu village, or take a more in depth walk around the village – where you can experience many elements of village life.
See ideas for Cultural Experiences in Tanzania

Children

Attitude towards children
Lake Manyara Serena Lodge is happy to accommodate children.
Property’s age restrictions
None
Special activities & services
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge can arrange babysitters on request at a cost of £3/US$4.50 per hour. However, do bear in mind that these won't be qualified childminders. The hotel is also happy to serve children's meals at earlier times if requested.
Equipment
The hotel has baby cots and high chairs.
Generally recommended for children
Yes
Notes
Children under their parent’s supervision can use the infinity swimming pool.

Activities can be organized for children, typically costing about £8/US$12 per child, and lasting roughly 90 minutes. For example, children can be walked around the lodge, play games and plant trees. The suggested departure time is either 7.30am or 4.30pm. The cost includes field guide materials.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Lake Manyara Serena

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge 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.

Elephant

100% success

Giraffe

100% success

Hippo

100% success

Lion

100% success

Zebra

100% success

Buffalo

67% success

Leopard

33% success

Wildebeest

33% success

Aardvark

0% success

Cheetah

0% success

Eland

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Spotted Hyena

0% success

Striped Hyena

0% success

Wild dog

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
There are two backup generators that automatically kick in if there's a power outage, and also cope with fluctuations.
Communications
There are internal phones in the rooms, and WiFi throughout the lodge are free for guests. The mobile signal is good. There is a charge of US$2 per 15 minutes to use the computers in the business room.
TV & radio
There are no TVs in the rooms, but there is a general TV room for guests to use.
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
There's no shortage of clean water. Bottled water is provided at the rate of two half-litre bottles per guest per day. More can always be requested at no extra charge.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The hotel has a resident clinician. In case of emergencies they can contact the Flying Doctor services and the good hospital at Karatu.
Dangerous animals
Moderate Risk
Security measures
The lodge has guards on duty 24 hours a day. There is also CCTV in some areas. The lodge is fenced at the back, but not on the escarpment side.
Fire safety
The hotel has fire extinguishers and the staff are trained how to use them. There are 6-monthly site visits by fire experts.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Mountain biking

    Mountain biking

  • Night drive

    Night drive

  • Private activities

    Private activities

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
There is a laundry service, currently costing around £1/US$1.50 per item.
Money
Every room has a safe.
Accepted payment on location
Foreign exchange facilities are available, and Lake Manyara Serena normally accepts cash payments in US dollars, Canadian dollars, euros, British pounds, Tanzanian shillings and Kenyan shillings. They also accept payments in US dollars using Visa, American Express and MasterCard, with no commission charged.

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Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Lake Manyara Serena.


Excursions from Lake Manyara Serena

Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Lake Manyara Serena. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Lake Manyara Safari

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
84% (49 reviews)
Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway

Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway

Usually one hour

Experience the forest of Lake Manyara National Park from a whole new perspective – high up in the trees. The first suspended walkway in Tanzania, it stretches underneath the canopy for 370m between the mahogany and fig trees, giving intrepid visitors a unique view of the surrounding flora and fauna.

More about Manyara Treetop Walk
75% (4 reviews)
Mto Wa Mbu Village Walk

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 Walk
90% (8 reviews)

Other lodges in Lake Manyara National Park

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Kirurumu Manyara Lodge

Kirurumu Manyara

With spectacular views over Lake Manyara, Kirurumu is one of the simplest camps we offer in northern Tanzania.


87% (18 reviews)
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

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.


99% (17 reviews)
Escarpment Luxury Lodge

Escarpment Lux Lodge

Escarpment Luxury Lodge offers stylish, modern accommodation and stunning views of Lake Manyara National Park.


93% (3 reviews)
Lake Manyara Green Camp

Manyara Green Camp

With comfortable tents and an adventurous atmosphere, Lake Manyara Green Camp is one of two camps located inside the park.


80% (1 review)

When to go to Lake Manyara National Park

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Lake Manyara Serena 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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