About Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Of the many lodges that focus their activities on Tanzania's Lake Manyara National Park, only one stands ...
... inside the park: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge. Opened in 2002, it is located in the far south of the park, in a forest of mahogany, wild mango and fig trees. The lodge has a long-standing reputation for its excellent location and high standards.
Stylish and luxurious, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge has the best location of any lodge in the area (with a price tag to match), and thanks to clever design it still feels surprisingly connected to its patch of dense forest. Every time we have visited in recent years, we have found a very warm welcome from its experienced team of friendly staff. That said, although the food, service and guiding have been consistently top-notch, on our last visit we felt that things had slipped a little.
Our view
Stylish and luxurious, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge has the best location of any lodge in the area (with a price tag to match), and thanks to clever design it still feels surprisingly connected to its patch of dense forest. Every time we have visited in recent years, we have found a very warm welcome from its experienced team of friendly staff. That said, although the food, service and guiding have been consistently top-notch, on our last visit we felt that things had slipped a little.
Tanzania expert
Accommodation
11 tree houses
Children
Best for 12+
Open
1st May to 31st March
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Mountain biking
Night drive
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
17 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 51 pictures and 1 videos of Lake Manyara Tree Lodge to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you
Avocet Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This luxurious safari explores three iconic African reserves from exclusive lodges in unbeatable locations. A very high standard of food, care and guiding ensure that you can focus on this amazing experience.
Visiting Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and 1 other area
US$10,520 - US$15,860 per person
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge: Our full report
Of the many lodges that focus their activities on Tanzania's Lake Manyara National Park, only one stands ...
... inside the park: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge. Opened in 2002, it is located in the far south of the park, in a forest of mahogany, wild mango and fig trees. The lodge has a long-standing reputation for its excellent location and high standards.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is a sister property to four other lodges across northern Tanzania, all with spectacularly good locations. Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is perched overlooking the crater itself; Klein's Camp and Grumeti River Camp stand on opposite sides of the Serengeti National Park – the former in its own private concession just outside the park; and Mnemba Island Lodge,Tanzania's top beach lodge, has its own small private island off Zanzibar.
The main area at Tree Lodge combines stylish, contemporary design and neutral colours with natural features. Decorated with sophisticated minimalist furniture, soft lighting and well-placed African wood carvings, it features thatched roofs, polished wooden floors and intriguing, giant chains of banana-leaf loops, which link the lodge to the dense surrounding forest.
Split over two levels, this main area is open at the sides and front. On the upper level, large, cosy sofas are positioned around wooden coffee tables dotted with wildlife guides, books about Lake Manyara and a selection of board games. There's a waiter on hand to serve cool drinks or cocktails from the well-stocked bar.
On the ground floor you'll find a spacious dining room and an open-plan kitchen, where you can watch the chefs prepare your meals. There is also a curio shop selling interesting crafts from all over Africa.
In front of the main area is a large boma – the Swahili word for the enclosure that encircles the family home and precious cattle. At Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, it's used as an outdoor dining and barbecue area. Its tall poles are decorated with nagalawa (traditional canoes), terracotta pots and various artefacts. At night, it is lit with storm lanterns and a central fire, making it a wonderfully atmospheric place to enjoy dinner under the stars.
A short path leads to Lake Manyara Tree Lodge's dhow-shaped swimming pool, tucked discreetly into the bush. The ten-year-old pool strikes one of the few off-kilter notes at this lodge, as it's rather too small and tired around the edges. On our last visit, in November 2016, we were told that the promised refurbishment has been pushed back to 2017. In the meantime, we noticed that the surrounding wooden decking has been smartened up and extended, and there are a number of comfortable sunloungers and umbrellas to provide shade.
The lodge also has a spa and massage house, set in a quiet, raised spot away from the main building. Treatments – at extra cost – are offered by two professional masseuses (so couples can receive treatments together) using Africology products. A one-hour Swedish massage costs roughly US$80 per person. The massage house, which is completely open at the sides and is beautifully airy and relaxing, may also be used for private dinners.
The ten thatched 'tree houses' at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge are tucked into small, cleared corners of the bush and reached via soft-sand paths. Each is built around at least one mahogany tree, but these are no ordinary tree houses: rather, they feel incredibly private, and the rooms (each of which can be a double, single or triple) are spacious and airy. The light touch of an interior designer is clearly at work among the muted, natural colours, rustic materials and stylish, minimalist furniture. For example, the wooden floorboards are varnished then distressed to achieve a 'warehouse' aesthetic. Thoughtful touches include small soapstone boxes filled with dried fruit, and wellington boots in the cupboard in case of rain.
The beds are vast and covered with crisp, white sheets, a warm comforter and – for the odd colder night – an additional blanket at the foot of the bed. The fan-aired rooms also have phones for calling reception, power points for charging batteries and a small safe (note that it is not possible to lock the tree houses). A ‘Gym in a Bag’ is provided, with a selection of equipment and workout guides, to balance all the excellent food available on safari!
The fairly spacious en-suite bathrooms have rustic wooden floorboards and wood-panelled walls. His and hers white-porcelain washbasins, a free-standing bath with views over the bush and Africology toiletries add to the luxury. The flush toilet is concealed in an adjoining room.
French windows lead out from each of the tree houses onto a veranda, where a wonderful shower stands open to the sky, yet carefully screened behind a curved wall of bamboo poles.
A brand new family tree house received its first guests in December 2016. One of the closest tree houses to the main area, it has a standard en-suite double room linked by a living area to a smaller twin room, also with its own bathroom.
Despite the high standards of design, the lighting in the tree houses is not the best and, as the forest is so dense, even during the day the rooms are quite dimly lit. On our most recent visit we also felt that the housekeeping standards were not quite up to scratch, and the rooms were in need of a refreshing lift.
Lake Manyara National Park is a relatively small park – only 330km² – and the majority of this is covered in water, with the rest fringing the western borders of the lake. Although at least half-a dozen lodges focus their activities on the park, these and the campsites are clustered around the northern gate. Lake Manyara Tree Lodge lies in the far south of the park, and is the only lodge that’s actually inside the park boundary. So while the northern sector can get very busy, especially at the beginning and end of the day, guests at Tree Lodge at the southern end of the park are largely undisturbed.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge offers a range of excellent activities, with a good number of vehicles and excellent guides. On our last visit, we found the guiding to be of exceptional standard and spotted plenty of wildlife, even in the thickly-forested areas. It is worth noting that some guides may be completing part of their training here, so may be present on game drives to enhance their learning.
Head out on a morning or afternoon safari drive, or take a packed lunch and stay out all day. Timings are flexible and each evening the manager will discuss your plans for the following day. For a completely different perspective, book a night drive. These usually depart after an early dinner to allow plenty of time, and are an additional cost of US$100 per vehicle. The park authorities are in the process of building new roads to increase wildlife-viewing areas.
Lake Manyara has recently constructed a canopy walkway just inside the gates in the northern part of the park. For US$50, guests can walk at their leisure on elevated wooden walkways, suspended between the trees – some at considerable heights above the ground. Typically, monkeys, insects and birdlife can be spotted throughout the canopy, as well as larger fauna on the forest floor including impala and elephant. The lodge can arrange this.
Walks and bike rides to the local village are guided by a local resident. Tree Lodge and its guests have provided many resources to the village, and visiting the school and clinic is a really worthwhile activity. The cost of US$45 per person includes a donation to the village. Currently, however, Tree Lodge isn't offering walking safaris, for safety reasons. (All walks conducted in the national park need to be accompanied by a park ranger, and there have been concerns over the training of these rangers. The lodge is working with the park authorities so that a handful of trained rangers will be able to accompany the lodge guides.)
During their stay, and weather permitting, guests will normally get to have at least one sundowner evening by the lake, which is a lovely experience.
Geographics
- Location
- Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania
- Ideal length of stay
- We recommend spending at least two nights at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge and using it as a base to explore the remoter parts of the park. Add a couple of extra nights if you'd like to incorporate relaxation time at the lodge.
- Directions
- Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is based inside Lake Manyara National Park, 48km south of the park's entry gate. Allow three hours to get here from Lake Manyara Airstrip, if driving straight, although most guests turn the journey into a full game drive.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- Although our meals at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge have been consistently good in the past, on our last visit in November 2016 we felt that things had changed. While the food was tasty and plentiful, the over-attentive service of our visit in 2015 had swung to the other end of the scale, being incredibly relaxed and quite slow, perhaps even a little careless. We hope that the lodge will be able to find a happy medium between our two experiences!
Breakfast is very flexible: you can eat something before your morning activity, take a packed breakfast with you, or have an early brunch when you return to the lodge. Breakfast or brunch at the lodge is a buffet including an array of cereals, dried fruit, yoghurt and fresh bread, and you can then order a cooked breakfast from the waiter. A packed breakfast includes a selection of the cold options listed above.
Lunch at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge can be taken at the lodge or packed, depending on your choice of morning activity. At the lodge, a selection of dishes is brought to the table for you to help yourself: we enjoyed tilapia, Greek salad, butter bean salad, tomato penne and coleslaw. Mango ice cream finished off a light and tasty lunch. The packed lunch usually includes a sandwich, along with the likes of hard-boiled eggs, fruit and home-made samosas, biscuits and cakes.
Before the evening meal, cocktails – such as frozen gin and tonics – are available in the lounge area with nibbles such as papadums and mango chutney, dried mango, or Bombay mix.
A three-course dinner is available at individual tables under the stars from 7.00pm. The varied menu is normally announced earlier in the day, with enough time to make any alterations if it's not to your liking. On our most recent stay, we began with a delicious butternut squash soup served with chapatis, then moved on to tandoori chicken, turli turli vegetables, basmati rice, turkey skewers and lentil curry. Dessert was a delicate honey cake. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Tree House are very happy to serve private dinners on your tree-house deck – or almost anywhere around the lodge.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are included at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge except for champagne and imported wines and spirits.
Drinking water is supplied to the lodge in giant bottles and rebottled for guests' use.
Special interests
- Honeymoons
- Lake Manyara Tree Lodge fits perfectly into a honeymoon safari in Tanzania. Situated in thick bush, its tree-house rooms are large, very private and beautifully designed. The atmosphere is incredibly romantic and staff will go the extra mile to make your stay special.
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Tanzania
- Wildlife safaris
- Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is well placed to experience the diversity of animals within Lake Manyara National Park, and the possibility of night drives here makes it one of our top tips for an extensive and relatively exclusive wildlife safari in Tanzania.
- See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Tanzania
- Luxury
- Renowned for its unique tree houses, the Tree Lodge blends perfectly into the verdant forest which envelopes it. The design is sensitive to its surroundings; the rooms are exceedingly comfortable; and service and food are excellent. It all adds up to a truly luxurious forest hideaway.
- See ideas for Luxury in Tanzania
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is happy to accept children of any age, though they recommend that safaris are better suited to mature children over the age of 12.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions.
- Special activities & services
- Children can take part in a butterfly walk around the lodge, try out traditional activities such as tracking, or join the chef in the kitchen to make cookies. There is a ping-pong table just to the side of the boma.
- Equipment
- There is no special equipment for children.
- Generally recommended for children
- The location of Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is quite wild, and there are a lot of unguarded, and high deck edges, which would pose a risk to young children. We think that children should ideally be aged 12 or above in order to enjoy the experience.
- Notes
- Big game – particularly elephants – does wander through the camp periodically. Children are the responsibility of their parents and would need to be supervised at all times. Some rooms are visited more frequently by wildlife, so would be best avoided by families with children.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Lake Manyara Tree 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.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
67% success
67% success
67% success
50% success
33% success
33% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- The generator is switched off between 11.00pm and 5.00am so power is not available to the tree houses during these times.
- Communications
- There are no guest TVs at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, but the staff have a TV and guests are invited to watch major sporting events.
- TV & radio
- There are no guest TVs at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, but the staff have a TV and guests are invited to watch major sporting events.
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- Water is drawn from the River Eyambi, and treated for use by the lodge and its guests.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- All guides and lodge staff are first-aid trained and there is a basic first-aid kit on site. For emergencies, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is linked to the flying doctor service. Helicopters can land at the nearby village of Mayoka, a 20-minute drive away, but the nearest airstrip is Lake Manyara Airstrip, on top of the escarpment, a minimum of two hours’ fast drive away.
- Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- There are askaris (guards) to escort you around the camp at night because wildlife does occasionally wander through the grounds. The Tanzania parks authority (TANAPA) also provides armed security.
- Fire safety
- Lake Manyara Tree Lodge has a fire evacuation plan in place and there are extinguishers at every tree house and in every communal area. Frequent fire-training takes place.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Mountain biking
Night drive
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Laundry is included. It is machine-washed and dried in the sun.
- Money
- Lake Manyara Tree Lodge can sometimes exchange small amounts of currency, depending on how much they have available.
- Accepted payment on location
- You can settle your tab at the end of your stay using any card, including Amex. Lake Manyara Tree Lodge also usually accepts cash in US dollars, euros and Tanzanian shillings, and less often in GB pounds.
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Lake Manyara Tree Lodge's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Lake Manyara Tree Lodge.
Excursions from Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge. 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
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
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 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.
Manyara Green Camp
With comfortable tents and an adventurous atmosphere, Lake Manyara Green Camp is one of two camps located inside the park.
When to go to Lake Manyara National Park
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Lake Manyara Tree Lodge 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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