Lake Manyara National Park

Introducing Lake Manyara National Park

Among the attractions of the often underrated Lake Manyara National Park are superb birdlife, elusive tree-climbing lions and abundant hippos.

Entry fees are US$35/10 per adult/child per day. The park gate and park headquarters (253 9112/45) are at the northern tip of the park near Mto Wa Mbu village.

The park has two ordinary camp sites, about 10 double bandas with bathroom (US$20 per person), and a student hostel, all near the main gate. There are three special camp sites in the park along the river.

Kirurumu Luxury Tented Camp (250 7011, 250 7541; www.kirurumu.com; s/d with full board US$165/250) This highly regarded camp offers good food, and its 20 double tents are well hidden in the vegetation, and well spaced for privacy.

Lake Manyara Tree Lodge (www.ccafrica.com; per person all-inclusive US$490-630; Jun-Mar; ) Lake Manyara’s most exclusive lodge, and the only one within the park boundaries, with 10 intimate ‘tree house suites’ set in the forest at the southern end of the park.

Most people visit Lake Manyara as part of a longer safari and independent travellers will need private transport inside the park. The best public transport option is the Ngorongoro crater bus (TSh2000 one way) from Arusha to Mto Wa Mbu. From there you should be able to hire a vehicle and driver from one of the lodges inside the park for about US$140 a day.

Last updated: Mar 24, 2009