Tanzania · Safari

1-Day Lake Manyara National Park Safari from Arusha with Picnic Lunch

1 Day Round trip from Arusha Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Manyara National Park
02 Spot the park's renowned tree-climbing lions alongside elephants, giraffes, and blue monkeys
03 See abundant birdlife, including pelicans, storks, and flocks of flamingos along the lake's edge
04 Enjoy a scenic picnic lunch with stunning views of the lake

Explore the diverse landscapes of Lake Manyara National Park on a day trip from Arusha, where dense forests, acacia woodlands, open savannah, and grassy floodplains support an impressive variety of wildlife. Look out for the park's renowned tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, blue monkeys, hippos, and abundant birdlife, including pelicans, storks, and flocks of flamingos along the lake's edge. The experience also includes a scenic picnic lunch inside the park with beautiful views over the lake.

Explore the diverse landscapes of Lake Manyara National Park on a day trip from Arusha, where dense forests, acacia woodlands, open savannah, and grassy floodplains support an impressive variety of wildlife.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Private

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Yes

Cities Arusha, Lake Manyara

Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Lake Manyara Safari and Scenic Picnic

6:30 AM - Pickup from Arusha
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Arusha, and you will begin the scenic drive towards Lake Manyara National Park. Enjoy the sights of rural Tanzania along the way as you pass through lush landscapes and small villages.
9:00 AM - Arrival at Lake Manyara National Park
After a brief introduction at the park entrance, you will start your safari. As you drive through dense forests and acacia woodlands, keep an eye out for elephants, giraffes, and blue monkeys, along with the park's renowned tree-climbing lions.
10:30 AM - Game Drive Through Diverse Habitats
The game drive continues through the park's various ecosystems, including groundwater forests, open savannah, and grassy floodplains. Lake Manyara is home to an impressive array of wildlife species and is especially known for its birdlife. Look out for pelicans, storks, and vibrant flocks of flamingos along the lake's edge.
12:30 PM - Picnic Lunch at a Scenic Spot
Stop at one of the designated picnic areas within the park to enjoy a packed lunch with stunning views of the lake. Relax, stretch, and take in the panoramic scenery before resuming your game drive.
1:30 PM - Continue Afternoon Safari
After lunch, continue exploring other areas of the park, including viewpoints overlooking the lake. This is also an excellent time to catch sight of hippos and other aquatic animals in the water.
3:30 PM - Departure from Lake Manyara
After a full day of wildlife exploration, you will begin your journey back to Arusha, taking in the last views of this beautiful park.
6:00 PM - Arrival in Arusha
Arrive back at your hotel or drop-off location in Arusha, concluding a memorable day in Lake Manyara National Park.

Where this trip takes you

Lake Manyara, acacia woodlands, dense forests, grassy floodplains

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map — Round trip from Arusha 2 cities · 1 Day

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

All park fees
All taxes/VAT
All transport by road using a 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser
All safari activities
A professional driver-guide
Flying doctor/medical evacuation
Meals
Bottled drinking water

What's Not Included

International flights (from/to home)
Domestic flights as mentioned in the itinerary
Tips (gratuities for the guide or hotel staff)
Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Any government-imposed increase in taxes and/or park fees
Any other element not mentioned in the inclusions clause

What to bring

Best time to visit: The dry season (June to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing, especially the Great Migration in the Serengeti. However, the green season (November to May) offers fewer crowds, lush scenery, and lower prices.
Health precautions: Vaccinations for yellow fever, hepatitis, and typhoid are often recommended. Malaria is also present in Tanzania, so consider anti-malaria medication and bring insect repellent.
Visa requirements: Most travelers need a visa to enter Tanzania, which can be obtained online (e-visa) or upon arrival at the airport.
Packing essentials: Pack neutral-colored clothing (like khaki and green), comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, and a reusable water bottle.
Respect for wildlife: Always stay inside your vehicle unless instructed otherwise, and follow your guide's directions to maintain a safe distance from animals.
Travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended to cover medical emergencies, evacuations, and trip cancellations.
Tipping practices: Tipping is customary in Tanzania; typical tips include around $10-$20 per day for safari guides and $5-$10 for hotel staff and drivers.
Currency: The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Bring small bills, as large denominations may not be accepted in rural areas.
Language and culture: Swahili and English are widely spoken. Learning a few basic Swahili words can be helpful and appreciated by locals.
Environmental responsibility: Many safari areas are ecologically sensitive. Dispose of waste properly, avoid single-use plastics, and respect conservation rules to protect Tanzania's natural beauty.