Lake Manyara National Park

Today we you pick at 6:00 AM from your hotel in Arusha. After a 2.5-hour road trip (about 120 kilometers) through small villages and roadside markets, we’ll arrive at Lake Manyara National Park, a hidden jew nestled along the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Upon check-in at the park gate, you’ll immediately notice the lush groundwater forest – a dense, green haven alive with the chatter of monkeys and the rustling of leaves as bushbuck and baboons roam freely. This first impression sets the tone for a park known for its unique ecosystems and rich biodiversity.

As you drive further afield into the park, you will likely encounter one of Manyara’s most iconic sights – the tree-climbing lions, lounging on acacia branches. The park is also home to large elephant herds, zebras, giraffes, and a dazzling variety of avian species, including pink-hued flamingos along the alkaline shores of the lake. The Great Rift Valley escarpment looms dramatically in the background, dominating the park’s geography and providing a striking contrast to the shimmering lake below. At midday, enjoy a picnic lunch at a designated spot, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant wilderness. Afterward, resume your game drive, keeping an eye out for hippos wallowing in the water, grazing wildebeest, and other wildlife traversing the area.

As the afternoon winds down, we head back to Arusha. Drop-off will be at your hotel in Arusha in the evening, bringing your day trip to an incredible end.