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1-Day Lake Manyara National Park Safari in Tanzania

1-day private safari

1-Day Lake Manyara National Park Safari

Flamingos, forest elephants and the Rift Valley escarpment in a single day out of Arusha.

From

$240

USD per person

Duration

1 days / 0 nights

Parks

Lake Manyara

Group

Private departure — 1 to 7 guests

Lake Manyara packs an improbable amount into a narrow strip between the escarpment and the lake: a groundwater forest full of blue monkeys and baboons, hippo pools, open floodplain grazed by buffalo and wildebeest, and a shallow soda lake that turns pink with thousands of flamingos. It is also the park where lions genuinely climb trees. Two hours from Arusha, it makes an easy and beautiful day.

Best for
Birdwatchers, photographers, families, a gentle first safari day
Best months
Year-round; flamingo numbers peak Nov–June, game viewing is best July–October
Accommodation options
Day trip — no overnight

Day-by-day itinerary

  1. 1

    Lake Manyara day safari from Arusha

    Pick-up at 07:00 and the drive down the Rift Valley escarpment through Mto wa Mbu. Morning game drive through the groundwater forest and out along the lake shore for elephant, hippo, giraffe and flocks of flamingo and pelican. Picnic lunch by the water, an afternoon drive through the acacia woodland where the tree-climbing lions rest, and optionally the treetop canopy walkway before returning to Arusha around 18:00.

    Meals: Picnic lunch

What's included

  • Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and window seat guaranteed
  • Professional English-speaking driver-guide
  • National park entry and government fees
  • Picnic lunch and drinking water
  • Pick-up and drop-off in Arusha or at Kilimanjaro Airport
  • 10% of your payment donated to the Fruitful Orphanage

Not included

  • Accommodation before or after the day trip
  • Travel and medical insurance (required)
  • Tips for your guide
  • Drinks, souvenirs and personal items

How payment works

No payment is taken online. We confirm availability and send a written quote in US dollars. A 30% deposit by bank transfer secures your dates, and the balance is payable on arrival in Arusha in cash USD or by transfer. Once your safari is paid, 10% of the total is transferred to the Fruitful Orphanage & Day Care Center and we send you confirmation.

Read the full payment & booking terms →

Parks on this safari

Lake Manyara National Park

Planning a 3-day trip?

Compare routes, prices and the best months for 3-day safaris from Arusha before you decide on this itinerary.

3-day Tanzania safari guide →

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1-Day Lake Manyara safari FAQ

How much does the 1-Day Lake Manyara safari cost?
The 1-Day Lake Manyara National Park Safari starts at $240 per person. Prices are in US dollars and include entry and government fees, a private 4x4 with a driver-guide, lunch and pick-up in Arusha.
What is included in the 1-Day Lake Manyara price?
Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and window seat guaranteed; Professional English-speaking driver-guide; National park entry and government fees; Picnic lunch and drinking water; Pick-up and drop-off in Arusha or at Kilimanjaro Airport; 10% of your payment donated to the Fruitful Orphanage. International flights, your Tanzania visa, travel insurance, drinks and tips are not included.
Which parks does the 1-Day Lake Manyara safari visit?
Lake Manyara — over 1 day and 0 nights starting and ending in Arusha.
When is the best time to do the 1-Day Lake Manyara safari?
Year-round; flamingo numbers peak Nov–June, game viewing is best July–October
How many people share the safari vehicle?
Private departure — 1 to 7 guests You always have a window seat in a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof.
Will I see flamingos at Lake Manyara?
Usually, yes — the soda lake attracts large flocks, strongest from November to June. Numbers change with the water level, so we cannot promise them, but the forest, hippo pools and elephants make the day regardless.
Is the treetop canopy walkway included?
No, it is an optional extra paid at the park (around $60 per person) and takes about an hour. Tell us in advance if you want it and your guide will build it into the day.
How do I book and how does the 10% donation work?
Send an enquiry — no payment is taken online. We confirm availability and send a written quote in USD, a 30% deposit by bank transfer secures your dates and the balance is paid on arrival in Arusha. Once the safari is paid, 10% of the total goes to the Fruitful Orphanage & Day Care Center and we send you confirmation of the transfer.

Questions about dates, group size or combining this with volunteering? We answer within 24 hours from Arusha.

Enquire about this safari