National park
National park · UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Lake Manyara National Park
Tree-climbing lions, flamingos and a forest canopy walk.
- Northern Tanzania
- Best: Jan–Feb, Jun–Oct
- Entry from US$59.00
- Biosphere Reserve (1981)
Overview
- Established
- 1960
- Area
- 648.7 km², 262.7 km² of it lake
- Bird species
- 400+
- From Arusha
- About 126 km, 2 hours
Lake Manyara was established in 1960 and became a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve in 1981. Of its 648.7 km², 262.7 km² is the lake itself.
A groundwater forest in the north shelters blue monkeys, baboons, elephants and buffaloes, while the lake is a feeding ground for lesser flamingos and more than 400 bird species. The park is known for lions that rest in trees.
Visitors can drive, walk, canoe and take night drives with armed rangers, and cross the treetops on a 470 m canopy walkway up to 18 m high.
- Canopy walkway
A 470 m walk through the groundwater forest.
- Tree-climbing lions
Lions often rest in acacias and mahoganies.
- Hot springs
Volcanic springs at Maji Moto, up to 76.5°C.
Things to do
- Canopy walkwayUS$23.60
About an hour above the forest floor.
- CanoeingUS$23.60
Two hours on the lake when water levels allow.
- Night game driveUS$59
With a TANAPA permit.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
Game viewing is best June to October; birding and the green forest are best in the rains, November to May.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Best
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Best
- Nov: Good
- Dec: Good
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) (TANAPA Tariffs 2023/24 (GN 666 of 2018, GN 490A of 2020)). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult, 16+)per person per 24 hours, 16 May – 14 MarchChildren 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$8.85 / US$17.70 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor). | US$59.00 | US$29.50 | US$59.00 | TZS 11,800 |
| Low-season entry (adult, 16+)per person per 24 hours, 15 March – 15 MayChildren 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$8.85 / US$17.70 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor). | US$53.10 | US$26.55 | US$53.10 | TZS 11,800 |
| Canopy walkwayper person (5+) for one hour | US$23.60 | US$23.60 | US$23.60 | TZS 11,800 |
| Canoeingper adult for two hours | US$23.60 | US$23.60 | US$23.60 | TZS 5,900 |
| Night game driveper adult, where allowed | US$59.00 | US$59.00 | US$59.00 | TZS 11,800 |
- Park entry (adult, 16+)per person per 24 hours, 16 May – 14 March
- Foreign non-resident
- US$59.00
- Foreign resident
- US$29.50
- Rest of Africa
- US$59.00
- East African citizen
- TZS 11,800
Children 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$8.85 / US$17.70 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor).
- Low-season entry (adult, 16+)per person per 24 hours, 15 March – 15 May
- Foreign non-resident
- US$53.10
- Foreign resident
- US$26.55
- Rest of Africa
- US$53.10
- East African citizen
- TZS 11,800
Children 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$8.85 / US$17.70 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor).
- Canopy walkwayper person (5+) for one hour
- Foreign non-resident
- US$23.60
- Foreign resident
- US$23.60
- Rest of Africa
- US$23.60
- East African citizen
- TZS 11,800
- Canoeingper adult for two hours
- Foreign non-resident
- US$23.60
- Foreign resident
- US$23.60
- Rest of Africa
- US$23.60
- East African citizen
- TZS 5,900
- Night game driveper adult, where allowed
- Foreign non-resident
- US$59.00
- Foreign resident
- US$59.00
- Rest of Africa
- US$59.00
- East African citizen
- TZS 11,800
- Prices include 18% VAT; TANAPA's tariff lists them before VAT (for example US$70 + VAT = US$82.60). Children are aged 5–15; under-5s are free.
- Other African citizens pay the non-EAC rate. Payment is electronic through TANAPA's online reservation system, banks or mobile money.
- TANAPA still publishes its 2023/24 tariff as current in October 2026. Confirm the amount when you pay.
Getting there
- By roadFrom ArushaAbout 2 hours
Tarmac to Mto wa Mbu; the gate is just outside the town.
- By airFrom ArushaAbout 30 minutes
Flights to Lake Manyara airstrip on the escarpment.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- The park is small enough for a half-day visit on the way to Ngorongoro.
- Canoeing depends on the lake's water level; ask before you go.
- Foreign visitors must buy Tanzania's US$44 inbound travel insurance (92 days) before arrival: from NIC for the mainland or ZIC for Zanzibar. One policy covers both; residents of EAC and SADC countries are exempt.
Frequently asked questions
Do lions really climb trees at Lake Manyara?
Yes, lions here often rest in trees, though sightings are never guaranteed.
How much is the Lake Manyara entry fee?
US$59 per non-EAC adult per 24 hours (US$50 plus VAT), or US$53.10 from 15 March to 15 May. East African citizens pay TZS 11,800.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
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