English
Français
Nederlands
Deutsch
Italiano
Русский
Español
Day Trip to Lake Manyara National Park
Book Your Tanzania Safari
Overview
Day Trip to Lake Manyara National Park
Escape the bustle of Arusha and enjoy an unforgettable full-day safari to Lake Manyara National Park, one of Tanzania's most scenic wildlife destinations. Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, this compact yet diverse national park is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and exceptional birdlife.Although smaller than many of Tanzania's famous parks, Lake Manyara offers an impressive safari experience in just one day. From lush groundwater forests and open savannahs to acacia woodlands and the alkaline lake itself, the park boasts an incredible variety of ecosystems that support a remarkable concentration of animals.During your game drive, you'll have the chance to spot the park's famous tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, hippos, warthogs, and numerous species of antelope. The park is also home to one of Africa's largest populations of baboons, often seen moving through the forest in large family groups.
Day By Day Itinerary
Day Trip to Lake Manyara National Park
For Real Adventure
Arrival in Arusha
As you arrive at Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport, you will be met by our representative and driven to your hotel in Arusha. Located at the base of Mount Meru, this charming city is the starting point for your safari adventure.
Take your time to discover the beauty of Arusha city from Clock tower (the halfway between Cairo Egypt to Johannesburg South Africa) and take walking to Maasai Market, proceed to Arusha Declaration monument and museum, central market to learn different African spices, vegetable and fruits, visit Arusha City bus terminal, then later drive back to your hotel. Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha is 1.5 hours, while from Arusha Airport to the city takes 30 minutes.
Accommodation Options
- Silver – Pazuri Inn
- Gold – Forest Hill Hotel
- Platinum – Gran Meliá Arusha
Meal Plan: Bed and Breakfast
Tarangire National Park
After breakfast, begin your journey into the wild with a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, a hidden gem teeming with wildlife. The park is famous for its towering baobab trees and enormous elephant herds. During the dry season, the Tarangire River becomes a vital water source, attracting animals in incredible numbers. Transfer from Arusha to Tarangire National Park takes 2.5 hours departure is early to catch the morning wildlife activity.
On your game drive, watch for lions, zebras, wildebeests, and rare species like the Greater kudu, fringed-eared oryx, and ashy starling. Pause for a picnic lunch under an acacia tree before continuing your safari.
Accommodation Options
- Silver – Farm of Dreams
- Gold – Ngorongoro Farm House
- Platinum – Acacia Farm Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Game Viewing: Enjoy unlimited game drives within the park with the national park rules and guidelines
Karatu Into the Serengeti
After an early breakfast, drive through the highlands of Karatu and enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, eventually descending into the legendary Serengeti National Park. Transfer times are vital for guests to plan ahead, as roads can be rough, often referred to as the “African Massage” due to their bumpy conditions.
Your route takes you into the Seronera Valley, a prime wildlife region known for its big cat sightings and the year-round Seronera River. You’ll arrive in time for an afternoon game drive—your first taste of Serengeti’s endless plains and rich wildlife.
Accommodation Options
- Silver – Land of Nature Camp
- Gold – Anantya Serengeti Camp
- Platinum – Nyota Luxury Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Game Viewing: Enjoy unlimited game drives within the park with the national park rules and guidelines
Northern Serengeti
Over the next two days, follow the famous Great Wildebeest Migration in the northern Serengeti. Depending on the season, witness dramatic river crossings or vast herds moving across the savannah. On Day 4, include a 2-hour transit game drive, offering scenic views and wildlife encounters during the transfer. This region is also home to resident predators like cheetahs, hyenas, and lions, as well as towering giraffes, agile gazelles, and countless bird species. Spend your days exploring different areas of the park with your guide, soaking in the rhythm of the wild. On Day 4, a 2-hour game drive will be included, providing scenic views and exciting wildlife encounters along the way.
Accommodation Options
- Silver – Heritage Mara Camp
- Gold – Lemala Mara Tented Camp
- Platinum – Serengeti River Camp
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Game Viewing: Enjoy unlimited game drives within the park with the national park rules and guidelines
Northern Serengeti to Central Serengeti
Return south for a full day in the Central Serengeti, where the high concentration of wildlife makes every drive thrilling. Keep your camera ready—you could spot a leopard lounging in a tree, a lion pride on the hunt, or a cheetah sprinting across the plains. Go on a game drive en route to the central Serengeti. End the day around a campfire under the stars, listening to the distant calls of nocturnal animals.
Accommodation Options
- Silver – Land of Nature Camp
- Gold – Anantya Serengeti Camp
- Platinum – Serengeti Sametu Tented Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Game Viewing: Enjoy unlimited game drives within the park with the national park rules and guidelines
Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands
Enjoy a leisurely morning game drive as you depart Serengeti and travel to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the way, take in scenic landscapes and perhaps spot more wildlife en route to your lodge on the crater rim.
Accommodation Options
- Silver – Ang’ata Ngorongoro Camp
- Gold – Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
- Platinum – Ngorongoro Lion’s Paw by Karibu Camps
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Game Viewing: Enjoy unlimited game drives within the park with the national park rules and guidelines
Ngorongoro Crater
Today, descend into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to nearly 30,000 animals. With its permanent water source and nutrient-rich soil, the crater floor is a haven for wildlife year-round.
Search for black rhinos, hippos, elephants, and zebras, and enjoy close encounters with lions, hyenas, and perhaps even a leopard. Enjoy a picnic lunch in this stunning natural amphitheatre before returning to your lodge. The transfer from Ngorongoro Crater to Karatu typically takes approximately 1 hour.
Accommodation Options
- Silver – Farm of Dreams Lodge
- Gold – Ngorongoro Farm House
- Platinum – Kitela Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Game Viewing: Enjoy unlimited game drives within the park with the national park rules and guidelines
Lake Manyara
Early morning breakfast, then depart to Lake Manyara for a game drive.
The park has a varied habitat that attracts a wide variety of animals, including one of Africa’s largest concentrations of elephants, Lake Manyara’s unique tree-climbing lions, zebra, buffalo, giraffe, baboons, warthog, as well as large flocks of flamingos attracted by the algae in the lake.
Accommodation Options
- Silver – Lake Manyara Best View Lodge
- Gold – Motto Cottages
- Platinum – Manyara’s Secret
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Game Viewing: Enjoy unlimited game drives within the park with the national park rules and guidelines
Maasai Cultural Visit & Departure
You will visit a Maasai village to learn about the local culture. You will visit Maasai families at Mto wa Mbu. You will be able to discover the traditional life of the Maasai, their culture, their traditions, and visit their bomas (grouping of huts of an extended family).
Departure: Depending on your flight details you will get transferred to Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport to connect your flight back home.
- Meal Plan: Breakfast, and Lunch
- Game Viewing: Enjoy a 3-hour game viewing experience, followed by an approximately 2.5-hour transfer to Arusha after the activity ends.
01 Amazing Day Trip - Arusha National Park
Arrival in Arusha
You will be picked up from your hotel or lodge in Arusha at around 7:00 am and begin the scenic drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Along the way, enjoy views of Tanzania’s picturesque landscapes, local villages, and farmland.
Start your morning game drive, exploring the park’s diverse habitats, including acacia woodlands, open grasslands, and the shores of Lake Manyara. The park is renowned for its tree-climbing lions, which can often be spotted resting in the branches, as well as large herds of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, and baboons.
Around midday, stop at one of the park’s designated picnic areas to enjoy a relaxed lunch amidst the stunning scenery. After lunch, continue your afternoon game drive, which can be tailored to your interests.
In the late afternoon, you will leave Lake Manyara National Park and return to Arusha, arriving at your hotel or lodge around 5:30–6:00 pm, concluding a memorable day of wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and beautiful landscapes.
Day By Day Map & Navigation
Day Trip to Lake Manyara National ParkFor Real Adventure
Inclusion & Exclusion
Amazing Day Trip - Arusha National Park
Inclusion
Exclusion
Ready To Customize Your Trip To Tanzania
Let us craft a personalized itinerary just for you, featuring unforgettable wildlife, stunning landscapes, and unique experiences. Contact us today to start planning your dream trip!
Explore The Best of Tanzania Safari
Experience the Magic of Tanzania Safari For Real Adventure
5 Days Safari Tanzania
Overview 5 Days (Mid-Range) Safari Tanzania Find an unforgettable 5-Days Mid-Range Safari Tanzania through Tanzania’s most iconic Overview 5 Days (Mid-Range) Safari Tanzania
⇾
7 Days Best of Tanzania Safari
Find an extraordinary 7-Days Safari in Tanzania, where you'll have the opportunity to explore the most iconic locations including Serengeti, Tarangire,
⇾
9 Days Amazing Tanzania Safari
A 9-days Amazing Tanzania Safari showcasing the spectacular Tanzania wildlife. From the endless plains of the Serengeti to the awe-inspiring
⇾
Who Visited Tanzania Before
Take a Look About Our Happy Customers
Me and my friends had amazing safari tour with African overland. Their attention to detailed and expert knowledge truly made our trip unforgettable.
Euphrasia A
USA
I love the whole staff team of African Overland, I enjoy the view and safari was so perfect.from Safari and whole programs i appreciate everything, i recommend to everyone wish to travel to Tanzania
Mike d
USA
Planned 2 years ago and it was difficult to get the way to Tanzania, I spoke with many agents but I made a choice to Africa overland, and they made my journey so easy and remarkable. Fantastic.
Van Markel
UK
We booked our safari in a very short time period..about 1 our 2 weeks before..But Johnmade a great effort for us and arranged precisely what we wanted..And the price..very affordable.
Fbright J
USA
Top Tanzania Operator
Why Choose Us African Overland
Best Prices
Amazing travel experiences are priceless. With a Best Price Guarantee on all tours, you always get the best deal.
CONTACT US »Wide Selection Of Tours
Sit amet consectetur adipiscing elitcelerisque aenectus bibendum facilisi tempus
CONTACT US »Qualified Tour Operators
We insist on a very high tour quality and therefore only work with qualified and professional tour companies.
CONTACT US »Professional Tour Guide
Our knowledgeable, local guides provide expert insights into Tanzania’s landscapes, wildlife, and culture.
CONTACT US »Fast Booking
Book your tour quickly and easily, with immediate confirmations and no long waiting times.
CONTACT US »Personalized Trips
We understand every traveller is unique, so we offer custom itineraries designed to meet your specific preferences and personalised travel experience.
CONTACT US »
Subscribe Our Newsletter Get Every Update
Africa is often associated with safari, African Overland has unrivalled credentials and expertise when it comes to organizing an African Safari.
Useful Links
Experience
Copy @2026 African Overland, All Rights Reserved Safari Marketing Pro