Itinerary

1. A day trip to Lake Manyara National Park from Arusha

   6:00 AM – Pick-Up and Departure:

   • Begin your adventure early. Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Arusha or Karatu. It takes about 2-3 hours to reach Lake Manyara National Park from these locations.

   8:30 AM – Arrival at Lake Manyara National Park:

   • Once you enter the park, you’ll be greeted by the rich landscape of the park. It’s well known for its lush greenery, the Great Rift Valley escarpment, and Lake Manyara, which is home to a variety of birds and wildlife.

   9:00 AM – Morning Game Drive:

   • The game drive will take you through different habitats: from savanna woodlands, acacia forests, and swamps to the lake shore. You may spot the famous tree-climbing lions (often lounging in the acacia trees), as well as elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and warthogs.
   • The park is also known for its birdlife, including flamingos, pelicans, and herons around the lake.
   • This game drive will last for around 3-4 hours.

   Midday:

   12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch or Lodge Meal:

   • Depending on the option you prefer, you can either enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the designated spots in the park or head back to a lodge for a more formal meal.
   • Some lodges near the park offer stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere for a nice break.

   Afternoon:

   1:30 PM – Continue with an Afternoon Game Drive:

   • After lunch, embark on another game drive to explore different parts of the park. The animals are often more active in the afternoon, so you might encounter hyenas, monkeys, and cheetahs.
   • If you’re interested in bird watching, the afternoon is a great time to spot some of the more elusive species. The flamingos on the lake are often most active at this time.
   • The many hot springs around the park are another point of interest, so you can make a stop to enjoy the scenery.

   3:30 PM – Visit the Lake Manyara Viewpoint:

   • Before heading out of the park, visit the viewpoint above the lake for breathtaking views of the landscape. This is the perfect spot for a scenic photo op.

   Late Afternoon:

   4:30 PM – Exit the Park:

   • Begin to make your way out of the park as the sun starts to set. The late afternoon light offers some beautiful opportunities for photography.

   6:30 PM – Drop-Off at Your Accommodation:

   • After a full day of exploration, your guide will drop you back at your hotel or lodge.