Vacaay

Lake Manyara

About Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara is a stunning freshwater lake situated at the base of the Rift Valley Escarpment in Tanzania. The lake is surrounded by lush green forests, home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and flamingos. What makes Lake Manyara unique is the breathtaking views it offers, with a backdrop of the stunning Great Rift Valley and the scenic Lake Manyara National Park. Visitors can experience a once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure in this natural wonderland, making it an inviting destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure-seekers alike.

When to visit

June to October is the best overall period for drier weather, easier access, and crisp lake-and-escarpment scenery.

Most popular: June - October

Spring · Sep, Oct, Nov

Spring at Lake Manyara runs from Sep. to Nov. and begins dry, warm, and visually striking before the short rains build later in the season. September and October are especially rewarding for broad lake views and birdlife, while November turns greener and more atmospheric with more frequent showers.

Summer · Dec, Jan, Feb

Summer spans Dec. to Feb. and feels hot, bright, and vivid, with strong birdlife interest and a shimmering lake basin beneath the Rift Valley wall. It is an attractive season for travellers who want warmth, expansive scenery, and a more lush northern Tanzania landscape before the long rains intensify.

Autumn · Mar, Apr, May

Autumn falls from Mar. to May and is the wettest stretch of the year, especially around April. The basin becomes greener and more dramatic, but cloudier skies and wetter conditions make this a less reliable period for the classic dry, high-contrast Lake Manyara experience.

Winter · Jun, Jul, Aug

Winter in Lake Manyara runs from Jun. to Aug. and is the classic season to visit, with drier weather, cooler mornings, and clearer overall conditions. This is when the lake and escarpment scenery feel crispest and travel conditions are generally easiest.

Weather Highlights

  • Summer high

    31°C / 88°F

  • Winter low

    15°C / 59°F

  • Rain

    121 days

  • Snow

    0 days

Location

Getting There

Lake Manyara is located in northern Tanzania beneath the Great Rift Valley escarpment, and is usually reached by road from Arusha in around 2 to 3 hours or via nearby Lake Manyara Airport.

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