Arusha & Lake Manyara Day Trip Review: What to Expect

Thinking about taking a day trip from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park? That, too, is almost what lots of folks consider when visiting Northern Tanzania, a compact adventure promising great wildlife sightings and attractive scenery, all squeezed into a single day. I’m going to break down my own experience, offering what I learned so you have some kind of idea of what to expect, should you choose this option.

What Makes Lake Manyara Special?

So, what exactly makes Lake Manyara National Park a solid pick for a day trip? Well, really it’s famous for its tree-climbing lions, huge flocks of flamingos, and its varied landscapes, is that it presents an awesome microcosm of Tanzania’s wildlife. Very the park is smaller than some of the others in the northern circuit, this compactness actually means you’ve almost a higher chance of seeing a range of wildlife in a shorter time. As a matter of fact the alkaline lake itself draws huge numbers of birds, too, creating a kind of paradise for birdwatchers, and that adds another layer to the park’s appeal.

Getting There From Arusha

Okay, let’s tackle the logistics of getting to Lake Manyara from Arusha. Typically, you’ll almost organize your trip through a tour operator, and they’ll provide transport in a safari vehicle. It’s almost about a 2-3 hour drive, more or less, depending on the road conditions and which operator you go with, which means an early start. Anyway be prepared for a potentially bumpy ride, it’s almost part of the adventure, that is, so make sure you have a good book, or some fun music, so you can get ready to just embrace the Tanzanian massage – that’s what they call the rough roads. I’d say that most tours include the park entrance fees, transportation, a guide, and often lunch, so it’s pretty convenient in some respects.

Game Drive Experiences

Arguably, the heart of a Lake Manyara day trip is the game drive itself, which offers the opportunity to view local animals. After all, what you’ll see can vary depending on the time of year and just plain luck, as a matter of fact the park is genuinely well-known for its elephants, so chances are you’ll see herds of them, especially near the water sources. Similarly to seeing the famous tree-climbing lions are a real treat, and also kind of unique to this park. You, too, might spot giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and various antelope species. Don’t forget the birds – is that Lake Manyara is a paradise for bird lovers, with hundreds of different species.

Lunch With a View

Typically, one of the most enjoyable aspects of a Lake Manyara day trip is lunch. Seemingly, most tours include a picnic lunch, that you’ll almost eat at one of the designated scenic spots inside or outside the park. Anyway, it’s awesome to sit, relax, and dine with the background noise of the African bush. Clearly, the food is pretty standard – sandwiches, fruit, maybe some chicken – so don’t expect gourmet dining. Usually, it’s just about appreciating the surroundings and having a breather before the afternoon’s game viewing in that case.

Potential Downsides and Considerations

So, are there any potential downsides to consider for a day trip to Lake Manyara? Arguably, the biggest is almost the time spent driving, that is two to three hours each way can make for a long day, that is. The Park, too, can get a bit crowded, most tours run from Arusha during peak season, seemingly the most popular spots can feel pretty busy with vehicles, just a little. And honestly, if you’re seriously wanting to see tons of lions, is that Lake Manyara’s tree-climbing lions are very real, actually seeing them is never a sure thing, so maybe temper your expectations a bit. Naturally if you’re super keen on cats, maybe consider Serengeti National Park, or something, too, which does require a longer trip.

What to Bring On your Trip

It is a great idea, so if you’re doing a day trip to Lake Manyara, here’s almost a quick list of what to bring: that, too, could be helpful. Seemingly bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for protection from the African sun. Most of the time it can get intensely hot, still, it’s very well-known that it is also pretty dusty in parts, too. Just always pack insect repellent. Obviously the essential items are camera gear and binoculars – seriously, you don’t want to miss any action. You, too, might be happy, that is, when having light, comfortable clothing in neutral colors; avoid bright colors, so maybe you won’t attract attention. And finally, now don’t forget to bring water to just stay hydrated all day.

Ethical Tourism

Actually, when arranging your day trip, give some thought to selecting a tour operator with some kind of commitment to responsible .and sustainable practices. Basically, it’s helpful to look for companies which are very involved in just giving back to local communities and following really strict environmental guidelines. Anyway this approach can have positive benefits making sure your visit is almost not harming the areas. And seriously be respectful of the animals and their environment – keep a distance, follow your guide’s instructions, and don’t leave trash. Just a friendly reminder as it is very crucial.

Is It Worth It?

After all, so, is a Lake Manyara day trip from Arusha worthwhile? More or less, if you’re shorter on time and don’t mind a relatively long day in the jeep. Really it’s a fantastic option to experience what the northern circuit has to show. The varied scenery, huge bird population, and all chances of spotting the famous tree-climbing lions could give you what you wanted. You, too, should temper your expectations a bit and keep in mind that you won’t see the exact wildlife, is that what you saw on a seven day, that is more detailed. Anyway a few things have to work out, so it could prove to be one of the cool memory during trips, that is, what people look for.