Tour Overview
Discover the beauty of Lake Manyara National Park on this exclusive private safari. Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, this compact but remarkably diverse park offers some of Tanzania's most unique wildlife encounters . Famous for its tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, and spectacular birdlife, Lake Manyara delivers an unforgettable safari experience .
A private safari gives you complete control over your itinerary – you decide when to start, how long to stay at wildlife sightings, and which areas to explore . With your own dedicated 4×4 vehicle and professional guide, you'll enjoy personalized service, flexible pacing, and the freedom to immerse yourself in nature at your own comfort .
Tour Duration: 1 Day (Full Day) – Customizable to 2-3 days
Price: Available on Request
Destinations: Lake Manyara National Park, Great Rift Valley
Activities: Private game drives, birdwatching, hippo pool visit
Departure: Arusha, Moshi, or Karatu
Itinerary – Full Day Private Lake Manyara Safari
06:30 AM – Departure from Arusha/Moshi
- Pick up from your hotel in Arusha, Moshi, or Karatu
- Scenic drive through the Great Rift Valley countryside
- Approximately 126 km (2 hours) from Arusha by road
- Enjoy views of the Rift Valley escarpment along the way
08:30 AM – Arrival at Lake Manyara National Park
- Enter the park through the main gate
- Your private guide provides a briefing on the day's itinerary
- Prepare for a full day of wildlife discovery
09:00 AM – Morning Game Drive
- Begin your private game drive through the park's diverse habitats
- Explore the groundwater forests – home to blue monkeys, olive baboons, and bushbucks
- Drive through acacia woodlands and open grasslands
- Wildlife to spot:
- Tree-climbing lions – one of the few places in Africa where lions regularly rest in trees
- Elephants – large herds often seen near roads
- Giraffes – nibbling fresh leaves from acacia trees
- Buffaloes, zebras, and wildebeests – grazing on the grassy plains
- Troops of baboons – among the largest in Africa
11:30 AM – Visit the Hippo Pool
- Head to the park's famous hippo pool
- Watch hippos wallowing and synchronized breathing
- Spot crocodiles and waterbirds along the shore
- Excellent photography opportunities
12:30 PM – Picnic Lunch
- Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at a scenic spot in the park
- Relax with views of Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley escarpment
- Refresh with bottled water and soft drinks
01:30 PM – Afternoon Game Drive & Birdwatching
- Continue your game drive to explore other parts of the park
- Birdwatching highlights:
- Flamingos lining the shores of the soda lake
- Pelicans, storks, and herons
- Over 400 bird species recorded
- Visit the Treetop Walkway (optional add-on) – a 370-meter canopy walk elevated up to 18 meters
- Spot vervet monkeys and colobus monkeys in the forest canopy
03:30 PM – Optional Activities
- Option 1: Visit a Maasai village for a cultural experience
- Option 2: Continue game driving for more wildlife sightings
- Option 3: Canoe safari on the lake (seasonal)
04:30 PM – Departure
- Begin your scenic drive back to Arusha or Moshi
- Final game viewing opportunities as you exit
07:00 PM – Arrival
- Drop off at your hotel or the airport
- End of your private Lake Manyara safari
Meals: Picnic Lunch, Bottled Water, Soft Drinks
What's Included
| ✅ Included | Details |
|---|---|
| Transport | Private 4×4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof |
| Guide | Professional English-speaking driver-guide |
| Park Fees | Lake Manyara National Park entry and conservation fees |
| Meals | Picnic lunch with locally sourced ingredients |
| Drinks | Bottled water and soft drinks |
| Transfers | Hotel pick-up and drop-off |
| Binoculars | Provided for wildlife viewing |
| Taxes | All government taxes and VAT |
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Tanzania visa (available on arrival)
- Travel insurance (required)
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, alcohol, tips)
- Accommodation before or after the tour
- Optional activities (Treetop Walkway, canoeing, village visit)
- Meals not mentioned
Pricing
| Group Size | Price Per Person (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $350 – $450 |
| 2 Persons | $250 – $320 |
| 3 Persons | $200 – $280 |
| 4+ Persons | $170 – $240 |
Prices vary based on season and pickup location. Contact us for a personalized quote.
Park Entry Fees (Not Included in some packages):
- International Adults: $70
- International Children: $20
- East African Residents: TZS 20,000
Multi-Day Private Safari Options
2-Day Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro Crater
| Day | Destination | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake Manyara | Private game drive, tree-climbing lions |
| 2 | Ngorongoro Crater | Crater game drive, Big 5 spotting |
3-Day Tarangire, Manyara & Ngorongoro
| Day | Destination | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lake Manyara | Game drive, flamingos, hippo pool |
| 2 | Ngorongoro Crater | Full-day crater game drive |
| 3 | Tarangire | Elephant herds, baobab trees |
5-Day Northern Circuit Safari
Combine Lake Manyara with Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro for the ultimate Tanzania safari experience.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | June – October | Best game viewing, animals gather around water sources |
| Green Season | November – May | Lush landscapes, excellent birdwatching |
| Flamingo Season | January – February & November | Peak flamingo numbers on the lake |
| Peak | July – September | Most visitors, clear skies |
Lake Manyara is accessible year-round.
Why Choose a Private Safari?
Personalized Experience
- Complete control over your itinerary
- Decide when to start and how long to stay at sightings
- No waiting for other travelers
Exclusive Vehicle
- Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
- Ample space for photography equipment
- Comfortable seats and charging ports
Dedicated Guide
- Focus entirely on your interests
- Detailed information about wildlife and ecosystems
- Expert spotting skills
Perfect for Special Occasions
- Honeymooners and couples
- Families with children
- Photography enthusiasts
- Small groups of friends
Flexible Schedule
- Spend more time where you want
- Adjust pace based on your preferences
- Combine with other destinations
Important Information
What to Bring
- Clothing: Lightweight and comfortable, neutral colors
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes
- Accessories: Sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent
- Camera: With extra batteries and memory cards
- Binoculars: (provided but you may bring your own)
- Warm layers: Mornings can be cool
Photography Guidelines
- Ask permission before photographing locals
- Your guide will help with respectful interactions
- Best photography: early morning and late afternoon
Health & Safety
- Malaria precautions recommended
- Follow guide instructions for wildlife safety
- Gates close at 6:00 PM
Responsible Travel
- Support local communities by purchasing crafts
- Respect wildlife and maintain safe distances
- Carry out all trash
- Avoid giving gifts directly to children
Why Choose Wachukili Adventure?
- Authentic Experiences – Genuine wildlife encounters and cultural interactions
- Expert Local Guides – Knowledgeable about the park's ecosystems and wildlife
- Private Vehicles – Comfortable 4×4 with pop-up roofs
- Flexible Itineraries – Customized to your preferences
- Responsible Tourism – Supporting local communities and conservation
- Competitive Pricing – No hidden costs, transparent communication
Book Your Private Lake Manyara Safari
Ready to experience the beauty of Lake Manyara on your own private safari? Contact Wachukili Adventure to customize your tour today.
