Manyara Region, northern Tanzania · Tanzania
Giant baobabs and huge elephant herds at Tarangire, and a soda lake with tree-climbing lions at Manyara.
Photo: Eric Kilby · CC BY-SA 2.0
Tarangire and Lake Manyara are the two parks usually done first on the northern safari circuit, with the quiet ease of shorter drives and fewer crowds than the Serengeti. Both are within a few hours of Arusha, making them ideal for a short trip.
Tarangire is famous for its huge elephant herds, which gather along the Tarangire River in the dry season, from June to October, when other water sources run dry. Its landscape is dotted with giant baobab trees, some over a thousand years old, and it is a good place for lions, leopards, giraffes and a long list of birds.
Lake Manyara is a small park squeezed between a Rift Valley escarpment and an alkaline lake. Groundwater forest, open floodplain and acacia woodland hold baboons, hippos, giraffes and, famously, lions that sometimes climb trees. The lake attracts thousands of flamingos in some seasons.
Why visit
These two parks add variety to any northern safari.
Among the biggest in Tanzania.
Landscape you can't see elsewhere.
Hundreds of species recorded.
Short drives from Arusha.
Offered outside the park in some areas.
Main attractions
Both parks are compact and easy to combine.
The dry-season lifeline, with elephants, buffalo and zebra.
Tip Park near the water in the afternoon.
Ancient trees across the plains.
Tip Great for sunset photos.
A wetland in the south with many animals.
Tip Check access in the wet season.
An alkaline lake that draws flamingos and pelicans.
Tip Binoculars help.
Dense forest with baboons and blue monkeys at the park gate.
Tip Early morning is best.
Views over the lake from the road.
Tip A good photo stop.
Things to do
There are options beyond the vehicle drive.
At Manyara, in the acacia trees.
Tip Ask your guide.
Outside the main park areas.
Tip Wear neutral colours.
In concession areas near the park.
Tip See genets and bushbabies.
Flamingos, pelicans and storks.
Tip Bring a bird guide.
A lively market town near Manyara.
Tip Take a cultural tour.
Through banana plantations.
Tip Local guides run tours.
Local food
Food is simple and local near the park gates.
Staple.
Where to try it Local restaurants in Mto wa Mbu.
Cooked green bananas.
Where to try it Village restaurants.
Grilled meat.
Where to try it Roadside.
Spiced tea.
Where to try it Market stalls.
Local bananas and mangoes.
Where to try it Mto wa Mbu market.
Accommodation
Stay inside the parks or in nearby towns.
Transport
Both parks lie close to Arusha.
You need a vehicle with a guide.
When to go
The dry season from June to October is best for elephants at Tarangire.
Dry, with huge numbers of animals along the river.
Short rains, green scenery and birds.
Green, quiet, with migrant birds.
Long rains, with lower prices and some road closures.
Worth planning around: April and May, when roads can flood.
Itinerary
An easy circuit from Arusha.
Elephants and baobabs
Lions and flamingos
Travel tips
Some practical tips.
FAQ
Tarangire for elephants, Manyara for scenery and birds.
No, they are a bonus.
Two days for both.
Yes, but Tarangire has famous ones.
Yes, short drives.
Only with rangers and in permitted areas.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Tarangire and Lake Manyara, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Mara and Simiyu regions, northern Tanzania, Tanzania
A UNESCO-listed park of 14,750 square kilometres, home to the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, big cats, balloon safaris and classic acacia-dotted savannah.
Don't miss Watching a river crossing or a lion pride at sunrise from an open safari vehicle.
Explore Destination — Serengeti National ParkNgorongoro Conservation Area, Arusha Region, Tanzania
A UNESCO World Heritage caldera 600 metres deep and 20 kilometres wide, with dense wildlife, flamingo lakes and Maasai communities on the rim.
Don't miss Descending into the crater at dawn and finding a black rhino in the mist.
Explore Destination — Ngorongoro CraterArusha Region, northern Tanzania, Tanzania
A bustling gateway city with markets, cafes and museums, plus Arusha National Park, Mount Meru treks and Lake Duluti.
Don't miss Walking among giraffes with a ranger in Arusha National Park, with Kilimanjaro on the horizon.
Explore Destination — Arusha and Mount MeruRead next
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