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Tour Overview
Join us on a memorable adventure with our 1-Day Budget Lake Manyara Day Trip, a group excursion tailored for families and friends looking for a value-packed safari tour in Tanzania’s Northern Circuit. An economical option, this trip features shared game drives in Lake Manyara National Park, one of Tanzania’s smallest parks characterized by its rich diversity and famous for its tree-climbing lions as well as large flocks of flamingos. This trip is best suited for small groups of about 4-7 people and is ideal for a quick getaway. Participants will enjoy stunning wildlife viewing, a scenic picnic lunch, and delightful company while being expertly guided in English by a certified guide. No quality is sacrificed as value is maximized, with the tour including pick up and drop off from Arusha, generous meals, and park fees, making this an unforgettable trip with friends and family.
Lake Manyara National Park is located at an elevation of approximately 950 meters (3,117 feet) and covers an area of 330 km². The park is situated between the Great Rift Valley escarpment and the soda lake of Manyara. In addition to 230 km² of land, it has 100 km² of lake, which supports a variety of ecosystems. Manyara is well known for its lion population, that are famous for climbing trees, thus referred to as “arboreal lions.” The park is also home to various species such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, and more than 400 species of birds like flamingos, pelicans, and storks. Manyara is famous for its varied hippo pools and hot springs.
We focus on Morning and Afternoon game drives that are best suited for wild life viewing during the most active hours. You will enjoy a full day of rich wildlife experience.
This schedule works best during the dry months (June to October) when skies are clear and wildlife and birds are at their peak. It can be done any time of the year, with the jungle-like greenery from January to February being less crowded, and March to May having lush, green landscapes and occasional rain. Each way from Arusha, you'll be driven for two hours, which will be paired with four to five hours on game drives that include a relaxed picnic lunch, allowing for immersion into nature. Eco-friendly waste management and TANAPA regulations are strictly followed, as well as ethical treatment of guides and drivers, which emphasize TANAPA's core commitments. The shared game drives, other inclusive activities, and budget-friendly approach make this trip perfect for families, offering genuine experiences of the wildlife attractions in Lake Manyara at a low cost compared to other safaris in Tanzania.
Day To Day Itinerary
Day 1 :
Arusha to Lake Manyara and Back
Your One Day Budget Tour Lake Manyara starts with a group pickup at 6:00 AM from your Arusha Hotel or designated pickup point, a 15-minute shared transfer to gather your small group (4-7 travelers). Departing at 6:15 AM from Arusha in a shared 4x4 with a pop-up roof, you will have a 2-hour (130km) drive to Lake Manyara National Park, soaking in the beautiful Northern Circuit views with a quick stop for snack biscuits and fruit. You will reach the park entrance (950 meters/3,117 feet) by 8:15 AM, completing park formalities and doing a shared game drive from 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM, exploring groundwater forests and acacia woodland, looking for the famous tree-climbing lions as well as elephants and giraffes. Your guide will describe animal behaviors catered towards your family or friends. Enjoy a brief, exciting stop at a hippo pool to watch hippos and crocodiles.
At noon, we will drive to a scenic park viewpoint to enjoy a locally flavored picnic lunch of sandwiches, fruits, boiled eggs, and juices in a shaded grove by the lake for about an hour. This will promote group interaction and storytelling. Take note that we will resume an afternoon shared game drive from 1 PM to 3 PM, where we will aim to see more buffalo herds, flamingos on Lake Manyara, or over 400 bird species, including the yellow-billed stork. We will stop at the Rift Valley escarpment for group photos. Departing the park at 3:30 PM will put us en route for a 2-hour (130 km) drive back to Arusha, expecting to arrive by 5:45 PM. After a shared drop-off at your hotel or pickup point, which will be around 6 PM, the adventure will conclude. Cherish your memories of Lake Manyara’s wildlife, flamingo vistas, and group bonding on this budget, family-friendly safari designed for exploration.
Accommodation: None (day trip from Arusha)
Meals: Breakfast (packed), picnic lunch, packed snack
Activities: Shared transfer to Lake Manyara, morning and afternoon game drives, hippo pool visit, picnic lunch, Rift Valley viewpoint, shared return transfer to Arusha
Includes and excludes
Includes and excludes
- Shared 4x4 game drives with a pop-up roof vehicle (small group, 4-7 travelers)
- All meals during the day trip (1 breakfast, 1 picnic lunch)
- Park entrance and conservation fees for Lake Manyara National Park
- Shared round-trip transfers from/to Arusha (hotel or designated pickup point)
- Services of a certified English-speaking guide trained in wildlife ecology
- Purified drinking water and soft drinks during game drives
- Binoculars and field guides for wildlife and birdwatching
- International flights to/from Tanzania
- Tanzanian visa fees
- Mandatory travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g., souvenirs, gratuities for guide/driver)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Meals not specified (e.g., dinner in Arusha)
- Accommodation in Arusha (pre/post-trip lodging not included)
- Optional activities (e.g., guided walks, cultural tours)
- Personal toiletries and travel gear
Prices
| Dates | 2 People | 4 people | 6 people | 8 people | 10 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Seasons | $ 248 | $ 165 | $ 138 | $ 165 | $ 146 |
Price per person
FAQs about Lake Manyara Day Trip Budget Safari
What is included in the 1-Day Budget Lake Manyara Day Trip?
The package includes shared 4x4 game drives, all meals during the trip (1 breakfast, 1 picnic lunch), a packed snack, park entrance fees for Lake Manyara, shared round-trip transfers from Arusha, a certified guide, purified water, and binoculars for wildlife viewing. Exclusions include international flights, visas, travel insurance, personal expenses, alcoholic beverages, dinner in Arusha, accommodation, and optional activities.
2. Is this day trip suitable for families with children or first-time safari travelers?
Yes, this group day trip is ideal for families with children (recommended age 5+) and first-time safari-goers, offering safe, guided game drives in Lake Manyara, a picnic lunch, and an engaging guide, ensuring a fun, accessible introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife for all ages.
3. What is the best time to book this Lake Manyara day trip?
The dry season (June to October) is optimal for wildlife viewing with clear skies and concentrated animals, ideal for spotting tree-climbing lions and flamingos. January to February offers lush greenery and fewer crowds, while March to May may involve wetter roads but is feasible with preparation.
4. Are accommodations provided for this day trip?
No accommodations are provided, as this is a day trip departing from and returning to Arusha. Travelers are responsible for arranging their own lodging in Arusha before and after the tour.
5. How does this package ensure sustainable and ethical practices?
Safari operations adhere to TANAPA regulations, minimizing environmental impact through waste management and trail limits. Guides and drivers receive fair wages, and the tour promotes sustainable practices like reusable water bottles, ensuring an ethical wildlife experience.
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Reviews
My safari with Visit to Tanzania Destination was absolutely unforgettable! The team organized a seamless 5-day adventure through Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Our guide, Juma, was incredibly knowledgeable, spotting wildlife I’d never have seen on my own. The lodges were comfortable, and the food was fantastic. I’m already planning my next trip to climb Kilimanjaro with them! Highly recommend for anyone wanting an authentic Tanzanian experience.
Zanzibar was a dream come true thanks to Visit to Tanzania Destination! The beaches in Stone Town were stunning, and the spice tour they arranged was a highlight – so much history and flavor! Everything was perfectly planned, from transfers to the resort to snorkeling trips. The staff was friendly and attentive, making us feel so welcome. I’ll be telling all my friends to book with them!
Climbing Kilimanjaro was the adventure of a lifetime, and Visit to Tanzania Destination made it happen flawlessly. The guides were professional. & equipment was top-notch, and the porters were amazing—true heroes! The itinerary was well-paced, and summiting at sunrise was magical. This company knows how to deliver an epic experience. Thank you!
Our family booked a combined safari and Zanzibar trip with Visit to Tanzania Destination, and it was perfection. The kids loved seeing elephants and lions up close, and our guide’s storytelling kept them engaged. Zanzibar’s clear waters and relaxing vibe were the perfect way to unwind after the safari. The team handled every detail, making it stress-free. We’re so grateful for this incredible journey!
