By LakeManyara.org – The Official Conservation & Visitor Resource for Lake Manyara National Park
🌍 1. Introduction – Where to Stay in Lake Manyara National Park
Nestled between the Great Rift Valley escarpment and the shimmering alkaline waters of Lake Manyara, this park offers one of Tanzania’s most scenic and diverse landscapes — and its accommodation options reflect that same diversity.
From luxury eco-lodges hidden deep in the forest to affordable tented camps on the escarpment rim, Lake Manyara National Park has places to stay for every type of traveler.
This guide covers all main lodges, camps, and eco-resorts, helping you decide where to stay inside or outside the park, what amenities to expect, and which spots offer the best sunrise and sunset views — all while staying close to wildlife and supporting sustainable tourism.
🏞️ 2. Inside vs. Outside Park Accommodation
| Category | Inside the Park | Outside the Park |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge | Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, Burunge Tented Camp, Sangaiwe Tented Lodge, Migunga Forest Camp |
| Advantages | Direct access to game drives and night safaris; immersive wilderness experience | Easier logistics, wider price range, cultural access (Mto wa Mbu village) |
| Drawbacks | Fewer options, higher cost, limited night access to facilities | Slightly longer drive to the park gate (10–30 minutes) |
| Best For | Photographers, luxury travelers, eco-tourists | Families, budget travelers, cultural enthusiasts |
Inside-park stays are ideal for travelers wanting a full wildlife immersion and exclusive experiences. Lodges outside the park, especially around Mto wa Mbu and the Rift escarpment, provide panoramic views and better access to community-based tourism.
🛎️ 3. Top Lodges and Camps Around Lake Manyara National Park
🌳 A. &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge (Inside the Park – Luxury)
Overview:
The only lodge within Lake Manyara National Park, this world-class property blends seamlessly into the mahogany forest in the park’s remote southern end. Managed by &Beyond, it’s one of East Africa’s most exclusive eco-lodges.
Features & Highlights:
- Nine stilted treehouse suites with private verandas and outdoor showers.
- Elegant dining under the stars, with locally inspired gourmet cuisine.
- Direct access to night game drives and private guided safaris.
- Spa treatments and bush dinners available.
- Solar power, water recycling, and local employment — an example of sustainable luxury.
Ideal For: Honeymooners, photographers, and travelers seeking privacy and exclusive access.
Unique Advantage:
Guests wake to birdsong and elephants strolling past — no other lodge offers this level of in-park seclusion.
🌄 B. Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge (On Rift Escarpment – Upper-Midrange)
Overview:
Perched high above the park on the Rift Valley escarpment, the Serena Safari Lodge offers unmatched panoramic views across Lake Manyara’s shimmering expanse.
Facilities & Amenities:
- 67 en-suite rooms styled after Maasai architecture.
- Infinity pool overlooking the valley.
- Restaurant, bar, and lounge with terrace dining.
- Evening cultural performances and nature walks.
Eco-Credentials:
- Uses solar heating and locally sourced produce.
- Supports tree-planting and community projects near Mto wa Mbu.
Ideal For: Families and couples seeking comfort with spectacular scenery.
Sunrise/Sunset Tip: Enjoy breakfast while watching morning mist rise over the lake, or sundowners from the cliff-top bar.
🏕️ C. Burunge Tented Camp (Outside Park – Near Tarangire/Manyara Corridor)
Overview:
Located within the Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA) between Tarangire and Lake Manyara, this camp offers a blend of adventure and sustainability.
Highlights:
- Spacious canvas tents with private decks overlooking Lake Burunge.
- Dining area and campfire under the stars.
- Proximity to both parks makes it ideal for combo safaris.
- Operated by Tanganyika Wilderness Camps, known for eco-friendly standards.
Best For: Travelers combining Manyara and Tarangire safaris, or those wanting a quiet, community-run experience.
Eco-Impact:
A percentage of each booking supports local communities and conservation patrols in the Burunge WMA.
🌿 D. Sangaiwe Tented Lodge (Escarpment Gate – Upper-Midrange)
Overview:
Set on a hillside overlooking the Rift Valley, Sangaiwe Tented Lodge offers elevated views of the surrounding bushland and Lake Manyara in the distance.
Facilities:
- 20 spacious tents and family cottages built on raised wooden decks.
- Pool with panoramic views.
- Restaurant serving fresh Tanzanian and international cuisine.
- Solar power, organic waste management, and community hiring policies.
Best For: Couples or families wanting stylish comfort with an eco-friendly touch.
Viewpoint Tip: The lodge’s bar deck offers some of the best sunset views in the Manyara area.
🌲 E. Migunga Forest Camp (Mto wa Mbu – Budget to Midrange)
Overview:
Nestled in an acacia and fig tree forest, Migunga Camp offers a tranquil, natural experience just 5 minutes from the park gate.
Features:
- 19 stone-and-canvas cottages with private verandas.
- Solar-heated showers and en-suite bathrooms.
- Bicycles for rent, allowing guests to explore nearby Mto wa Mbu.
- Shady gardens and a relaxed atmosphere — excellent for birdwatching.
Ideal For: Budget travelers, families, and backpackers who want a natural setting close to town.
Eco-Focus: Operates on solar power and emphasizes local sourcing.
🏕️ F. TANAPA Public Campsites (Inside the Park – Budget Adventure)
Overview:
For self-drive or adventure travelers, TANAPA’s official campsites offer the most immersive, no-frills way to experience the park.
Facilities:
- Designated fire pits, latrines, and shared cooking shelters.
- No electricity or luxury amenities — pure wilderness.
- Wildlife often roams nearby (with ranger supervision).
Booking:
Reservations must be made through the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA).
Best For:
Backpackers, overlanders, and self-drive safari adventurers looking for a raw, close-to-nature experience.
💎 4. Types of Accommodation by Category
| Category | Examples | Price Range (USD/night) | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Lodges | &Beyond Tree Lodge, Serena Safari Lodge | $700–1,200 | Honeymooners, photographers |
| Midrange Lodges | Sangaiwe Tented Lodge, Burunge Tented Camp | $250–500 | Couples, families |
| Budget Camps | Migunga Forest Camp, Public Campsites | $50–150 | Backpackers, solo travelers |
| Eco-Lodges | All the above (sustainability rated) | – | Conservation-minded visitors |
Note: Prices vary seasonally (peak: June–October; low: March–May).
🌿 5. Eco-Lodges and Sustainable Tourism
Lake Manyara is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and many accommodations operate under eco-certification principles.
Key Sustainability Features:
- Solar power and reduced diesel generator use.
- Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling.
- Local staff recruitment and fair wages.
- Farm-to-table dining with locally sourced ingredients.
- Partnerships with Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) supporting community livelihoods.
Examples:
- &Beyond Tree Lodge – Zero-plastic initiative, solar power.
- Burunge Tented Camp – Operates within a community conservation area.
- Sangaiwe Lodge – Employs nearby villagers and sources local produce.
By choosing these lodges, visitors directly support wildlife conservation and community development across the Manyara ecosystem.
🍽️ 6. Amenities and Dining Options
Common Amenities Across Lodges
- En-suite bathrooms and hot showers
- Swimming pools (in mid- and high-end lodges)
- Wi-Fi in main areas
- Lounge bars and sundecks
- Guided activities: nature walks, birdwatching, night drives
Dining Highlights
- Serena Lodge: Buffet and à la carte menus with terrace dining.
- Tree Lodge: Fine dining with international-Tanzanian fusion cuisine.
- Sangaiwe and Burunge: Set-menu dinners and packed lunches for game drives.
- Migunga Camp: Casual, family-style meals and campfire barbecue nights.
Many lodges accommodate special diets (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) with advance notice.
🌅 7. Best Locations for Sunrise and Sunset Views
| Location | Best Time | View Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Manyara Serena Lodge | Sunrise & Sunset | Panoramic Rift Valley views |
| Sangaiwe Tented Lodge | Sunset | Golden light over acacia plains |
| Tree Lodge (Inside Park) | Morning | Misty forest and lake vistas |
| Migunga Forest Camp | Morning | Forest canopy light and birdsong |
| Endala Viewpoint (Picnic Spot) | Afternoon | Sweeping park and lake scenes |
Photographer’s Tip:
The escarpment lodges provide dramatic sunsets, while forest lodges like Tree Lodge are best for golden morning light filtering through trees.
🏡 8. Choosing the Right Lodge for Your Safari Style
| Travel Type | Recommended Stay | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Luxury Traveler | &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge | Exclusive forest immersion |
| Family Safari | Serena Safari Lodge / Sangaiwe Lodge | Pool, family cottages, easy access |
| Budget Explorer | Migunga Forest Camp / TANAPA Campsite | Affordable, natural, close to gate |
| Birdwatcher / Photographer | Tree Lodge / Burunge Camp | Proximity to lake, forest, and wetland |
| Eco-Traveler | Sangaiwe Lodge / Burunge WMA | Community-run, low impact |
| Cross-Circuit Safari | Kambu Campers package (Tarangire–Manyara–Ngorongoro) | Seamless itinerary and transport |
🧭 9. Booking Tips and Logistics
- Best time to book: 3–6 months in advance (especially June–October).
- Check inclusions: Meals, game drives, and park fees are often separate.
- Night drives: Only available for guests of approved inside-park lodges.
- Transfers: Most lodges offer pickups from Arusha or Karatu.
- Payment: Credit cards accepted; TANAPA fees paid by card at gate only.
For custom safari packages, book directly with Kambu Campers — a Kenya–Tanzania operator specializing in combined itineraries with Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro.
💚 10. Why Stay Longer in Lake Manyara
Unlike quick stopovers, spending two nights in the area allows time to enjoy:
- Morning and afternoon game drives for different light conditions.
- Treetop canopy walk and Mto wa Mbu village tours.
- Evening sundowners or night drives inside the park.
- Birding and photography walks around Silale Swamp and Endala Viewpoint.
Staying longer deepens appreciation for the park’s biodiversity and directly supports local conservation.
🦩 11. Conclusion – Accommodation that Completes the Manyara Experience
Whether you’re waking up to elephants outside your veranda at Tree Lodge, watching flamingos at sunset from Serena Lodge, or sharing stories around a fire at Migunga Camp, Lake Manyara offers an unforgettable blend of comfort, wilderness, and culture.
From luxury eco-retreats to budget forest camps, every stay contributes to preserving the park’s fragile ecosystems and supporting its surrounding communities.