🌍 1. Introduction – Where Lake Manyara Is Located
Lake Manyara National Park sits along Tanzania’s spectacular Great Rift Valley, about 125 km west of Arusha — the main gateway city for safaris on the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit.
The park lies between Tarangire National Park to the southeast and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the northwest, making it one of the easiest and most rewarding destinations to include in any northern Tanzania itinerary.
It’s accessible by both road and air, with three entry gates serving different travel routes.
🛣️ 2. Getting to Lake Manyara by Road
🚙 From Arusha (Main Access Route)
- Distance: 125 km
- Driving Time: Approx. 2 hours
- Route: Arusha → Makuyuni → Mto wa Mbu → Lake Manyara Main Gate
Route Description:
The drive from Arusha follows a smooth tarmac road west through small towns and open savanna plains. After passing Makuyuni Junction, the road continues toward Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant market town just before the park entrance.
Highlights Along the Way:
- Scenic views of the Great Rift Valley escarpment.
- Stopovers for fruit stands and local crafts in Mto wa Mbu.
- Easy access to both Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater via branching routes.
This is the most common access route, suitable for all vehicle types including safari vans, Land Cruisers, and private cars during the dry season.
🌋 From Ngorongoro Crater
- Distance: 60 km
- Driving Time: About 1 hour via Karatu and Mto wa Mbu.
The road from Ngorongoro descends the highlands through Karatu town, connecting directly to the park’s northern gate.
This route is often part of multi-park safaris combining Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Lake Manyara.
Scenic Tip:
Enjoy sweeping views of the Rift Valley escarpment as you approach Manyara from the Karatu plateau — especially striking at sunset.
🐘 From Tarangire National Park
- Distance: 70 km
- Driving Time: 1.5 hours (via Makuyuni Junction).
The drive connects two of Tanzania’s most diverse ecosystems — Tarangire’s baobabs and elephants, and Manyara’s forests and flamingos.
Suggested Route:
Exit Tarangire → Makuyuni → Turn west toward Mto wa Mbu → Lake Manyara Gate.
Tip for Safari Travelers:
This connection is ideal for 2- or 3-day safaris visiting both parks, often ending in Manyara for overnight stays.
✈️ From Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Distance: ~190 km
- Driving Time: Around 3 hours 15 minutes via Arusha and Makuyuni.
- Route: Kilimanjaro Airport → Arusha → Makuyuni → Mto wa Mbu → Lake Manyara.
This route is the standard transfer option for international travelers arriving directly into Tanzania’s major safari hub.
Most tour operators offer airport pickup and transfer packages that include stops in Arusha, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara.
🚗 Driving Conditions and Vehicle Type
- The main roads to Lake Manyara are fully paved and well-maintained.
- Inside the park, roads are gravel/dirt, occasionally muddy during rainy seasons (March–May).
- A 4×4 vehicle (Land Cruiser or Prado) is recommended for comfort and safety.
Fuel Stops: Available in Makuyuni, Mto wa Mbu, and Karatu.
Self-Drive Travelers: The park is accessible to self-drivers, but ensure you have TANAPA-approved park tickets and a guide if venturing into remote southern sectors.
🛫 3. Getting to Lake Manyara by Air
✈️ Lake Manyara Airstrip (LMN)
The park has a domestic airstrip located near the main northern entrance gate, about 10 minutes’ drive from Mto wa Mbu.
Daily Scheduled Flights
- From Arusha Airport: ~25–30 minutes
- From Serengeti: ~1 hour
- From Zanzibar / Dar es Salaam: ~2 hours (via Arusha or Tarangire stop)
Popular Airlines Serving Lake Manyara:
- Coastal Aviation
- Auric Air
- Regional Air Services
- Flightlink Tanzania
Transfers
- Lodges and tour operators (such as Kambu Campers) provide private vehicle transfers from the airstrip to your accommodation or game drive area.
- Many luxury lodges (like &Beyond Tree Lodge) include airstrip pickup in their package rates.
Flight Tip:
Early morning flights offer the best aerial views — you’ll see the Rift Valley cliffs, flamingo-covered lakeshores, and the escarpment forests as you approach.
🚪 4. Lake Manyara Park Gates and Entry Points
🧭 A. Main Northern Gate (Mto wa Mbu Gate)
- Location: Adjacent to Mto wa Mbu town
- GPS Coordinates: 3°22′ S, 35°50′ E
- Usage: Primary access for visitors from Arusha, Ngorongoro, and Kilimanjaro.
- Facilities: TANAPA ticket office, washrooms, and parking area.
- Nearby Services: Shops, restaurants, and cultural tours in Mto wa Mbu.
Recommended For: Most tourists, day trips, and northern lodges (Serena, Migunga).
🐘 B. Iyambi (Southern) Gate
- Location: Southern boundary of the park, near the Maji Moto Hot Springs and Tree Lodge.
- Usage: Entry/exit point for guests staying at &Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge or on full-day drives.
- Access: 4×4 only, especially during wet months.
- Attractions Nearby: Silale Swamp, hot springs, and forest elephant zones.
Recommended For: Extended safaris, researchers, and guests with private tour vehicles.
🌄 C. Sangaiwe Gate
- Location: East of the park, connecting Tarangire and Dodoma routes.
- Usage: Secondary gate for travelers arriving from Tarangire NP or central Tanzania.
- Access: Well-graded road; best with 4×4 during rainy seasons.
- Nearby Lodges: Sangaiwe Tented Lodge and Burunge Camp (WMA area).
Recommended For: Multi-park itineraries and eco-lodge travelers combining Manyara + Tarangire.
🧭 5. Distances Between Key Northern Circuit Parks
| Destination | Distance (km) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Arusha → Lake Manyara | 125 km | 2 hrs |
| Tarangire → Lake Manyara | 70 km | 1.5 hrs |
| Ngorongoro → Lake Manyara | 60 km | 1 hr |
| Serengeti (Ndutu) → Lake Manyara | 200 km | 4–5 hrs |
| Kilimanjaro Airport → Lake Manyara | 190 km | 3 hrs |
| Lake Manyara → Karatu | 30 km | 40 min |
Tip for Safari Planners:
Lake Manyara’s strategic location makes it an ideal first or last stop on your northern Tanzania itinerary.
🗺️ 6. Transport Options and Tour Planning
A. Private Transfers
Most safari operators — including Kambu Campers — offer private transfers from Arusha, Tarangire, or Ngorongoro in 4×4 Land Cruisers equipped with:
- Pop-up roofs for game viewing
- Bottled water
- First-aid kits and cooler boxes
- Experienced driver-guides
Average Cost (one-way from Arusha): $150–200 (vehicle, not per person).
B. Shared Transfers / Group Safaris
Budget travelers can join group tours departing daily from Arusha, often combining Lake Manyara with Tarangire or Ngorongoro.
Average Price: $60–90 per person (includes driver, vehicle, and fuel).
C. Self-Drive Option
Independent travelers can drive themselves using rented 4WDs (available in Arusha and Moshi).
Ensure you:
- Carry your TANAPA entry permit.
- Have Google Maps or offline GPS navigation.
- Refuel at Makuyuni or Mto wa Mbu.
Park Hours: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM (no entry after dark).
🛫 7. Combining Air and Road Transfers
Many visitors choose fly-in, drive-out itineraries for efficiency:
- Fly from Arusha or Zanzibar to Lake Manyara Airstrip.
- Enjoy 1–2 nights of safari with a private guide.
- Continue by road to Ngorongoro or Tarangire.
This combination maximizes wildlife viewing and minimizes long drives — ideal for those short on time.
🧳 8. Entry Logistics and Essentials
- Payments: All park entry and vehicle fees are paid electronically at the gate via credit/debit card or GePG e-payment system (no cash).
- Documents Required: Passport or ID, TANAPA permit (for self-drivers).
- Entry Validity: Tickets valid for 24 hours from time of issue.
- Vehicle Limitations: Heavy vehicles (over 7 tons) require advance permission.
🦓 9. How to Include Lake Manyara in Your Safari Route
Northern Circuit Itinerary Example
Day 1: Arusha → Tarangire NP
Day 2: Lake Manyara NP (game drive + treetop walk)
Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater
Day 4–5: Serengeti NP
Lake Manyara fits perfectly as a second-day stop for travelers heading toward the Ngorongoro Highlands or the Serengeti Plains.
Cross-Border Safari (Kenya–Tanzania)
Route: Amboseli (Kenya) → Namanga Border → Lake Manyara → Ngorongoro → Serengeti → Isebania Border → Maasai Mara
Organized by operators like Kambu Campers, this route showcases two countries and six ecosystems in one seamless journey.
🌅 10. Summary – The Easiest Park to Reach in Northern Tanzania
- Only 2 hours from Arusha, with fully paved roads.
- Regular daily flights connect it to Arusha, Serengeti, Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam.
- Three gates (Northern, Southern, and Sangaiwe) provide flexible entry points.
- Strategically located between Tarangire and Ngorongoro, ideal for short or extended safaris.
Whether you arrive by road or air, Lake Manyara’s accessibility, beauty, and biodiversity make it one of Tanzania’s most rewarding safari stops — a must-see for any Northern Circuit itinerary.