The Best Time to Visit Lake Manyara, Tanzania

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The best time to visit Lake Manyara is during the dry season, between June and October, when the lush vegetation recedes, revealing the splendours of the soda, or alkaline, lake. Lake Manyara is a wildlife gem located in northern Tanzania that links Tarangire to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Its scenic beauty is framed by the Rift Valley escarpment, enhancing the allure of the lake’s shimmering waters. The diverse habitats are astounding, offering a microcosm of African ecosystems, from dense forests to open grasslands accompanied by giant baobabs. Millions of flamingos wade gracefully in the shallows, their pink plumage creating a surreal panorama. Herds of elephant traverse the landscape following ancient migratory corridors through the changing seasons, while giraffe, zebra and wildebeest roam the plains under the watchful eyes of lion, leopard and hyena.

Seasonal Overview

June To September

In June, Lake Manyara National Park is green and lush after the rains. There is an abundance of water throughout the park and the water level of the lake is usually high. It’s a popular month to travel, ahead of high season prices, and game viewing generally, but the thick vegetation can be challenging. July marks the start of the dry season, which leads to a decline in the availability of water and the thinning of vegetation, two factors which typically improve game viewing. The weather is sunny and mild through this season, and there is good game viewing to be enjoyed. By September, there is a shortage of fresh water in the park, forcing wildlife to resort to the high alkaline waters of the lake. Wildlife is easier to find, creating excellent game drive conditions throughout the park. This is the busiest time of the year for visitors, so expect to see plenty of vehicles given the fairly limited road network within the park.

Highlights:

Exceptional game viewing as wildlife congregates around diminishing water sources.
Sparse vegetation makes animals easier to spot and provides superb photographic opportunities.
The weather is sunny and dry.

View of Lake Manyara during green season

Flamingos gather in shimmering pink clouds across the shallows of Lake Manyara.

October to January

October remains a perfect dry month for a Lake Mayara safari. From early November, rain clouds begin to build in the afternoons, threatening rain. With the clouds comes an increase in humidity, until the rains eventually break, and the period of short rains begins. Usually lasting from around mid-November till late December, this period sees regular afternoon showers throughout the region. The rain refreshes the landscape and rejuvenates the wildlife, bringing new greenery and creating improved access to water without adding too much density to the vegetation. Game viewing is good through this period and the showers minimally impact on safari activities. After a shower, the air is clear and dust-free, creating magical photography conditions in the late afternoon light. Migratory bird species arrive from Europe and Asia, complementing the already strong bird population residing within the park. By January, the flamingo are usually numbering in their thousands surrounding the shores of Lake Manyara, creating a dazzling display of pink. Days are warm and dry, with the occasional light afternoon shower. There are less visitors to the park and fewer vehicles.

Highlights:

Migratory birds return to the Lake Manyara region, adding colour and diversity.
Excellent conditions for a photo safari abound after the daily showers.
Good game viewing and fewer vehicles makes for enjoyable safari conditions.

View of Flamingos at Lake Manyara October to January

Wading birds and plains game converge on the nutrient-rich shores of Lake Manyara.

February to May

February continues with hot days and the occasional afternoon shower. The landscape is green but the vegetation not yet dense, allowing for good game viewing conditions and excellent bird safaris. By March, signs of the approaching rains become increasingly visible as cloud cover begins to build, with the rains usually starting in the second half of the month. Heavy showers continue through April and into early May, at which point they begin to ease. The park becomes lush and green, the thick vegetation and muddy roads creating challenging game drive conditions. Birding continues to be excellent through this season, although many camps will close due to the conditions, leaving the park very quiet. As soon as the rain begins to cease and the terrain underfoot begins to firm, game drive conditions immediately improve. By the end of May the conditions are usually vastly improved, offering visitors great value for money before prices increase in June and July.

Highlights:

Excellent birding to be enjoyed throughout the park.
The park is lush and rich in colour.
Significantly reduced rates are available with very few other safari vehicles.

Elephants in the bush around Lake Manyara

Elephants forage among the acacia woodlands during Manyara’s lush green season.

**Best time for wildlife viewing in Lake Manyara**

The best time to visit Lake Manyara is during the dry season, from June to October. The weather is warm and sunny, and the sparse vegetation makes it significantly easier to spot wildlife. There are large herds of elephant digging for water, and the fabled tree-climbing lions of Manyara can be seen. With optimum safari conditions, expect to pay higher rates and experience a busier park.

The best time for flamingo sightings

Lake Manyara is a haven for avid bird watchers, especially during the wetter months from November to May. While migrant species arrive during this time, it is also the best time to witness the enchanting colours of flamingos as they congregate around the lake. The lake’s elevated water level provides optimal conditions for these iconic birds to feed and breed, as the shallow shores of Lake Manyara become adorned with their graceful pink presence.

Weather considerations

The dry season is between June and October, offering sunny, bright, dry weather and low humidity. Average daytime temperatures are 25°C (77°F) to 32°C (90°F).

The wet season is from November to May, featuring short rains in November and December as afternoon showers. The long daily rains are from late March into mid-May, the heaviest periods being April and early May. Afternoon temperatures are around 28°C (82°F), and nighttime lows are about 19°C (66°F), with moderate humidity levels.