PER PERSON (ESTIMATED PRICE)

$1200 - $3200 USD
Based on choices of mid-range lodge or camping accommodation.
6 DaysPrivate TourArusha Start & End

Overview

At a Glance

  • 2 days / 1 night, the shortest overnight safari package Generous African Tours offers
  • Closest major park to Arusha, ideal for weekend trips or tight schedules
  • Known for tree-climbing lions, large baboon troops, and flamingo-lined shallows
  • Private 4x4 vehicle throughout, no shared group departures on this package

This 2-day safari covers Lake Manyara National Park, the closest major park to Arusha, with an afternoon and a morning game drive through its groundwater forest and lakeshore in a single overnight trip.

Manyara is best known for tree-climbing lions, a behavior rarely seen elsewhere in East Africa, along with large troops of baboon and, water levels permitting, flocks of flamingo along the shore.

Because the park sits so close to Arusha, this package suits travelers with only a weekend to spare, or those wanting a short safari taste before or after a Kilimanjaro climb.

Highlights

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Track tree-climbing lions resting in Lake Manyara's acacia canopy, a rare East African behavior.

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Spot large troops of baboon and blue monkey in the park's groundwater forest.

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Photograph flamingo flocks along the lakeshore, water levels permitting.

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Shortest overnight safari on offer, ideal for a weekend or tight schedule.

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Closest major park to Arusha, minimizing driving time.

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Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof hatch throughout.

What is the daily itinerary?

  • Day 1: Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
  • Day 2: Lake Manyara to Arusha

What happens each day of the tour?

Day 1

Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park

Meals: L, DStart: ArushaFinish: Lake Manyara National ParkDistance: ~120 kmDrive Time: ~1.5–2h
Depart Arusha for the short drive to Lake Manyara. An afternoon game drive through the groundwater forest offers a good chance at tree-climbing lions, baboon troops, and forest birdlife.
🔥 EXCITING WILDLIFE SPOTLIGHT GAME DRIVE
Day 2

Lake Manyara to Arusha

Meals: B, L, DStart: Lake Manyara National ParkFinish: ArushaDistance: ~120 kmDrive Time: ~1.5–2h with a morning game drive
A final morning game drive along the lakeshore for a chance at flamingo flocks and hippo pools, before the short drive back to Arusha, arriving by early afternoon.

What accommodation is included?

Manyara Public Campsite

Sharing style
Budget-friendly camping at a designated public campsite near the park gate
Budget Choice
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Manyara Escarpment Lodge

Manyara Escarpment Lodge
Comfortable en-suite rooms on the Rift Valley escarpment overlooking the lake, with buffet dining.
Mid-Range
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Manyara Luxury Tented Camp

Private tented suites with dedicated service, positioned for early access to the forest circuit.
Private tented suites with dedicated service, positioned for early access to the forest circuit.
Luxury Lodge

What is included and excluded?

What's Included?

A final morning game drive along the lakeshore for a chance at flamingo flocks and hippo pools, before the short drive back to Arusha, arriving by early afternoon.
Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof hatch and English-speaking driver-guide
All meals as specified (lunch, dinner, breakfast, lunch)
1 night accommodation in a Lake Manyara lodge or tented camp, per selected tier
Bottled water during game drives
Airport transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport
Government taxes and park levies

What\'s Not Included?

International and domestic flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel and medical insurance
Tips for driver-guide and camp staff
Alcoholic drinks and beverages outside meal times
Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, wifi/phone charges)

Why Book with Generous African Tours?

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KPAP & Local Experts
Our guides have 10+ years of tracking experience, knowing exactly where the wildlife migrates and how to escape the crowds.
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Custom 4x4 Vehicles
Travel in safety with custom-modified Toyota Land Cruisers featuring charging ports, large windows, and a pop-up roof.
Tailored Hospitality
We handpick clean, high-service safari lodges and luxury camps, ensuring delicious meals and excellent comfort after game drives.

Best Time to Visit Tanzania Safari

The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is during the dry months of January-March and June-October, when the weather is stable with less rain.

Jan
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Dry Season
Clear
Feb
🌤
Dry Season
Clear
Mar
🌧
Short Rains
Wet
Apr
🌧
Long Rains
Wet
May
🌧
Long Rains
Wet
Jun
Peak Dry
Excellent
Jul
Peak Dry
Excellent
Aug
Peak Dry
Excellent
Sep
Peak Dry
Excellent
Oct
🌤
Dry End
Good
Nov
🌧
Short Rains
Quiet
Dec
Good Season
Festive
Peak season
Good season
Low / rainy season

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Is 2 days enough time to see Lake Manyara properly?

Yes — Manyara is a compact park, so an afternoon and morning game drive cover its main groundwater forest and lakeshore circuits without feeling rushed.
FAQ

Are tree-climbing lions guaranteed on this trip?

No sighting on any safari is ever guaranteed, but Lake Manyara is one of the few places in East Africa where this specific lion behavior is regularly observed, giving a reasonable chance across two game drives.
FAQ

Can this package be combined with Tarangire or the Serengeti?

Yes — Lake Manyara is commonly paired with Tarangire as a short circuit, or used as the final stop on longer Northern Circuit itineraries; see our Tarangire and 8-Day Northern Circuit packages.
FAQ

Is this a good option for a weekend trip from Arusha?

Yes — this is our shortest overnight safari package, designed specifically for travelers with only a weekend or a day or two to spare.
FAQ

What is the maximum group size in the vehicle?

This is a private tour, so your vehicle only carries your own party, typically up to six people per Land Cruiser.
FAQ

Can the itinerary be adjusted around a Kilimanjaro Airport arrival?

Yes — Generous African Tours can adjust departure and return times around your flight schedule into or out of Kilimanjaro International Airport.

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