Summary: What Are the Key Facts at a Glance?
- Route: Arusha → Lake Manyara National Park → Arusha
- Duration: 1 day (about 10 to 11 hours)
- Price: From US$ 250 per adult (Option E1)
- Best time: June to October, and January to February
- 07: 30 AM – 08:00 AM: Early morning hotel pickup in Arusha (Moshi pickup on request).
- 08: 00 AM – 10:30 AM: Drive approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to Lake Manyara National Park via Mto wa Mbu.
- Late morning – Afternoon: Game drive through the groundwater forest, grassland and soda lake shore, looking for baboons, blue monkeys, elephants, giraffes and hippos.
- Lunch: A picnic lunch inside the park.
- 03: 30 PM – 06:00 PM: Drive back to Arusha and drop-off at your hotel.
What Makes This Lake Manyara day trip Special?
Lake Manyara National Park is a compact, scenic park below the wall of the Great Rift Valley, about two and a half hours from Arusha. This day trip leaves your hotel in the morning and spends several hours on a game drive through a lush groundwater forest, across open grassland and along the soda lake shore. You may see baboons, blue monkeys, elephants, giraffes, hippos and many birds, with flamingos in some seasons. A picnic lunch is served in the park, and you return to Arusha in the late afternoon. It suits families, bird lovers and first-time visitors.
What Does the Safari Itinerary Include?
1 Day Detailed Trip Itinerary
What Is the Safari Route at a Glance?
Day-by-day route overview at a glance.
Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park Game Drive and Return
Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park Game Drive and Return
Your guide collects you from your Arusha hotel at about 7:30 AM for the 2 to 2.5 hour drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Spend the late morning and early afternoon on a game drive through the groundwater forest, across the grassland and along the soda lake, looking for baboons, blue monkeys, elephants, giraffes and hippos. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, then drive back to Arusha, arriving around 6:00 PM.
Price Options
Per adult for safari with Land Cruiser. Option E1(Entry) is selected by default — choose another option to update your price.
What Is Included and Excluded in This Safari?
Below is a clear breakdown of what is included and excluded in your Tanzania safari package. This helps you understand exactly what to expect before your journey.
What’s Included in Your Safari
What’s Not Included
Why Book This Safari with Macpace Tours?
- A scenic, compact park only about two and a half hours from Arusha.
- Forest, grassland and soda lake scenery in one day.
- Excellent bird watching, with flamingos in some seasons.
- Large baboon troops and blue monkeys that children enjoy.
- Picnic lunch inside the park.
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide.
- 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for clear views and photos.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Arusha.
- A good warm-up before a longer northern circuit safari.
- Private departures can be arranged on request.
What Should You Know Before This Safari?
| Location | Distance & Travel Time |
|---|---|
| Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park | Approximately 126 km | About 2.5 hours |
| Lake Manyara National Park to Arusha | Approximately 126 km | About 2 hours drive |
| Moshi to Arusha | Approximately 80 km | About 1.5 km hour |
| Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha | Approximately 50 km | About 1 hour drive |
| Arusha Airport to Arusha City | Approximately 8 km | About 15 minutes drive |
Which Wildlife Can You See on This Safari?
This Tanzania safari combines wildlife-rich landscapes with remarkable concentrations of animals. During your game drives, you may encounter elephants, lions, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, hippos and many other species in their natural habitats.
Elephants
Known for magnificent herds moving through woodland, grazing near open areas or gathering around rivers.
Lions
Lions can be encountered resting under acacia shade, moving through grasslands or stalking potential prey.
African Buffaloes
Large buffalo herds seen in grasslands and swamps, powerful members of the Big Five.
Giraffes
Commonly browsing high acacia trees and moving gracefully across savannah landscapes.
Zebras
Frequently seen grazing in open plains together with wildebeest and antelopes.
Wildebeest
Iconic savannah herbivores roaming open landscapes in large social groups.
Hippos
Plentiful in lakes, rivers and natural pools across Northern Tanzania.
Antelopes & Gazelles
Gazelles, impalas, waterbucks, and dik-diks feeding across diverse safari habitats.
Look Out for Predators
Depending on season, location and animal movements, you may also encounter leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas with your experienced safari guide.
Ready to Discover Tanzania's Wildlife?
Explore top safari destinations on a carefully planned journey with Macpace Tours.
Plan This SafariWhere Will You Stay During This Safari?
This is a day trip, so no safari accommodation is included or needed. You return to your own hotel in the evening. If you want to arrive early or stay on, we can book a pre- or post-trip night in Arusha from the hotel rates above.
What Are the Key Safari Details?
Everything you need to know about this 1 Day Tanzania Day Trip — pricing, booking, what to pack, transfers, flights and the places you will visit.
Safari Price Guide & What Affects the Cost
This 1 Day Tanzania Day Trip starts from US$250 per adult with the default option (Option E1(Entry)). The final price depends on the option you choose, group size and travel season.
| Option | Accommodation | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Option E1(Entry) | Option: shared / joining group | From US$250 / adult |
| Option M1(Midrange) | Option: private vehicle | From US$400 / adult |
| Option L1(Luxury) | Option: private vehicle, upgraded service | From US$550 / adult |
Includes park fees, licensed guide, 4x4 vehicle, fuel, meals, accommodation and airport transfers. International flights, visas, insurance, tips and personal items are excluded.
Booking, Payment & Cancellation
How to book: send your travel dates and group size through the booking form or WhatsApp. We confirm availability within 24 hours.
- Deposit: 30% of the safari cost confirms your booking.
- Balance: payable on arrival in Arusha before departure.
- Payment methods: bank transfer, credit card and cash in USD.
- Cancellation: free up to 14 days before departure, 50% charged 7–13 days before, and 100% within 7 days.
What to Pack for Your Safari
- Neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive or beige), light long sleeves and trousers.
- A fleece or warm jacket for cool early mornings in the highlands.
- Comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen.
- Binoculars, a camera with zoom lens, spare batteries and memory cards.
- Insect repellent, a refillable water bottle, personal medication and travel insurance documents.
- Passport and a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from an endemic country.
Health, Safety & Responsible Travel
- Drink only bottled or filtered water; lodges provide safe drinking water.
- Take malaria prophylaxis as advised by your doctor.
- All game drives are led by licensed TANAPA guides who keep a safe distance from wildlife.
- Tanzania bans single-use plastic bags; carry a reusable bag.
- Respect local cultures — ask before photographing people and dress modestly in villages.
- 24-hour emergency contact: Macpace Tours on +255 755 355 071.
Transfers Details
This tour starts from Arusha. Kilimanjaro Airport is the nearest international airport and Arusha Airport is the nearest domestic airport.
Arusha Airport: No extra charge Kilimanjaro Airport: USD 30 per vehicle
Arusha Airport ↔ Hotel: USD 25 per vehicle Kilimanjaro Airport ↔ Arusha: USD 50 per vehicle
Moshi ↔ Arusha: USD 100 per vehicle Nairobi ↔ Arusha: USD 275 per vehicle
Flights Details
We do not book international flights. We assist with local flights based on availability.
Zanzibar ↔ Arusha: From USD 100 (Morning flight) Dar es Salaam ↔ Arusha: From USD 90 (Morning flight) Arusha ↔ Zanzibar: From USD 170 (Afternoon flight) Arusha ↔ Dar es Salaam: From USD 110 (Afternoon flight)
Which Places Will You Visit on This Safari?
Arusha City Tanzania's Safari Capital
Most northern Tanzania safaris begin in Arusha, near Mount Meru. It is the gateway to Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
Travelers who arrive a day early can rest here, repack their luggage and meet the safari team before the trip begins.
View on Google MapsMto wa Mbu A Lively Village by the Rift Valley
Mto wa Mbu is a busy market village at the foot of the Rift Valley escarpment, close to the entrance of Lake Manyara National Park. The road passes banana farms and roadside markets.
Your guide may make a short stop on the way if time allows.
View on Google MapsLake Manyara National Park Forest, Lake and Escarpment
Lake Manyara is a compact park below the Great Rift Valley wall. Its groundwater forest shelters large baboon troops and blue monkeys, while the grassland and soda lake shore attract elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos and many birds.
Flamingos gather on the lake in some seasons. Tree-climbing lions are famous here, but sightings are rare and never guaranteed.
View on Google MapsWhat Accommodation, Add-ons and Meals Are Available?
Pre- and post-safari hotels, optional add-on tours and meal arrangements for this 1 Day Tanzania Day Trip.
Pre & Post Tour Hotels (Pricing in Arusha)
Arusha is the base for safari tours in Tanzania. If you need accommodation in Arusha before/after your safari tour you can check some popular hotel prices on bed and breakfast basis below.
- Crest Safari Lodge - USD 47
- Kutoka Lodge - USD 64
- Karama Lodge - USD 113
- The African Tulip - USD 149
- Four Points by Sheraton - USD 205
- Arusha Coffee Lodge - USD 375
- Crest Safari Lodge - USD 29
- Kutoka Lodge - USD 49
- Karama Lodge - USD 76
- The African Tulip - USD 112
- Four Points by Sheraton - USD 120
- Arusha Coffee Lodge - USD 240
- Crest Safari Lodge - USD 29
- Kutoka Lodge - USD 40
- Karama Lodge - USD 73
- The African Tulip - USD 93
- Arusha Coffee Lodge - USD 180
Add-on Tours in Tarangire
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: USD 540 per person
- Short Walking Tour (upto 4 hours): USD 45 per person
- Long Walking Tour (upto 6 hours): USD 60 per person
- Night Game Drives (for clients staying inside): USD 100-200 per person depending on lodge
Add-on Tours in Lake Manyara
- Mto wa Mbu Village Cultural Tour: price on request
Meals
- Day 1 - Lunch
What Are the Most Asked Questions About This Safari?
Find answers to common questions about departure, accommodation, wildlife, meals, transportation and booking.
Yes. Lake Manyara is about 2 to 2.5 hours from Arusha, so you can reach it by mid-morning and still have a good game drive. It is compact, scenic and good for birds and monkeys. It has fewer big predators than some parks, so it suits travelers who enjoy variety and scenery.
The day trip starts and ends at your Arusha hotel. We collect you at about 7:30 AM and drop you back in the same place. Moshi pickups can be arranged on request and may cost more. Tell us your hotel when you book so we can confirm the exact pickup time.
The drive is about 126 km and takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours each way on a paved road. You pass the Maasai steppe and the village of Mto wa Mbu before reaching the park gate. We leave in the morning so you have most of the day for the game drive.
Lake Manyara is known for large baboon troops, blue monkeys, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, hippos, zebras and wildebeest, plus a rich variety of birds. Flamingos gather on the lake in some seasons. Sightings change with the season and water levels, so your guide will choose the best tracks for your visit.
Lake Manyara is famous for lions that sometimes rest in trees, but the behavior is uncommon and sightings are rare and never guaranteed. Most visitors enjoy the forest, baboons, elephants, hippos and lake views, and treat any lion sighting as a bonus. Your guide will check recent reports and scan the acacia trees.
Flamingos gather on the lake in some seasons, but numbers change with water levels and the time of year, so they are not guaranteed. The lake and its shore are good for many other water birds, including pelicans and storks. Your guide can tell you what is on the lake during your visit.
June to October is the dry season, with the easiest conditions for game drives. January and February are also good. March to May brings long rains, greener scenery, fewer visitors and some muddy tracks, and it can be a good time for birds. The day trip runs all year.
Yes. A picnic lunch is included, and you receive about 2 liters of bottled drinking water per person during the trip. Breakfast is not included, so please eat at your hotel before pickup. Alcohol and other extra drinks are not included. Tell us about vegetarian, vegan or allergy needs when you book so we can prepare a suitable lunch.
Yes. Lake Manyara is a good family park, with monkeys, baboons, giraffes and hippos that children enjoy. The drive is about 2 to 2.5 hours each way, so please bring games, snacks and books for younger children. Tell us your children's ages when booking so we can arrange suitable seating and breaks.
Yes. Many travelers turn a day trip into a 2-day or 3-day safari, which gives more time with the animals and avoids a long return drive. Our 2-day Tarangire and Lake Manyara safari adds a second park and a night near the lake. Tell us how many days you have and we will design a trip that suits your budget.
Yes. Private departures can be arranged for couples, families, friends and small groups. A private trip gives you more flexibility with the pickup time, pace and photo stops, and the vehicle is for your party only. Because vehicle and guide costs are shared among fewer people, the price per person may be higher than on a shared trip.
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Plan your Tanzania safari with Macpace Tours and experience iconic wildlife destinations.
Book This SafariWhere Does This Safari Go?
Follow the full safari route from Arusha, Tanzania through 2 destinations.
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