1 Day Tanzania Drive-in Fly-out Safari to Lake Manyara National Park

You will depart from Arusha early in the morning by road to reach the park by mid morning. After a full day of exploring the groundwater forest and the lake shore, you will be driven to the local airstrip. A small bush plane will then fly you back to Arusha in about thirty minutes, providing a stunning aerial view of the Rift Valley.

We provide a customized 4x4 safari land cruiser with a pop up roof for the best animal sightings. Each guest is guaranteed a window seat to ensure clear views of the elephants and monkeys. The vehicle is also equipped with charging ports to keep your cameras ready throughout the day.

You can definitely add the Manyara Treetop Walkway to your morning schedule for a small additional cost. This activity allows you to walk among the birds and monkeys in the forest canopy before your game drive begins. It is a popular way to see the park from a different perspective during your drive-in and fly-out safari in Tanzania.

Since the return journey uses a light aircraft, there is a strict weight limit for baggage usually around fifteen kilograms per person. We recommend leaving any heavy suitcases at your hotel in Arusha and only bringing a day pack for the safari. Soft sided bags are preferred because they fit more easily into the small cargo pods of the plane.

The park is famous for its huge flocks of pink flamingos and diverse water birds like pelicans and storks. You will also see large numbers of hippos wallowing in the water near the northern end of the lake. Giraffes and zebras are also common sights on the open grassy plains surrounding the water.

Yes, the total cost covers your private road transport to the park and the scheduled flight back to Arusha. It also includes all national park entry fees and the services of a professional driver guide. You will not have to worry about booking any separate tickets or paying extra fees at the airstrip.

Children of all ages are welcome to join this adventure as it is less tiring than a full day of driving back and forth. The flight back is especially exciting for younger travelers and provides a quick return for those who might get restless. We provide child friendly meals in our picnic packs to keep everyone energized.

This specific itinerary is designed to start in Arusha because of the driving distance involved. If you are staying in a different area, we can arrange an early transfer for an additional fee. Most guests find that starting from Arusha allows for the most time on the ground with the animals.

We provide a high quality picnic lunch box that includes a variety of wraps, fresh fruit, and small snacks. You will enjoy your meal at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the lake where you can relax for a while. We also provide plenty of chilled bottled water in the vehicle to keep you hydrated.

While sightings are never guaranteed, the early afternoon is often when lions climb the acacia trees to escape the ground heat. Your guide will use their expertise and radio communication to find the best spots for these rare encounters. Looking up into the thick branches of the trees is part of the fun in this unique park.