1 Day Tanzania Safari in December to Lake Manyara National Park

Your journey usually starts with a pickup from your hotel at 7:30 AM to ensure you reach the park gate by mid morning. Since December is a festive and busy month, leaving early helps you beat the crowds and enjoy the wildlife while it is most active. The drive to Lake Manyara National Park takes about two hours on well paved roads.

December falls at the end of the short rainy season, which means the park is incredibly lush and green. While you might encounter a brief afternoon shower, the skies usually clear up quickly for beautiful photography. Temperatures are warm and pleasant, making it a perfect escape for the holiday season.

Lake Manyara is world renowned for its lions that lounge in the branches of acacia trees. During a December safari, the thick canopy provides plenty of shade for these predators, and your guide will use expert tracking skills to find them. Spotting these lions is a major highlight for most visitors exploring the groundwater forest.

December is a fantastic time for birdwatching as migratory species from Europe and North Africa have arrived in the park. You will see a variety of colorful birds alongside the resident species like the silvery cheeked hornbill. The abundance of food after the rains makes this month particularly active for avian life.

Yes, the alkaline shores of the lake are often home to massive flocks of flamingos in December. The water levels are usually high enough to attract these birds, creating a stunning pink border along the water. Your guide will take you to the best viewpoints to capture the scale of these colonies.

We provide a high quality picnic lunch box that includes items like roasted chicken, sandwiches, fresh fruit, and small snacks. You will enjoy your meal at a designated scenic spot with a view of the hippo pool or the lake. This allow you to stay immersed in nature while you refuel for the afternoon game drive.

You can choose to add the Manyara Treetop Walkway as an adventurous extra for your morning schedule. This sky high boardwalk allows you to walk through the forest canopy and see monkeys and birds at eye level. It adds about forty five minutes to your trip and provides a unique perspective of the ecosystem.

You will travel in a customized 4x4 Land Cruiser with a large pop up roof for the best 360 degree views of the animals. The vehicle is equipped with charging ports to keep your cameras powered and a small fridge with cold water. This transport is essential for navigating the forest tracks and open plains.

We can easily alter your itinerary to include a cultural visit to a nearby Maasai boma before heading back to Arusha. This provides a fascinating look into the traditional lifestyle and customs of the local people. Most guests find this human connection to be a beautiful addition to their wildlife experience.

Manyara is an excellent choice for families because the drive from Arusha is relatively short compared to other northern parks. The high numbers of monkeys and elephants usually keep younger travelers very engaged throughout the day. We can also provide child seats and kid friendly snacks to make the journey comfortable for everyone