Overview
Lake Manyara National Park is a lush, compact gem on Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit—famous for its tree-climbing lions, elephant herds, and flocks of flamingos on the soda lake. The park’s diverse habitats range from groundwater forests to acacia woodlands, offering excellent birding and close-up wildlife. Most accommodations are located in the nearby town of Mto wa Mbu, on the park boundary, or on the scenic Rift Valley escarpment, with options for every budget and travel style.
1. Luxury Lodges & Upscale Tented Camps
For travelers seeking comfort, personalized service, and stunning views—these top-tier properties deliver the ultimate Manyara experience:
- Lake Manyara Tree Lodge (andBeyond)
Exclusive, luxury treehouse suites inside the park, immersive design, private decks, top-notch guiding. - Escarpment Luxury Lodge
Elegant chalets with Rift Valley and lake views, infinity pool, fine dining, eco-friendly ethos. - Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge
Spacious rooms with private balconies, beautiful pool, panoramic views, spa, lush gardens. - Chem Chem Lodge
Exclusive, boutique lodge between Manyara and Tarangire; safari chic, walking safaris, slow travel focus. - Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp
Tented chalets with lake views, pool, strong guiding, great food. - Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Moorish-inspired architecture, lake-facing pool, lush grounds, large rooms, family-friendly. - Ngorongoro Forest Tented Lodge
Upscale tented suites, close to Manyara and Ngorongoro, gourmet cuisine, peaceful woodland setting.
2. Mid-Range Lodges, Camps & Guesthouses
Offering a blend of comfort, location, and value for money, these properties are ideal for most safari-goers:
- Migunga Tented Camp
Comfortable permanent tents in a quiet acacia forest near the park, guided walks, relaxed vibe. - Twiga Lodge & Campsite
Popular, well-managed property in Mto wa Mbu, rooms and self-contained tents, big pool, lively atmosphere. - Manyara Best View Lodge
Modern bungalows on the escarpment, sweeping views, restaurant, friendly service. - Fanaka Lodge & Campsite
Simple rooms, tents, camping in Mto wa Mbu, pool, good for overlanders and groups. - Kirurumu Manyara Lodge
Tented chalets and cottages on the escarpment, eco-focus, excellent food, birding, walking. - Lake Manyara Tortilis Camp
Stylish tented suites just outside the park, great value, attentive staff, bush dining. - Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge
Classic, large lodge inside the park with panoramic views, pool, great for families and groups.
3. Budget Campsites, Hostels & Basic Stays
For travelers on a tight budget or those who want adventure, there are safe, basic, and affordable options:
- Jambo Lodge & Campsite
Simple rooms and camping in Mto wa Mbu, clean, affordable, local food, easy park access. - Sunbright Lodge & Campsite
Rustic bandas, basic tents, communal kitchen, sociable backpacker atmosphere. - Eileen’s Trees Inn (Karatu)
Affordable, comfortable, friendly staff, pool and garden—convenient if combining Manyara and Ngorongoro. - Simba A Public Campsite
Located on the rim (Ngorongoro), but often used by overlanders and backpackers visiting Manyara. - Public & Special Campsites (inside park)
Tanzania National Parks runs several sites for self-drive or guided camping—must book in advance.
4. Family & Group-Friendly Options
Perfect for families, larger groups, or multi-generational trips:
- Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge
Family suites, pool, kids’ menus, playground, central location. - Twiga Lodge & Campsite
Large rooms, group discounts, flexible meal plans, safe for children. - Fanaka Lodge & Campsite
Spacious grounds, triple/quad rooms, great for groups. - Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp
Family tents and group rates.
5. Eco-Lodges & Sustainable Stays
For responsible travelers prioritizing conservation and community impact:
- Chem Chem Lodge
Deep eco-commitment, community projects, walking safaris. - Kirurumu Manyara Lodge
Low-impact design, solar power, supports local initiatives. - Migunga Tented Camp
Conservation-friendly, uses local staff, sustainable materials. - Manyara Green Camp
Temporary eco-camp on park boundary (seasonal).
6. Self-Catering, Villas & Private Houses
Ideal for families, long stays, or travelers seeking privacy and independence:
- Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge & Children’s Home
Family bungalows, kitchen access, supports local children. - Manyara Best View Lodge
Some rooms with kitchenettes. - Twiga Lodge Self-Catering Units
Apartments with kitchens, large verandas. - Private Airbnbs/Villas
Various listings in Mto wa Mbu and the escarpment area.
7. Camping & Overlanding
- Public & Special Campsites (inside park): Must book through TANAPA, basic ablutions, BYO gear.
- Campsites in Mto wa Mbu: Twiga, Fanaka, Jambo Lodge—all provide showers, toilets, sometimes kitchens and bar/restaurant.
- Simba Campsites (Ngorongoro): Popular with overland groups exploring the circuit.
8. Comparison Table: Lake Manyara Accommodation Categories
| Category | Example Properties | Location | Price Range (pppn) | Key Features | Family-Friendly | Pool | Eco/Ethical | Park Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Lodge | Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Kilimamoja, Chem Chem | In park/Escarpment | $400–$1200 | Top service, views, private decks | Yes | Yes | Yes | Inside/Near |
| Upscale Tented Camp | Escarpment Luxury Lodge, Manyara Wildlife | Escarpment/Near park | $250–$500 | Large tents, views, fine dining | Yes | Yes | Some | Near |
| Mid-Range Camp | Migunga, Kirurumu, Tortilis | Near park/Escarpment | $120–$250 | Comfortable, scenic, eco-friendly | Yes | Some | Yes | Near |
| Budget Lodge/Camp | Twiga, Fanaka, Jambo Lodge, Sunbright | Mto wa Mbu | $25–$80 | Simple rooms, camping, local flavor | Yes | Yes | Some | 5–10 min |
| Self-Catering/Villa | Rhotia Valley, Airbnb | Escarpment/Town | $40–$200 | Kitchen access, privacy | Yes | Some | Yes | 15–20 min |
| Public Campsite | Park-run sites, Simba, Twiga, Fanaka | In park/Town | $10–$30 | BYO gear, basic ablutions | Yes | No | Basic | Varies |
*pppn = per person per night. Prices are estimates and can vary by season.
9. Final Tips
- Book in Advance: Lake Manyara Tree Lodge and Chem Chem are exclusive and fill up early; budget campsites also get busy in peak season.
- Location Matters: For early/late drives, in-park or park-edge stays save time; escarpment lodges have the best views.
- Combine Destinations: Manyara is close to Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti—many lodges offer circuit packages.
- Cultural Add-Ons: Mto wa Mbu is a great place for village tours, local food experiences, and biking.