Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Location
- Western edge of Lake Manyara
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Northern Tanzania
Set in a lush mahogany tree forest in the remote southern section of Lake Manyara National Park, Tree Lodge offers a true wilderness experience in a diverse ecosystem, making it a great inclusion for a northern Tanzania safari.
Lake Manyara National Park boasts an incredible wealth of habitats, from soaring groundwater forests to the tranquil soda lake itself to the mountain escarpment of the Great Rift Valley. The park is also home to diverse African wildlife. Guests at Tree Lodge are offered an exciting, interpretive safari experience in this diverse, wildlife-rich landscape.
Tree Lodge, which was designed to exert minimal impact on the environment, is situated in the remote southwestern portion of the national park, which hardly ever gets visitors from other safari camps further north in the park. Here the Great Rift Valley is at its most impressive, with the escarpment dropping some 1 600 feet (500 meters) down to the shores of Lake Manyara, which attracts wildlife and birds.
Main area lounge at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge.
Activities at Tree Lodge include safari drives (including optional night drives to enjoy nocturnal wildlife activity), guided forest walks around the lodge, birding, biking excursions along the lakeshore, sleep-outs, the treetop canopy walk, and cultural visits to a Maasai village. The lodge's location in the more remote southern section of the national park means guests will enjoy a very exclusive experience while out exploring.
Tree Lodge offers just 9 guest suites built using canvas and wood, with 'makuti' palm frond ceilings and thatched roofs. The comfortable suites are nestled into the forest and are furnished with contemporary African décor, utilizing neutral colors and textures. One of the suites is a two-bedroom family unit.
The two-level main guest area is set into a rich mahogany-tree forest and includes a dining area, lounge, and bar, all characterized by soaring spaces that house local artworks and tactile fabrics. The interactive kitchen allows guests to observe or help with the preparation of delectable food dishes that are served in the theatrical boma or on the open dining decks. Children are welcome and the lodge offers its specially-designed WILDchild program to enrich the experience for families.
Guest suite at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge.
About Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is located only 20 miles (32 kms) southeast of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, making it an ideal stopover for overland safaris heading west out of Arusha towards the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.
Two thirds of this small reserve is covered by the shallow and alkaline waters of Lake Manyara. Manyara is often overlooked by visitors to northern Tanzania, but the park offers diverse habitats, including rich forests, woodlands, and swamps and an abundance of different wildlife species, including elephant, buffalo, hippo, giraffe, various antelopes, and its well-known tree-climbing lions.
Game drive along the Lake Manyara shoreline.
Lake Manyara itself is partially protected within the borders of the national park and covers 181 square miles (470 sq kms), making it Tanzania's seventh largest lake by surface area. The lake is quite shallow, with a maximum depth is 6 feet (1.8 meters) and because it is an endorheic basin (no outflows), its waters are significant alkaline, with a pH of around 9.5.
The lake is fed to a minor degree by underground springs and seasonal rivers and streams, but more than 99% of Manyara's water comes from direct rainfall. As a result, the area covered by the lake fluctuates significantly from year to year based on local precipitation. In some years the lake's water may evaporate almost completely.
Lake Manyara National Park is located along the northwest quadrant of the lake and besides covering part of the lake itself, is comprised of diverse habitats inland, including evergreen groundwater forest in the north (fed by underground springs), grassy floodplains, Acacia woodlands, extensive marshlands, saline mud flats that expand as the lake dries seasonally, and rocky escarpments with some lovely baobab trees along the western edge of the park. There is a series of sulfurous hot springs on the western shore of the lake.
Lake Manyara National Park has become known for its 'tree-climbing' lions.
Manyara's wildlife is abundant and diverse, but nowhere near on the scale of the Serengeti. The park's elephants are quite common and generally very relaxed around safari vehicles. Other mammals with good populations include buffalo, hippo, giraffe, impala, zebra, waterbuck, wildebeest, bushbuck, warthog, and klipspringer. Olive baboons, vervet monkeys, and blue monkeys are quite common in the park's forests.
Manyara is also known for its 'tree-climbing' lions, which are present in other parts of Africa, but the trait is not widespread. Lions are believed to learn this behavior where there are climbable trees and enough insects, which pester the cats more on the ground than in the trees. It may also be an adaptation for remaining cooler during the heat of the day. Leopards are also present in the park, but are seen far less often.
Birding in Lake Manyara National Park is exceptionally good, particularly along the shores of the lake and in the forests. The park has a species list of around 380 birds possible. Flamingos are seasonal visitors to the lake (typically November through March) and large numbers are sometimes seen feeding on algae growing in the water.
ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES
Accommodation
9 guest accommodations in total comprising:
- 8 treehouse suites, each with two three-quarter beds (separate mattresses with shared base). Mattress converters are available that transform the twin beds into a double bed. Two of the suites are available as a triple (adult(s) and children 16 years and younger).
- 1 treehouse family suite with two bedrooms connected by an enclosed foyer. This suite can accommodate two adults in the main bedroom and two children under 16 years in the second bedroom. A third child can be accommodated on request. Both bedrooms have their own en-suite facilities consisting of an indoor shower and separate toilet. The main bathroom has a double-basin vanity, bathtub, and an additional outdoor shower, while the second bathroom has a single-basin vanity and no tub nor outdoor shower. The bedrooms both have direct access onto a large shared outdoor deck with seating.
All of the suites are constructed of canvas and wood, with makuti-palm frond ceilings and thatched roofing. The suites are adorned with contemporary African décor.
Every standard suite includes en-suite facilities with a double-basin vanity, indoor shower, outdoor shower, bathtub, and separate toilet. The suites are accessed via footpaths on the ground leading to the main camp area.
The family suite at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge.
Each guest suite has a generous, wrap-around, outdoor deck accessed by multiple floor-to-ceiling, wood and glass doors. The decks and suites are raised well off the forest floor offering views into the lush forest.
The guest suite décor is contemporary and utilizes neutral colors and textures throughout. The suites are comfortably-sized, covering 485 square feet (45 sq meters) in area and well spaced, with a distance of 66 feet (20 meters) between each suite.
Other items and features in the guest suites include:
- Private veranda with forest views.
- Gym-in-a-basket.
- Healing Earth treatments offered in-room.
- Personal bar.
- Complimentary pair of 8x30 Swarovski binoculars (one per suite).
- In-room Wi-Fi (also available in main guest area).
- Mosquito netting over the bed.
- Telephone (intermittent GSM mobile reception).
- Hairdryer.
- In-room safe.
Manyara Tree Lodge can accommodate a maximum of 22 guests in total: 2 persons in each of the 8 guest suites, 4 persons in the family suite, and two suites convertible to a triple.
Includes & Excludes
Includes:
- All meals and local beverages including soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas, and coffees.
- Safari experiences (twice-daily game drives, nature walks around the lodge grounds, birding, and local community visit) accompanied by an experienced guide.
- Guides' Journal with illustrations of fauna and flora to record your sightings.
- National Park map with Lake Manyara's illustrated 'star birds' checklist.
- WILDchild program.
- Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting, items will be returned on the same day). Laundry is dried by the sun and on most days any laundry placed out in the morning will be returned by the evening.
- A complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik CL Companion 8×30 binoculars per cottage for use during your stay.
- Emergency medical evacuation insurance.
- Wi-Fi access.
- Tourism Levy & VAT.
Excludes:
- Night drives.
- Bicycle tour.
- Sleep-out under the stars (dependent on weather).
- Healing Earth wellness treatments.
- Maasai cultural visits.
- Treetop canopy walk.
- Purchases from the Safari Shop.
- Champagne, cognacs, fine wines, premium brand spirits, and cigars.
- Any applicable wildlife fee, park fee, reserve fee, concession fee, other land-use fee.
Single Supplement
A single supplement may apply for any room booked by a single traveler; please ask us for pricing.
Children
Families can rest assured that your children will always be safe and well cared for (both during activities and at the camp) by the camp staff.
Children of any age are accommodated at Manyara Tree Lodge:
- 2 triple rooms available as well as the family suite.
- Children under the age of 6 years are permitted only on a private vehicle or a children’s game drive (avoiding lion, leopard and elephants sightings), not during standard game drive time. No walks outside of the camp.
- Children aged 6-11 years are permitted on game drives at the discretion of the manager and guides (private vehicle required).
- Children aged 6-11 years are not permitted on nature walks outside of the camp grounds.
- Children aged 12-15 years are permitted on game drives (private vehicle required) and nature walks.
- Private vehicle not required for children aged 16 years and older.
- Children aged 16 and above are permitted on specialist walking safaris.
- Children that share a vehicle with other guests not in their party may be subject to activities only at the camp manager’s discretion.
- Please note: The camp is not fenced off and children are required to have an adult accompanying them at all times.
- While the camp does not have trained child minders, it can offer the services of certain staff members who are wonderful with children. This will be at an additional cost (best to pre-book this with us).
AndBeyond’s WILDchild programme, designed especially for children aged 3-12 years, is filled with fun, interactive activities that offer opportunities to learn and discover new experiences and cultures. Deeply rooted in the love for the African bush, it not only creates a series of unforgettable moments for the whole family, but forges strong bonds between young guests, our planet, and its people.
Wildchild activities include:
- Butterfly walks.
- Cycling through a village.
- Bow and arrow shooting.
- Spear throwing.
- Playing football games with the our staff.
- Baking cookies with our chefs and marshmallow roasting in the boma.
Facilities
Nestled in a rich mahogany-tree forest, the two-level main guest area includes a dining area, lounge, and bar, all characterized by soaring spaces that house local artworks and tactile fabrics. The interactive kitchen allows guests to observe or help with the preparation of delectable food dishes that are served in the theatrical boma or on the open dining decks.
Main guest area facilities include:
- Traditional outdoor boma for dining around an open fire.
- A swimming pool and deck with loungers.
- Interactive kitchen.
- Massage Sala offering Healing Earth wellness treatments (treatments also available in-suite).
- Safari Shop.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access (also available in the guest suites).
- Guest toilets in main area.
Activities
Activities included in the rate:
- Morning and afternoon/evening game drives in open 4x4 Land Cruisers (6-seater).
- A complimentary pair of Swarovski Optik CL Companion 8×30 binoculars per guest cottage for use during your stay.
- Guided forest walks around the lodge.
- Birding.
- WILDchild program for kids.
Optional activities at additional cost:
- Private activities are on offer (subject to vehicle availability, which needs to be booked in advance).
- Cultural tour of Mto Wa Mbu town (near the Main park gate).
- Lakeshore bicycle ride through Mayoka village.
- Sleep-out under the stars (dependent on weather).
- Maasai cultural visits.
- Treetop canopy walk.
- Wellness treatments (offered in the Massage Sala or in-suite).
Example of a typical day:
- Early morning wake-up call. Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer, and wildlife sightings.
- Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity.
- Return to the lodge for a meal and rest period.
- Meet for afternoon tea and snacks (savory and sweet choices) before departing on the activity.
- Return to camp - freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner.
- Enjoy a nightcap and/or discussion at the bar or around the campfire before retiring.
Great Good Fair Poor
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GENERAL TIPS
Lake Manyara National Park is open all year. The rainy season (November through May) can mean limited road access, with game drives being mostly restricted to the far north. The "short" rains occur in November/December and are not generally an issue for game drives, but the heavier "long" rains in April may interfere with safari activities.
Similar to the Serengeti region just to the west, it is advised to avoid Lake Manyara over March and April, when heavy rains typically occur. June to mid-October is excellent for general game viewing in the park in terms of the wildlife and the weather.
Large mammals are best seen from late June through September and again in January-February. The high season can mean some crowds, especially in the northern section. Birding in Manyara is superb from November thru May.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is closed 01-30 April.
RAINS
The rainy season in northern Tanzania is from November thru mid-May, with two distinct rain seasons. The "Short Rains" (locally called the "mvuli") fall from mid-November to mid-December and are generally lighter and less impactful to safari activities. The "Long Rains" (locally called the "masika") occur between March and May, brining afternoon showers on a near daily basis.
Short Rains
The short rains occur for about one month sometime during November and December (the exact time varied somewhat year to year). This period is called the 'short' rains because the duration of an individual rain event is short and it is rare to have an all-day rain event. Most rain falls as an afternoon shower, while mornings are typically overcast or clear.
Long Rains
The long rains occur between March and May, with April being the wettest month of the year. During this time, rain should be expected almost every day and the showers can last for hours at a time, although all-day rain is not typical. The roads in Lake Manyara National Park can be quite difficult during the long rains, which can make game viewing challenging. Cloudy skies are typical and temperatures can be chilly at times.
The period between the short and long rains (January and February) also receives rainfall, but many days are clear and the amount and duration of the rain events is unpredictable, with some afternoon showers and the odd long and heavy shower.
Temperatures
Lake Manyara's climate is typically mild and comfortable every day, but nights and early mornings can be chilly, especially during the dry season.
Dry Season
The dry season at Lake Manyara (June thru late October) is typical sunny every day, with midday and afternoon temperatures averaging 74-77°F (23-25°C). Overnight temperatures can be chilly, dropping to 54-60°F (12-15°C) and early mornings will still be brisk, so be sure to bring a fleece and perhaps a shell layer on morning activities. It is possible to have light rains in late October.
Rain Season
Temperatures during the rainy season (November thru May) are are slightly more mild than the dry months, with comfortable warm days and pleasant overnight temps. Days are often overcast and rain can occur anytime, but March and April are the rainiest months. Temperatures average 79-82°F (26-28°F) during the midday and afternoon, while overnight temps average 58-62 (15-17°C).
