Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
A Luxurious Safari Haven in the Heart of the Forest
Overview
Hidden deep within the ancient mahogany forest of Lake Manyara National Park, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge offers a unique and luxurious safari experience in one of Tanzania’s most diverse destinations. As the only permanent accommodation inside the park, this exclusive lodge provides a secluded retreat surrounded by wildlife and nature.
Elevated among the trees, the lodge’s treehouse-style suites are designed to blend seamlessly into the lush surroundings—offering modern comforts while keeping you intimately connected to the African wilderness. From your private perch, you’ll witness the forest come alive with birds, monkeys, and the occasional passing elephant.
For those seeking privacy, exclusivity, and immersion in one of Tanzania’s most scenic parks, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge delivers an unforgettable escape.
A Secluded and Exclusive Setting
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge occupies a truly privileged position in the southern part of Lake Manyara National Park—far removed from the bustle of the park’s northern regions. This exclusive location ensures guests enjoy the rare combination of privacy, tranquility, and exceptional wildlife experiences in a pristine environment untouched by day-visitor crowds.
Deep Within the Mahogany Forest
The lodge is set within a dense forest of towering mahogany trees, their ancient branches creating a cool, dappled canopy overhead. This is a place of profound peace—where the air is filled with birdsong, shafts of sunlight pierce the leaves, and the forest floor teems with life just beyond your door.
Yet the wilderness never feels far away. The nearby lake attracts a wealth of wildlife, from elephants crashing through the undergrowth to giraffes browsing the canopy’s edge. Most famously, Lake Manyara’s tree-climbing lions may be spotted lounging in the very branches that surround you—a reminder that you’re a guest in their world.
This is safari at its most intimate: exclusive, secluded, and deeply connected to the wild.
Luxurious Treehouse-Style Accommodation
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge features ten beautifully designed treehouse suites, each elevated above the forest floor to deliver a true treehouse experience—the kind you dreamed of as a child, now realized in adult luxury.
Design in Harmony with Nature
Constructed from local timber and makuti thatch, the suites rise among the mahogany trees as if they’ve always belonged. Woven walkways connect the suites to the main lodge, allowing you to move through the forest canopy while leaving the ground below undisturbed. Every element of the design honors the surroundings, from the natural materials to the careful positioning that ensures both privacy and views.
Your Treetop Sanctuary
Each spacious suite offers:
A large bedroom with a king-sized bed dressed in high-quality linens—your cozy retreat after days of adventure
A comfortable sitting area where you can read, relax, or simply gaze out at the forest
A private veranda that extends your living space into the canopy, perfect for morning coffee as the forest awakens or evening drinks as darkness falls
An en-suite bathroom featuring a freestanding bathtub and an outdoor shower—imagine washing away the day’s dust under the open sky, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the forest
Privacy and Adventure Combined
The suites are thoughtfully spaced to ensure complete privacy, allowing you to feel truly alone with the wilderness. Yet you’re never far from the lodge’s welcoming common areas, where warm hospitality and good company await.
Whether you’re soaking in the outdoor shower, watching monkeys play in the canopy from your veranda, or falling asleep to the sounds of the forest, your treehouse suite offers an experience that’s both luxurious and deeply adventurous.
At Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, you don’t just visit the forest—you live within it, cradled by the trees, surrounded by beauty.
Dining in the Heart of the Wilderness
At Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, dining transcends the ordinary—becoming an experience that engages all the senses, set against the backdrop of one of Tanzania’s most enchanting forests.
A Culinary Journey in the Wild
The lodge’s talented chefs take pride in creating meals that nourish both body and spirit, drawing on fresh, locally sourced ingredients to craft a menu that celebrates both traditional Tanzanian flavors and international favorites. Every dish is prepared with care, ensuring that your time at the table is as memorable as your time on safari.
Where You’ll Dine
The open-air boma serves as the heart of the lodge’s dining experience—a welcoming space where guests gather to share meals and stories under the forest canopy. Yet the true magic lies in the variety of settings available:
Breakfast under the mahogany trees: Start your day as sunlight filters through the ancient canopy, birds calling overhead, the cool forest air carrying the scent of earth and leaves. Fresh coffee, tropical fruits, and hearty dishes fuel you for the adventures ahead.
Bush picnics: For full-day explorations, the lodge prepares picnic lunches that transform a game drive into a gourmet experience. Picture a table set in a scenic spot—perhaps overlooking the lake or beneath a shady acacia—where you’ll dine surrounded by wildlife and breathtaking views.
Romantic dinners under the stars: As darkness falls, the forest transforms. Candles flicker, lanterns glow, and a table awaits under the vast African sky. The sounds of the night provide a natural soundtrack—the call of a bushbaby, the rustle of unseen creatures, the distant grumble of a lion.
Private Dining Experiences
For those seeking something truly special, the lodge offers private dining options:
In your treehouse suite: Imagine a romantic dinner served on your private veranda, surrounded by the forest canopy. Candles flicker as you dine, the sounds of the night rising from below—an intimate experience you’ll never forget.
At a secluded forest spot: The lodge can arrange a private meal at a hidden location within the forest, where you’ll dine alone with nature, attended by staff who ensure every detail is perfect.
At Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, dining is never just about food. It’s about connection—to the land, to the moment, and to the wild magic that surrounds you.
Safari Adventures and Activities
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge opens the door to a world of wildlife wonders, with activities designed to showcase the remarkable beauty and diversity of Lake Manyara National Park. From thrilling game drives to intimate encounters on foot and water, every experience brings you closer to the wild heart of this extraordinary place.
Guided Game Drives
Explore the rich landscapes of Lake Manyara National Park on expertly guided game drives that venture through its diverse habitats. From groundwater forests to open grasslands and the lake’s shimmering shores, each zone reveals its own cast of characters.
Encounter large elephant herds emerging from the forest, buffalo grazing in marshy clearings, giraffes browsing acacia canopies, and—if fortune smiles—the park’s legendary tree-climbing lions lounging in ancient branches. The lake itself teems with life: hippos wallow in pools, flamingos paint the shoreline pink, and countless other birds fill the air with color and song.
With expert guides leading the way, you’ll gain insight into animal behavior, ecology, and the delicate balance that sustains this remarkable ecosystem.
Night Game Drives
When the sun sets over Lake Manyara, a different world awakens. Join a thrilling night game drive and experience the magic of the African bush after dark.
Armed with spotlights, you’ll venture into the night in search of nocturnal creatures rarely seen during daylight hours. Leopards may be spotted on the prowl, their eyes gleaming in the beam. Hyenas lurk at the edges of the light. Bush babies leap through the trees, their calls echoing in the darkness. Genets, civets, and other shy creatures reveal themselves as you explore.
Night drives offer a completely different perspective on the park—a chance to witness behaviors and species that daytime visitors never see.
Walking Safaris
For a more intimate connection with the wilderness, step out of the vehicle and onto the ground. Guided walking safaris take you through the forest and along the shores of Lake Manyara, revealing the smaller wonders that game drives often miss.
Accompanied by an expert guide, you’ll:
Discover medicinal plants and their traditional uses
Follow animal tracks and learn to read the stories they tell
Observe insects, birds, and the intricate details of the ecosystem
Experience the bush at ground level, feeling the earth beneath your feet
Walking safaris offer a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and appreciate the complexity and beauty of this landscape in an entirely new way.
Canoeing on Lake Manyara
During the wet season, a truly unique perspective awaits. Guided canoeing excursions on Lake Manyara allow you to glide silently across calm waters, observing wildlife from a completely different vantage point.
Paddle gently as:
Hippos surface nearby, keeping a watchful eye on your presence
Flamingos feed in the shallows, their pink forms reflected in the water
Pelicans glide overhead, their massive wingspans catching the light
Kingfishers dive for prey, electric blue flashes against the shoreline
From the quiet of your canoe, you’ll experience the lake as its wildlife does—peaceful, intimate, and utterly unforgettable.
Birdwatching
Lake Manyara is a world-class birding destination, and the lodge’s location places you at the heart of it. With over 400 species recorded within the park, bird enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise.
Join guided birdwatching excursions and tick off everything from:
Flamingos painting the lake’s shoreline in shades of pink
Pelicans and storks wading in the shallows
Herons and egrets stalking fish along the water’s edge
Kingfishers, bee-eaters, and rollers flashing brilliant colors through the trees
Fish eagles calling across the water, their haunting cry a signature of the lake
Whether you’re a dedicated birder or simply appreciate life on the wing, the avian abundance here will leave you amazed.
Wellness and Relaxation
At Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, the adventure doesn’t end when you return from safari—it simply shifts pace. Here, surrounded by the tranquility of the mahogany forest, you’ll find countless ways to relax, restore, and simply be.
Spa Treatments in the Wilderness
Indulge in wellness treatments designed to soothe tired muscles and calm the mind. The lodge offers a range of therapies, including massages, facials, and body scrubs, all using natural ingredients that nourish both body and soul.
Treatments can be enjoyed in two equally magical settings:
In the privacy of your treehouse: Imagine a massage on your private veranda, the sounds of the forest providing a natural soundtrack, the cool breeze carrying the scent of leaves and earth.
At the dedicated spa area: A serene space set amidst the trees, designed to enhance your sense of peace and connection to nature.
The Swimming Pool: An Oasis in the Forest
Set amidst the dappled light of the mahogany forest, the lodge’s swimming pool offers a refreshing escape from the African sun. Cool blue waters reflect the canopy above, while the sounds of birds and monkeys provide a gentle backdrop. Lounge on comfortable sunbeds, take a leisurely swim, or simply close your eyes and let the tranquility of the forest wash over you.
Here, surrounded by beauty and peace, you’ll find the space to simply rest—to absorb all that this remarkable place has given you, and to return home feeling not just satisfied, but genuinely restored.
Getting to Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
By Road: The lodge is easily accessible by road from Arusha, with the scenic drive taking approximately two to three hours. The journey winds through the Great Rift Valley, offering glimpses of rural Tanzanian life and building anticipation for the wilderness ahead.
By Air: For those preferring to fly, Lake Manyara Airstrip is the nearest option, located just a short drive from the lodge. Scheduled flights connect from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar, allowing for seamless arrival. We’re happy to arrange transfers from the airstrip to the lodge.
Safari Circuit Position: The lodge’s location within Lake Manyara National Park makes it an excellent base for exploring not only the park itself but also nearby attractions. The Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park are both within easy reach, allowing you to craft a comprehensive Northern Safari Circuit itinerary.
The Lake Manyara Tree Lodge Experience
For a truly unique and luxurious safari experience, surrounded by nature and wildlife at every turn, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge offers an unforgettable retreat in one of Tanzania’s most beautiful national parks.
Here, among the ancient mahogany trees, you’ll discover a place where exclusivity meets adventure, where comfort meets the wild, and where every moment—from thrilling game drives to peaceful evenings on your private veranda—becomes part of a story you’ll carry with you forever.
Welcome to the forest. Welcome to Lake Manyara Tree Lodge.