Should I visit both parks?

They complement each other well: Tarangire for elephants and baobabs, Manyara for forest, birds and possible tree-climbing lions. Many itineraries include both.

When are Tarangire's elephant herds biggest?

During the dry season from June to October, when animals concentrate around the permanent Tarangire River.

Are the tree-climbing lions guaranteed?

No, sightings are a matter of luck, but Lake Manyara and Tarangire are two of the best places in Africa to see the behaviour.

How far are the parks from Arusha?

Tarangire is roughly two hours by road and Lake Manyara about two and a half, making them easy first or last stops on a circuit.

Destination guide

Lake Manyara & Tarangire

Baobab plains, giant elephant herds and tree-climbing lions

If something goes wrong

Emergency & health

Police

112

National emergency line

Ambulance / Fire

114

Also try 115

Your guide

Founder-vetted

Every guide knows the nearest help.

Hospitals & clinics

Haydom Lutheran Hospital

Hospital

Manyara Region (Haydom)

large regional mission hospital serving the wider area

View details & directions

FAME Medical

Hospital

Karatu (nearby)

modern private hospital near the parks used by travellers

View details & directions

Mto wa Mbu Health Centre

Clinic

Mto wa Mbu

local clinic at the Lake Manyara gate for basic care

View details & directions

Babati Police Station

Police

Babati (regional capital)

national emergency line 112

View details & directions

Insurance accepted for emergencies

Carry travel-medical insurance with emergency air-evacuation cover, as the nearest full hospitals are in Karatu (FAME) and further afield. AMREF Flying Doctors membership is widely recommended for the parks.

NHIF AAR AMREF Flying Doctors