Manyara Ranch

Location: Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara Ranch is one of those rare places, so special and unique, with so much to offer not only guests, but also the local community and the world of conservation in general, that staying just one night there is not enough.  For guests who wish to really experience Tanzania’s northern circuit, whether that be on game drives, on foot or on horseback, Lake Manyara Ranch will not disappoint.

The accommodation itself is elegant and luxurious.  Spacious canvas tents provide comfort coupled with a sense of adventure – a sense which is only heightened by the sight of wandering wildebeest and zebra as you glance out of your huge netted windows.  The furniture is the highest quality, with fine bed linens on the huge beds, and a large dark wood writing desk and chair.  All tents are en suite, with running water and flush toilets.

Lake Manyara Ranch is located in the heart of the Kwakuchinja wildlife corridor, which links the Lake Natron, Ngorongoro and Manyara areas with the Tarangire ecosystem to the west.  After years of investment, development and nurturing partnerships with the African Wilflife Foundation (AWF) and the Tanzania Land Conservation Trust (TLCT), the area is now a haven for a rich diversity of wildlife, including elephants, giraffe herds, rare lesser kudu, zebra, gazelle, wildebeest, beautiful oryx and mighty eland.  Lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena and jackal are also resident in the area, as well as endangered African hunting dogs, who have denned on the ranch for many years.

There are hundreds of bird species to be found within the conservancy area.  There are many raptors on the ranch, and the huge range of habitats in the area, including savannah, woodland, bush and forest, all support a wide range of bird species.  

There are many activities to enjoy at Lake Manyara Ranch, many of which simply are not possible in other places.  Because the ranch is not situated within national park boundaries, off-road game driving is possible, meaning more remote areas can be reached.  Night time game drives are also permitted, and spotlights are used by trained and experienced guides.  Walking safaris are simply delightful, as armed guides escort you through the bush.  For the experienced rider, Lake Manyara ranch is the perfect place for a horse-back safari, and can be combined with fly-camping for those guests who are staying 3 nights or more.

Wildlife activities aside, there are many cultural activities and excursions to be enjoyed here.  Guests can go on traditional medicine walks with a traditional healer, who will advise you all about the medicinal uses of the indigenous flora.  Guests can visit the Manyara Ranch Cattle Operations, managed by the TLCT and supported by AWF.  Many guests find a visit to the local school and enlightening and rewarding experience, and there are traditional Masai bomas in the vicinity which guests are welcome to visit.

Photos of Manyara Ranch

There are a number of different activities you can do while staying at Manyara Ranch, some of which have been listed below:

• Walking Safari
• Horse-back riding
• Nature Walks
• Night-time game drives
• Game drives
• Bird watching
• Visit to local village
• Visit to local school

The above activities are subject to availability.

Tours to Manyara Ranch

Below are some of the safari holidays we offer which include a stay at Manyara Ranch. To find out more about each tour, just click one of the links below. We can also arrange custom tours and safaris which include a stay at Manyara Ranch so feel free to e-mail us or visit our custom tours page.