Lake Manyara National Park is usually the first stop on a classic northern circuit in Tanzania and is known for its tree-climbing lions and flamingo flocks. By the cascading Endabash Waterfalls, deep in the park, little Wayo Manyara Green Camp is a hub for adventure – from canoeing across the soda lake to hiking across the Rift Valley escarpment. Active types will be kept as busy as bees, so we recommend staying for at least two nights.
Nesting arrangements
Eight en-suite tents are set on raised platforms, with interiors that keep to earthy shades but look fresher than standard khaki safari style. The king-size bed headboards are made of multicoloured rattan; pendant lights hang from the high tented ceilings, with round wicker chairs and comfy couches on the deck.
Here’s the coolest part. The roofs of the tents are gauze, with an automated retractable canvas layer – so you can stargaze from the comfort of your bed (without inviting in every mosquito in the park). During the day, the mesh sides make the tents light and breezy.
Food philosophy
Breakfast is served before you head out for the day – sometimes on the “beach” along the semi-dry riverbed that runs past camp. If you’re out for a full day, you’ll have a picnic in the park; otherwise, lunch will be on the camp’s deck.
On your evening game drives, you’ll usually stop for sundowners – often with a view of the waterfalls. Back at camp, the firepit is the gathering spot for pre-dinner drinks.
Dinners are usually served communally, under the stars, but if you’re heading out for an after-dark game drive, you might dine earlier (no one wants to be hangry while tracking elusive nighttime creatures, trust us).
Secret sauce
Canoe safaris are a signature experience. Head out to explore Lake Manyara on the water. Spend a couple of hours swanning around the soda lake, gliding close to giraffes and elephants quenching their thirst along the banks, or if you’re lucky this year, maybe some flamingoes! Don’t forget your binos for birding (it’s cool now).
Although canoe safaris are a highlight, there are other fun things to do besides game drives. Hike along the Rift Valley escarpment or take the Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway that runs through the forest canopy. Night drives to spot nocturnal creatures are possible too – along with the canoe safaris, they’re included in the package rate (other activities are booked separately).
One more thing…
Many “adventure style” camps have age limits – but at Wayo Manyara Green Camp, all kids are welcome. Two tents can be connected for families. Canoeing is appropriate for children over eight years old, and the Treetop Walkway is open to anyone over six years old. There are gentle walks available for little legs that can’t quite handle a full day of hiking, too.
