Lake Manyara National Park, easily accessible by road from Arusha (about 2-3 hours) and often visited en route to the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, is best explored on a guided safari tour in a 4x4 vehicle due to rough terrain and the need for expert wildlife tracking, making solo self-drives less common and less effective. The park is open year-round, though the dry season (June-October) offers easier wildlife viewing as animals congregate near water, while the green season (November-May) boasts lush landscapes and abundant birdlife, despite some potentially challenging road conditions. A typical visit duration is a half to a full day, often as part of a multi-day northern circuit safari, and approximate costs include park entry fees (around $50-60 USD per person per day for non-residents) plus the expense of a guided tour, accommodation, and transport. Key highlights include its famous tree-climbing lions, large elephant herds, diverse birdlife (especially flamingos on the lake during wet seasons), and a varied landscape ranging from groundwater forests to acacia woodlands and the alkaline lake itself, offering a concentrated safari experience.