Lake Manyara is compact enough to see well in a day. This trip runs from Arusha, entering the park in the morning for the forest and lakeshore game drives when animals are most active, with a picnic lunch inside the park. On the way back there's the option of a walking or cycling cultural tour through the farms and market of Mto wa Mbu.
Early departure from Arusha (about 2 hours). Morning and early-afternoon game drives through the groundwater forest, hippo pool and along the lakeshore. Optional Mto wa Mbu cultural tour, then return to Arusha by evening.