Makuyuni Wildlife Park

Makuyuni Wildlife Park is not as widely known as some of the larger national parks, but its richness in wildlife in combination with its vast secluded environment makes it worth your visit. Situated within the Tarangire-Manyara ecosystem, covering an area of 49 square kilometres at just 70 kilometres from Arusha and on the way to Serengeti National Park, Makuyuni is a beautiful park with stunning landscapes. It’s the natural habitat of lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras and more, as well as a great place for birdwatchers.

In addition to wildlife, Makuyuni boasts very diverse vegetation – think open savannahs, lush woodlands and dramatic acacia-dotted plains – which make a walking safari extra interesting! The park is far less crowded than other wildlife areas, making it a peaceful destination for nature lovers who want to experience the wild beauty of East Africa at their own pace.

Picture-perfect biodiversity

As you explore the park, the scenery unfolds like a canvas painted with golden grasses, towering baobab trees, and rugged rocky outcrops. The vast, rolling plains provide the perfect backdrop for wildlife sightings – and the accompanying pictures! As the sun sets, the landscape transforms into a sea of warm, glowing hues, creating the typical, lovely safari atmosphere.

In addition, riverine forests provide shelter to diverse wildlife. And as you drive through the winding paths, you’ll come across seasonal rivers and waterholes that attract a variety of animals, from elephants to zebras, adding to the park’s rich biodiversity. It’s also the perfect place if you like to stretch your legs in between safari game drives. Since it’s not an official national park, you can do several hikes here and for example climb the 1900-meter-high Kipara Hill. And after a good hour’s drive from Arusha, it might just be your perfect picnic spot.

Wildlife corridor

Wildlife corridors help animals move between distant areas – predominantly in search of water and greener meadows – keeping their genes diverse and offering different habitats for them to live in. Makuyuni wildlife corridor is a critical connection between the Tarangire and Manyara National Parks, and it’s the main route of the northern sub-population of elephants in Tarangire National Park.

Excursions and activities in Makuyuni Wildlife Park

• Hiking
• Walking safari
• Game drive
• Nighttime safari
• Rock climbing
• Ziplining
• Cycling
• Picnic spot
• Sundowners
• Star gazing
• Bird watching
• Cultural visit to the adjacent Masai tribe

Travel time to Makuyuni Wildlife Park

It’s located 70 kilometres from Arusha, close to the highway junction where you choose between the Tarangire or the Manyara direction. The drive will take 1 to 1,5 hours, depending on the time of year and whether there’s wildlife crossing when you pass.

Travel tip from our experts about Makuyuni Wildlife Park

Book a Makuyuni night safari! Imagine the thrill of hearing a lion’s deep, resonant roar echoing through the dark, dense jungle night. Under a sky scattered with stars and surrounded by the mystery of the African wilderness, you just might spot the King of the jungle! As your vehicle quietly moves along the trails, the suspense builds, and every rustle in the shadows keeps you on the edge of your seat. In the cover of night, lions come alive in ways rarely seen during the day. Watching these majestic creatures as they patrol their territory, interact with pride members, or even begin a hunt under the moonlight is a sight you will never forget. And apart from the king himself, you have a chance of spotting other interesting night critters, such as honey badgers, bat-eared foxes, genets, white-tailed mongoose and porcupines.

The best time to visit

While wildlife can be seen year-round in Makuyuni, the dry season (June to October) is considered the best time for wildlife viewing. During this period, animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot.