The Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park route connects Arusha Airport (ARK) in TZ with Lake Manyara Airport (LKY) in TZ. This short-haul flight covers approximately 56 miles (90 km) with a typical flight time of 13m. This route is served by 5 airlines: Air Excel, Regional Air, Coastal Aviation and others. AirportRoutes has tracked 12 daily flights on this route.
The Arusha Airport (ARK) to Lake Manyara (LKY) flight route is a popular choice for travelers seeking to maximize their time exploring Tanzania's stunning landscapes. Covering a distance of just 56 miles (90 km), the flight typically takes around 30-45 minutes, saving considerable travel time compared to a 3-4 hour road journey. This route provides quick access to Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, large flocks of flamingos, and diverse ecosystem. With approximately 196 weekly flights operated by 5 airlines, the route offers flexibility and convenience, allowing visitors to swiftly transition from Arusha to the heart of the safari experience. The ease and speed of this flight make it an ideal option for those with limited time or those looking to avoid long drives on potentially rough roads.
For the Arusha to Lake Manyara flight, book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to secure the best fares. Online travel agencies and the airlines' official websites are great places to start your search. At Arusha Airport (ARK), arrive at least 1.5 hours before your flight to allow ample time for check-in and security procedures. Lake Manyara Airport (LKY) is a small airstrip, so expect a quick and easy disembarkation process. During the flight, enjoy the aerial views of the Tanzanian landscape. As a travel hack, consider packing light to avoid checked baggage fees, as some smaller aircraft have weight restrictions. Be prepared for potential delays due to weather conditions, especially during the rainy season.
Lake Manyara National Park is a gem known for its diverse habitats and abundant wildlife. The park's shallow alkaline lake attracts thousands of flamingos, creating a stunning pink spectacle. Aside from the famous tree-climbing lions, you can spot elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and a variety of bird species. Explore the park through guided game drives, walking safaris, or even canoe trips on the lake. The nearby village of Mto wa Mbu offers a cultural experience with local markets and opportunities to sample Tanzanian cuisine, such as nyama choma (grilled meat) and ugali (maize porridge). Consider staying at lodges or camps within or near the park for immersive wildlife viewing.
The best time to fly from Arusha to Lake Manyara is during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife viewing is at its peak. The weather is pleasant, with clear skies and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for game drives. July and August are peak tourist months, so expect higher prices and more crowds. For better value and fewer tourists, consider traveling in June or September. Avoid the rainy season from November to May, as heavy rains can make some roads impassable and affect flight schedules.
HTARARKHTLMLKY5
Operators12
Daily Flights56
Miles13m
Flight Duration
| Airline | ICAO | IATA |
|---|---|---|
| Air Excel |
XLL
|
-
|
| Regional Air |
REG
|
8N
|
| Coastal Aviation |
CSV
|
CQ
|
| Flightlink |
FLZ
|
YS
|
| Auric Air Services |
AUK
|
UI
|
| Day | Flights Observed | Frequency | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 40 | 15% |
|
| Tuesday | 43 | 16% |
|
| Wednesday | 32 | 12% |
|
| Thursday | 42 | 15% |
|
| Friday | 41 | 15% |
|
| Saturday | 48 | 18% |
|
| Sunday | 25 | 9% |
|
| Airline | Flight Numbers | Aircraft Type | Typical Time | Days Active | Last Seen | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Air Excel
XLL
|
XLL410 XLL490 XLL610 | C208 | 08:00 8:00 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Feb 13, 2026 | Active |
|
Auric Air Services
AUK
/ UI
|
AUK1322 | DH8B | 09:50 9:50 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Feb 5, 2026 | Active |
|
Coastal Aviation
CSV
/ CQ
|
CSV201 | C208 | 07:45 7:45 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Feb 13, 2026 | Active |
|
Flightlink
FLZ
/ YS
|
FLZ49 FLZ57 FLZ53 | ATR | 10:00 10:00 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Feb 13, 2026 | Active |
|
Regional Air
REG
/ 8N
|
REG33 REG111 REG35 REG101 | DH8B | 08:30 8:30 AM (Representative) |
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
|
Feb 13, 2026 | Active |
| Departure Time | Operator | ICAO | IATA |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:45 7:45 AM | Coastal Aviation |
CSV
|
CQ
|
| 08:00 8:00 AM | Air Excel |
XLL
|
-
|
| 08:30 8:30 AM | Regional Air |
REG
|
8N
|
| 09:50 9:50 AM | Auric Air Services |
AUK
|
UI
|
| 10:00 10:00 AM | Flightlink |
FLZ
|
YS
|
Time Information
Times are shown in the departure airport's local timezone (HTAR - Africa/Dar_es_Salaam).