Bwindi (Uganda) and Lake Manyara (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Bwindi | Lake Manyara | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Uganda | Tanzania |
| Type | Forest | National park |
| Approx. area | 321 km² | 649 km² |
| Best time | June to August and December to February | June to February |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Bwindi | Lake Manyara |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Bwindi if
- you are travelling in April, June to July and December to February
- you want gorilla trekking and hiking
- you hope to see mountain gorillas and chimpanzees
Choose Lake Manyara if
- you are travelling in October to November
- you want game drives and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes and zebras
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Bwindi or Lake Manyara?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Bwindi is stronger in April, June to July and December to February. Lake Manyara is stronger in October to November.
When is the best time for each?
Bwindi: June to August and December to February. Lake Manyara: June to February.
Sources: Uganda Wildlife Authority - Bwindi Impenetrable National Park · SafariBookings - Bwindi climate · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Kabale normals) · TANAPA - About Lake Manyara · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.