Lake Manyara (Tanzania) and Murchison Falls (Uganda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lake Manyara | Murchison Falls | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Uganda |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 649 km² | 3,840 km² |
| Best time | June to February | June to July and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) |
| 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 | Lake Manyara | Murchison Falls |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Lake Manyara if
- you are travelling in March, May and August to November
- you want cultural visits and camping
- you hope to see zebras, wildebeest and flamingos
Choose Murchison Falls if
- you want boat safaris, hiking and chimpanzee trekking
- you hope to see crocodiles, hyenas and chimpanzees
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lake Manyara or Murchison Falls?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lake Manyara is stronger in March, May and August to November.
When is the best time for each?
Lake Manyara: June to February. Murchison Falls: June to July and December to February.
Sources: TANAPA - About Lake Manyara · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu · Uganda Wildlife Authority - Murchison Falls National Park · Climates to Travel - Uganda (Masindi normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.