Lake Manyara (Tanzania) and Ngorongoro (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lake Manyara | Ngorongoro | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 649 km² | 8,292 km² |
| Best time | June to February | January to February and June to September |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Present |
| 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 | Ngorongoro |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Lake Manyara if
- you are travelling in November to December
Choose Ngorongoro if
- you are travelling in January to February
- you want hiking and walking safaris
- you hope to see cheetahs, black rhino, hyenas, gazelles and eland
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lake Manyara or Ngorongoro?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lake Manyara is stronger in November to December. Ngorongoro is stronger in January to February.
When is the best time for each?
Lake Manyara: June to February. Ngorongoro: January to February and June to September.
Sources: TANAPA - About Lake Manyara · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu · Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority · NCAA - Tourism attractions · Climates to Travel - Ngorongoro
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.