Lake Manyara (Tanzania) and Ol Pejeta (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lake Manyara | Ol Pejeta | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Kenya |
| Type | National park | Private conservancy |
| Approx. area | 649 km² | 360 km² |
| Best time | June to February | June to October and December to March |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Present |
| Malaria | Malaria area: see a travel doctor | Low risk: check with a doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Lake Manyara | Ol Pejeta |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Lake Manyara if
- you are travelling in May and November
- you want cultural visits
- you hope to see wildebeest and flamingos
Choose Ol Pejeta if
- you are travelling in March
- you want night drives and walking safaris
- you hope to see cheetahs, black rhino, white rhino, hyenas and chimpanzees
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lake Manyara or Ol Pejeta?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lake Manyara is stronger in May and November. Ol Pejeta is stronger in March.
When is the best time for each?
Lake Manyara: June to February. Ol Pejeta: June to October and December to March.
Sources: TANAPA - About Lake Manyara · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu · Ol Pejeta Conservancy · Ol Pejeta Conservancy - Wildlife and habitats · Climates to Travel - Nyeri (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.