Lake Manyara (Tanzania) and Serengeti (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lake Manyara | Serengeti | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 649 km² | 14,763 km² |
| Best time | June to February | January to February and June to September |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 3–5 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 | Serengeti |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 November
- you want cultural visits
- you hope to see flamingos
Choose Serengeti if
- you are travelling in January to February and May to August
- you want hot-air balloon flights and walking safaris
- you hope to see cheetahs, black rhino, crocodiles, hyenas and gazelles
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lake Manyara or Serengeti?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lake Manyara is stronger in November. Serengeti is stronger in January to February and May to August.
When is the best time for each?
Lake Manyara: June to February. Serengeti: January to February and June to September.
Sources: TANAPA - About Lake Manyara · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu · TANAPA - Serengeti National Park · TANAPA - About Serengeti · Climates to Travel - Serengeti
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.