Akagera (Rwanda) and Lake Manyara (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Akagera | Lake Manyara | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Rwanda | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 1,122 km² | 649 km² |
| Best time | July to August | June to February |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kigali International Airport (KGL) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| Big Five | Present | 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 | Akagera | Lake Manyara |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Akagera if
- you are travelling in July to August
- you want boat safaris and night drives
- you hope to see black rhino, white rhino, crocodiles, hyenas and eland
Choose Lake Manyara if
- you are travelling in March to April and October to November
- you want cultural visits
- you hope to see wildebeest and flamingos
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Akagera or Lake Manyara?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Akagera is stronger in July to August. Lake Manyara is stronger in March to April and October to November.
When is the best time for each?
Akagera: July to August. Lake Manyara: June to February.
Sources: Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Akagera National Park · SafariBookings - Akagera climate · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Kigali normals) · TANAPA - About Lake Manyara · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.