Amboseli (Kenya) and Lake Manyara (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Amboseli | Lake Manyara | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Kenya | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 392 km² | 649 km² |
| Best time | July to September | June to February |
| Suggested stay | 2–3 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| 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 | Amboseli | Lake Manyara |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ 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 | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Amboseli if
- you are travelling in July to September
- you hope to see cheetahs, hyenas, gazelles and eland
Choose Lake Manyara if
- you are travelling in April and November
- you hope to see leopards and flamingos
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Amboseli or Lake Manyara?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Amboseli is stronger in July to September. Lake Manyara is stronger in April and November.
When is the best time for each?
Amboseli: July to September. Lake Manyara: June to February.
Sources: Kenya Wildlife Service - Amboseli National Park · Magical Kenya - Amboseli National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Amboseli normals) · TANAPA - About Lake Manyara · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.