Lake Manyara (Tanzania) and Lake Nakuru (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lake Manyara | Lake Nakuru | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Kenya |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 649 km² | 188 km² |
| Best time | June to February | June to October and December to March |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) | Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) |
| Big Five | Not all five | Not all five |
| 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 | Lake Nakuru |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| 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 elephants and wildebeest
Choose Lake Nakuru if
- you are travelling in March
- you want hiking
- you hope to see black rhino, white rhino, hyenas and gazelles
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lake Manyara or Lake Nakuru?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lake Manyara is stronger in May and November. Lake Nakuru is stronger in March.
When is the best time for each?
Lake Manyara: June to February. Lake Nakuru: June to October and December to March.
Sources: TANAPA - About Lake Manyara · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu · Kenya Wildlife Service - Lake Nakuru National Park · Climates to Travel - Kenya (Nakuru normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.