Lake Manyara (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lake Manyara | Masai Mara | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Kenya |
| Type | National park | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 649 km² | 1,510 km² |
| Best time | June to February | June to October |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 3–4 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 | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Lake Manyara | Masai Mara |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| 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 March, May and November
- you hope to see flamingos
Choose Masai Mara if
- you are travelling in July to August
- you want hot-air balloon flights, walking safaris, night drives and horseback safaris
- you hope to see cheetahs, black rhino, crocodiles, hyenas and gazelles
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lake Manyara or Masai Mara?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lake Manyara is stronger in March, May and November. Masai Mara is stronger in July to August.
When is the best time for each?
Lake Manyara: June to February. Masai Mara: June to October.
Sources: TANAPA - About Lake Manyara · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu · Magical Kenya (Kenya Tourism Board) - Maasai Mara · Mara Conservancy - Mara Triangle · Climates to Travel - Masai Mara · Weather Spark - Narok
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.