Lake Manyara (Tanzania) and Ruaha (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lake Manyara | Ruaha | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 649 km² | 20,226 km² |
| Best time | June to February | August to October |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 3–4 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) | Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) |
| 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 | Lake Manyara | Ruaha |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| March | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| April | ★★★★★ rainy season | ★★★★★ some rain |
| May | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
How to choose
Choose Lake Manyara if
- you are travelling in December to March
- you want cultural visits
- you hope to see wildebeest and flamingos
Choose Ruaha if
- you are travelling in August to October
- you want walking safaris
- you hope to see cheetahs, crocodiles, African wild dogs, hyenas and kudu
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lake Manyara or Ruaha?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lake Manyara is stronger in December to March. Ruaha is stronger in August to October.
When is the best time for each?
Lake Manyara: June to February. Ruaha: August to October.
Sources: TANAPA - About Lake Manyara · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu · TANAPA - Ruaha National Park · SafariBookings - Ruaha climate · Climates to Travel - Tanzania (Iringa normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.