Lake Manyara (Tanzania) and Samburu (Kenya) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lake Manyara | Samburu | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Kenya |
| Type | National park | Reserve |
| Approx. area | 649 km² | 165 km² |
| Best time | June to February | July to September |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 2–3 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 | Malaria area: see a travel doctor |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Lake Manyara | Samburu |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Lake Manyara if
- you are travelling in November to December
- you hope to see wildebeest, hippos and flamingos
Choose Samburu if
- you are travelling in July to September
- you want walking safaris
- you hope to see cheetahs, crocodiles, hyenas, oryx and gazelles
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lake Manyara or Samburu?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lake Manyara is stronger in November to December. Samburu is stronger in July to September.
When is the best time for each?
Lake Manyara: June to February. Samburu: July to September.
Sources: TANAPA - About Lake Manyara · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu · Magical Kenya - Samburu itinerary listing · SafariBookings - Samburu climate · Weather Spark - Isiolo (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.