Lake Manyara (Tanzania) and Tarangire (Tanzania) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lake Manyara | Tarangire | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Tanzania |
| Type | National park | National park |
| Approx. area | 649 km² | 2,850 km² |
| Best time | June to February | July to October |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) | 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 | Lake Manyara | Tarangire |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Lake Manyara if
- you are travelling in April and December to February
- you want cultural visits
- you hope to see hippos and flamingos
Choose Tarangire if
- you are travelling in July to October
- you want walking safaris, night drives and hot-air balloon flights
- you hope to see cheetahs, hyenas, oryx, kudu and eland
As both are in the same country, many travellers combine them in one trip.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lake Manyara or Tarangire?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lake Manyara is stronger in April and December to February. Tarangire is stronger in July to October.
When is the best time for each?
Lake Manyara: June to February. Tarangire: July to October.
Sources: TANAPA - About Lake Manyara · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu · TANAPA - Tarangire National Park · SafariBookings - Tarangire climate
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.