Lake Manyara (Tanzania) and Volcanoes (Rwanda) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Lake Manyara | Volcanoes | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Tanzania | Rwanda |
| Type | National park | Mountains |
| Approx. area | 649 km² | 160 km² |
| Best time | June to February | June to August and December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
| Main gateway airport | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) | Kigali International Airport (KGL) |
| 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 | Volcanoes |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ★★★★★ some rain |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| November | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ rainy season |
| December | ★★★★★ some rain | ★★★★★ some rain |
How to choose
Choose Lake Manyara if
- you are travelling in September to November
- you want game drives and camping
- you hope to see lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes and zebras
Choose Volcanoes if
- you are travelling in April, June to July and December to February
- you want gorilla trekking and hiking
- you hope to see mountain gorillas
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Lake Manyara or Volcanoes?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Lake Manyara is stronger in September to November. Volcanoes is stronger in April, June to July and December to February.
When is the best time for each?
Lake Manyara: June to February. Volcanoes: June to August and December to February.
Sources: TANAPA - About Lake Manyara · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu · Visit Rwanda (RDB) - Volcanoes National Park · Climates to Travel - Rwanda (Ruhengeri/Musanze normals)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.