The Lake Manyara National Park or Ngorongoro Crater: Which One to Choose on Safaris in Tanzania

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African Scenic Safaris
08/10/2022
Safaris

Last updated on February 21st, 2023 at 04:23 am

Safaris In Tanzania

Which is better for a memorable safari experience- Lake Manyara National Park or Ngorongoro Crater? The two popular safari destinations in Tanzania have their unique features and attractions. Why not plan a visit to both Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater on your Safaris In Tanzania instead of one? It will leave you with unforgettable memories of the safari adventure.

Do you want to choose the best between the two Tanzania Safari Destinations? It can be hard to figure out which one is better between the both. In this post, you will read about the various factors of Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater. It will help you decide the best safari destination to include in your Safaris In Tanzania.

Top Factors to Choose the Best between the Two Tanzania Safari Destinations!

At A Glance

Lake Manyara National ParkNgorongoro Crater
Located in the Arusha Region of northern Tanzania.Located in the west of Arusha.
Lake Manyara National Park has diverse landscapes. It has dense acacia woodland, marshland, and steep rocky slopesNgorongoro Crater is a conservation area for wildlife and the Maasai population.
The National Park is famous for tree-climbing lions, elephants, and vast flocks of flamingos.It is an essential habitat safeguarding animal diversity.
Lake Manyara is the centerpiece of the Tanzania National Park.The caldera has excellent bio-diversity of flora and fauna.
Park entry fee – $53.10 per adult/per day.Entrance fee – 70.8 USD per adult/per day.  

Wildlife and Bird

Lake Manyara National Park Ngorongoro Crater 
Famous for its tree-climbing lions,  Flamingos and pelicans thrive at Lake Manyara.    

Lake Manyara National Park has 400 bird species- a paradise for bird enthusiasts.    

The National Park has zebras, water buffaloes, antelopes, and the largest concentration of baboons.  
The dense population of gentle giants- elephants.  
See thousands of flamingos during the wet season.  

Home to 30,000 wildlife species.  

See plenty of wildlife in the dry season.  

The high population of cheetahs and lions.  

Find predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, African wild dogs, hyenas, jackals, and golden cats.  

Home to over 500 bird species.  
See the rarest animals, like the black male lion and the black rhino.  

Reasons To Visit

Lake Manyara National Park  Ngorongoro Crater  
Although it’s a year-round destination for wildlife safari and sightings. The dry season, June to October, is the best to visit the Lake Manyara National Park!  

Tree climbing lions are the park’s unique attraction that attracts tourists.  
Known for its beautiful scenery and picturesque views of the Great rift valley escarpment.  

Excellent birding destination in Tanzania.  

The wet season from November to April makes the Tanzania National Park the best to see many bird species around the lake shores.  
Enjoy unique activity- night game drives in search of nocturnal wildlife like civets.  

Indulge in a treetop walkway experience during a safari. It helps you see various wildlife and bird species. You get awe-inspiring Lake Manyara National Park views.  

Cultural experiences by visiting the neighbouring towns around the park like Mto wa mbu! Visit the local market and craft shop and enjoy village walks.  
See the African Big Five (lion, rhino, elephant, buffalo, and leopard) at the Ngorongoro Crater daily.  

An enchanting Tanzania Safari destination with plenty of predators. See cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, and lions hunting on the open plains.  

Ngorongoro Crater is a Garden of Eden in Tanzania. The crater has blue water, greenery, and diverse animals.  
Magical scenic views from the crest of the crater.  

It is the world’s largest caldera having high game concentration.  

You can spot the endangered black rhino at the Ngorongoro Crater.  

Perfect terrain for the best wildlife sightings.  

You get to see an authentic Africa with a glimpse of the rich Maasai culture.  

Accommodation

Lake Manyara National Park Accommodation  Ngorongoro Crater Accommodation  
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge- the luxury lodge offers night safaris within the park.  

Chem Chem Safari Lodge- the lodge offers eight spacious, tent-style suites and is perfect for travellers looking for a private space.  

Lake Manyara Ranch Conservancy- It is within a private conservancy outside the Lake Manyara National Park.

The camp has eight spacious tents with seven-foot beds.  
 The Highlands- one of the best accommodations in the area! It offers exceptional service and scenic views over the Ngorongoro plains.  

Lemala Ngorongoro- Each tent of the Lemala Ngorongoro has a toilet, a traditional safari bucket shower, and a dressing room.  

Kirurumu Ngorongoro Camp- It is a mobile camp at a beautiful location in the Ngorongoro highlands.

The Kirurumu Ngorongoro camp has seven customized camping tents with sustainable solar-panelled lighting.  

Best Time To Visit

Lake Manyara National Park  Ngorongoro Crater  
 Peak season is from July to September (dry season).  

Mid-December – early March is a short dry season and the best time to visit the Lake Manyara National Park!  

Bird enthusiasts can visit during the short rainy season from October-end to December.  
The best time to visit the Ngorongoro Crater is from June to February if the Great Migration is your target!  

The peak season is July to September for the best wildlife viewing.  

Which One to Choose on Safaris In Tanzania – Lake Manyara National Park or Ngorongoro Crater?

1. Ngorongoro Crater is one of the big sisters of Lake Manyara National Park.

2. Ngorongoro Crater is the second-best safari destination after Serengeti in Tanzania.

3. Ngorongoro Crater is a popular destination for luxury safari enthusiasts.

4. If you want to see tree-climbing lions, opt for Lake Manyara National Park

5. Indeed both safari destinations exude scenic landscapes and beauty.

6. If your safari is for dense wildlife viewing, consider Ngorongoro Crater for the best experience!

Tanzania National Parks and reserves have unique features and attractions. It makes Tanzania the best safari destination in Africa. Regardless of which Tanzania destination you choose, it ensures the best safari adventure!

Are you thinking of having the best safari adventures in Tanzania? Consider combining Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, and Serengeti! It ensures a once-in-a-lifetime safari experience in Tanzania, contact our safari experts to design a beautiful itinerary.

Explore Both Stunning Destinations on Safaris In Tanzania

What concludes the comparison? Which one to choose as the best Tanzania Safari Destination?

The comparison will give more insights into Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park facts. Surprisingly best destinations are known for offering the best wildlife viewing and safari activities. So, why not explore both Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara instead of visiting one?

Trust a reliable tour operator to get a well-planned Tanzania safari itinerary! It helps you explore the top safari destinations in Tanzania.

All things considered, let’s plan a customized Tanzania safari Tour that ensures unforgettable memories regardless of the destination.

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