Tarangire National Park .
Tarangire
Get off the foremost safari circuit and head to the private Tarangire National Park, famous for its extremely focusses of wildlife, and stunning natural landscape.
Located on the opposite side to Lake Manyara National Park in northern Tanzania, almost two hours’ drive from Arusha, Tarangire National Park is regularly a startling favorite for travelers. Many people either skip Tarangire wholly or only visit the park for an early morning or afternoon game drive, however, we recommend staying for at least two days to take full advantage of this fantastic destination.
During the dry season (June to October), the Tarangire River converts the only water source for grooves of animals, drawing large herds of elephants (sometimes up to 300 strong), zebra, giraffe, impala, eland and warthog there to drink.
Game Drives in Tarangire National Park
Predators, plus lions and spotted hyena, pleat around the river ready to strike, while leopards, cheetahs, and even lions, can also be found in convinced areas of the park. African wild dogs have been sighted in the park, although it is rare to spot them.
As one of Tanzania’s best birding destinations, you’ll have the chance to spot over 550 species, including the ashy starling, northern pied babbler, bushveld pipit and a yellow-collared lovebird.
Tarangire is also famous for its wonderful sceneries, with antique baobab trees, acacia woodlands, and massive termite mounds (home to dwarf mongoose), dotting the plains.
Top highlights
- One of the biggest elephant populations in northern Tanzania.
- Highly concentrated wildlife viewing during the dry season.
- Excellent birdwatching opportunities.
- Night safaris and walking safaris available.
- Unique luxury lodges and camps.
- Spectacular scenery famed for its ancient baobab trees
Quick facts
- Number of Annual Visitors: Approximately 160,000
Size: 2,850 km² - Common Animal Sightings: Elephants, giraffe, big cats (lion, leopard, cheetah), wildebeest, waterbuck, eland, gazelle, buffalo, impala, hartebeest.
Best time to visit Tarangire National Park
The best time to visit Tarangire National Park is during the dry season from June to October, when the wildlife is at their most concentrated. As vegetation thins and animals gather around the Tarangire River, the only remaining water source, you’ll have incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.
The dry season also coincides with the Great Migration, so you can head to the nearby Serengeti to cross this phenomenal event off your bucket list.
The wet season (November to December and March to May) is the best time for birders, as the summer migrant birds arrive and other species show off their bright breeding plumage. However, most of the big games have disappeared and you’ll contend with heavy downpours and rampant mosquitoes.
How to get to Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park can be easily accessed with a private vehicle transfer. It’s a 4.5-hour drive from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a seven-hour drive from Serengeti National Park, a four-hour drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), or a three-hour drive from Arusha, the country’s safari gateway.
You can also take a flight to the Kuro airstrip, located in the southern section of Tarangire National Park.
Where to stay in Tarangire
Our favorite luxury lodges and camps in Tarangire National Park:
- Tarangire River Camp
- Tarangire River Tree Camp
- Simba Portfolio Tarangire
- Lake Burunge Tented Camp
- Tarangire Osupuko Lodge
- Maramboi Tented Lodge
- Oliver’s Camp by Asilia Africa.
- View More Lodges and Camps in Tarangire
Safaris to Tarangire
Ready for Safari!?
“Let’s Plan together, Tarangire is awesome”