Tarangire National Park
Elephants and ancient baobabs.
Best Time
June–October (dry season)
Region
Northern Circuit
Area
2,850 km²
Style
Private safari
Overview
About Tarangire
In the dry season, Tarangire holds the largest elephant herds in northern Tanzania. The Tarangire River draws thousands of animals, framed by some of the oldest baobab trees in Africa.
Land of giants and baobabs
Tarangire is named for the river that snakes through it. In the dry season (June to October) the river becomes the only reliable water for hundreds of square kilometres, and the wildlife pours in. Elephant herds of 200 and more, dust-bathing buffalo, eland, oryx and the rare gerenuk all gather along the banks under the silhouettes of 1,000-year-old baobab trees.
An off-grid feel
Tarangire receives a fraction of the visitors of the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, which means quiet sightings and a real sense of wilderness. Several of the best lodges sit on private concessions where night drives, walking safaris and bush dinners are allowed - things you cannot do inside the main park.
Birds and ancient trees
Tarangire is one of the best birding parks in Tanzania, with over 550 species recorded. The park is also a botanical wonder - the baobabs here are some of the oldest in Africa, and the seasonal swamps in the south burst with yellow fever trees and palms.
Wildlife you'll see
- Elephant (huge herds)
- Lion
- Leopard
- Buffalo
- Eland
- Oryx
Highlights
- ✦Massive elephant herds
- ✦Ancient baobabs
- ✦Lower visitor numbers
Things to do
When to go
Dry season, animals concentrate along the Tarangire River.
Getting there
2-hour drive from Arusha, usually the first park on a northern circuit.
On the map
Tarangire National Park
- 1Tarangire National Park
Insider tips
- ★Visit in the dry season (June to October) for the elephant spectacle.
- ★Stay one night in a lodge on a private concession so you can do a night drive or walking safari.
- ★Pair it with Lake Manyara for an easy two-day combo before heading into the Crater.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tarangire worth visiting in the green season?+
Yes for birds and landscapes, but the wildlife scatters. If wildlife is your priority, come between June and October.
How long do I need?+
One full day inside the park is enough for most travellers. Two nights lets you mix a private-concession activity with a classic game drive.
Can I see the Big Five here?+
Lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo are likely. Rhino is no longer present in Tarangire.
Tours
Journeys that visit Tarangire
7-Day Northern Circuit Classic Safari
The complete Northern Circuit, Tanzania's greatest hits in one trip.
7-Day Tanzania Safari: Tarangire, 3 Nights in Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
The best of the Northern Circuit with three relaxed nights inside the Serengeti.
5-Day Northern Circuit Safari & Fly-out to Zanzibar
A classic Northern Circuit safari ending with a bush flight straight to the beaches of Zanzibar.
7-Day Great Migration River Crossing Safari
Follow the herds from the southern plains to the dramatic Mara River crossings.
8-Day Big 5 Camping Safari & Visiting the Hadzabe
All Big 5 plus an authentic morning with the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers.
6-Day Private Wildlife & Cultural Tourism
Wildlife and culture, in equal measure.
From the journal
Read about Tarangire
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