Tarangire National Park

Vast landscapes, thriving wildlife, and timeless beauty in Tarangire.

Tarangire National Park offers sweeping savannahs, ancient baobab trees, and remarkable wildlife diversity. Known for large elephant herds and rich birdlife, its dry-season riverbanks attract countless species, creating incredible safari moments in a tranquil, less-crowded wilderness setting.

Area

2,850 sq km

Established

1970

Location

Northern Tanzania

Altitude

1,000 - 1,500 m

Climate

Semi-Arid

Terrain

Baobab Valleys

Fauna

Elephant herds

Flora

Acacia Woodland

Untamed Wilderness in Tanzania’s Peaceful Safari Haven!

The park is famous for having the largest elephant herds in Tanzania, often with more than 300 elephants, as well as buffalo, lions, leopards, and uncommon animals like the gerenuk. More than 500 documented species will interest bird lovers.
Visitors may do more than just standard game drives. They can also go on walking safaris, ride hot-air balloons at sunrise, and drive at night to see animals that are hard to see during the day. Tarangire is one of the most underappreciated but rewarding safari sites in northern Tanzania because of its natural beauty and wide range of animals.

Tarangire National Park is a haven where vast open spaces and a wide variety of plants and animals converge. Although it doesn’t receive as much attention as other parks, it offers a genuine and peaceful safari experience for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle.
Its sceneries are a stunning mix of granite hills, river basins, seasonal wetlands, and plains with famous baobab trees. This variety makes it an excellent place for many different kinds of animals to live all year round.

Best Time To Visit Tarangire

The prime months for wildlife viewing are July to November, during the Dry season, when animals gather near the Tarangire River. Wet months bring fewer sightings but lush, scenic landscapes.

Best Time

July to November

High Season

June to October

Low Season

April and May

Best Weather

June to October

Best Time

July to November

High Season

June to October

Low Season

April and May

Best Weather

June to October

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Why Tarangire Should Be on Every Safari Itinerary

Beyond the big game, Tarangire surprises with rarities. Visitors may encounter wild dogs or graceful antelopes like the fringe-eared oryx and gerenuk, species rarely seen elsewhere on northern circuits.

Add to this the park’s iconic baobab-studded horizons, golden grasslands, and a bird list of over 500 species, and Tarangire becomes a destination that combines raw wilderness with peaceful safari solitude.

Tarangire National Park is often called Tanzania’s hidden safari jewel, offering a sense of quiet wilderness that feels worlds apart from busier reserves. Its beauty lies not only in its animals but also in its rhythm of life.

During the dry season, Tarangire becomes a gathering ground for one of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles. Herds of elephants, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, converge on the Tarangire River alongside buffalo, antelope, and prowling predators.

For those who enjoy slow travel, Tarangire’s atmosphere is calm and unhurried. Visitors can spend hours watching elephants bathe, giraffes feeding quietly, or birds fluttering through the acacias without interruption.

Night brings its own rhythm to the park. With guided night drives, travelers can witness nocturnal life, lions on patrol, bush babies leaping through branches, and the soft calls of owls echoing across the plains. It’s Tarangire at its most intimate and alive.

Tarangire’s landscapes shift beautifully through the seasons. After the rains, the plains turn lush and green, dotted with wildflowers and filled with migratory birds. When the dry months return, the scenery changes to warm golds and browns, revealing animal tracks along the riverbanks.

The sunsets in Tarangire are some of the most striking in Tanzania. As the sun sinks behind the baobab trees, the sky glows in shades of orange and violet, casting a magical light over the land. It’s a moment that makes every evening drive unforgettable.

Tarangire National Park FAQs

Where is Tarangire National Park located?

Tarangire National Park is located in northern Tanzania, south of Lake Manyara and roughly 76 kilometres from Arusha. It’s on the northern safari route and takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to drive there from Arusha.

You may drive from Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport, which takes around three hours, or you can take a domestic aircraft to adjacent airstrips. A lot of people visit Tarangire together with other northern parks like Serengeti or Ngorongoro.

The park is famous for its big elephant herds, especially in the dry season, and its old baobab trees. Animals cluster near the Tarangire River, making it easier to see them. Bird fans may see more than 500 species here.

The best time to visit Tanzania to see animals is during the dry season, which runs from June to early November. This is when animals gather along the river. The wet season is the best time to see both migrating and local birds if you like them.

Visitors may go on wildlife drives, guided walking safaris, birding trips, and cultural visits to Maasai settlements nearby. The park’s sceneries are also great for taking pictures, especially the big animal gatherings and the majestic baobab trees.

There are several Tanzania Accommodations, ranging from expensive lodges with great views to mid-range campers and budget-friendly options. A lot of them are in or near the park, which makes it convenient to go on early morning game drives.

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Know Your Budget

Safari Packing List

Pack Smartly Always

Safari Foods

Taste Local Flavors

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"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

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Find out how amazing East Africa's safaris are, with lions roaming, boundless plains, & vibrant civilizations. Visit Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, & Rwanda, where every sunrise feels fresh & every trip makes you want to go deeper into Africa's untamed heart.