Tarangire National Park is about two hours from Arusha and often the first or last park on a northern Tanzania safari. It is less famous than the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, but many guides rate it highly, especially in the dry season.
The reason is water. From around June to October, the Tarangire River becomes one of the few dependable water sources in a wide area, and elephants, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest move in from surrounding land. Elephant herds can be very large, and watching families dig for water in the riverbed is a common sight.
Tarangire also looks different from the other northern parks, with huge baobab trees scattered across rolling hills. It is usually quieter, with fewer vehicles at sightings.
Rolling hills of acacia woodland and grassland are dotted with ancient baobabs, some many centuries old. The Tarangire River runs north through the park, and seasonal swamps such as Silale fill during the rains. The far south is wilder and less visited.
Elephants define Tarangire. In the dry months you may see several hundred in a day along the river. Lion are regularly seen, and leopard use the riverine woodland. The park also has dry-country antelope such as fringe-eared oryx and lesser kudu that are uncommon elsewhere on the circuit. Birdlife is outstanding, including yellow-collared lovebirds and large ground hornbills.
Game drives along the Tarangire River
Photography among the baobab trees
Guided walking safaris in areas where they are permitted
Birdwatching - one of the richest bird lists in Tanzania
Tarangire drives are relaxed and scenic. Your guide will spend much of the time along the river, where elephants come down to drink. The park makes a gentle start to a safari after a long flight, or a quiet finish after the busier Serengeti and crater.
The dry season, roughly June to October, is the best time for large herds along the river. In the wet season animals disperse outside the park, but the landscape is green and bird-watching is excellent.
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Around 2 hours by road from Arusha. Tarangire sits a short detour off the main road to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, so it is easy to include at the start or end of a circuit.
Lodges and tented camps inside and around the park, from mid-range to luxury, many overlooking the river or the baobab woodland.
Often visited for one or two nights at the start or end of a circuit
Tsetse flies can be present in wooded areas - avoid dark blue and black clothing
Malaria-risk area - take medical advice
Park fees are charged per person per 24 hours
Official park info: Tanzania National Parks Authority
Yes, especially from June to October. It pairs well with the Ngorongoro Crater when you do not have time to reach the Serengeti.
In the dry season, when the river is one of the few water sources and elephants gather from a wide area.
Tell us your dates and we'll build an itinerary that includes it.
