Tarangire National Park
Discover vast elephant herds and ancient baobab landscapes in one of Tanzania’s most iconic safari destinations.
Tarangire National Park: A Timeless Safari
From Vast Elephant Herds to Ancient Baobabs
Renowned for its dramatic landscapes and exceptional elephant populations, Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s most rewarding safari destinations. Located on the northern safari circuit, it offers a more intimate yet wildlife-rich experience, making it an ideal complement to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
What to Expect
Set along the life-giving Tarangire River, the park is defined by sweeping savannahs, seasonal swamps, and towering baobab trees. During the dry season, wildlife congregates around permanent water sources, creating outstanding game-viewing opportunities in open, scenic terrain.
Where Wildlife Meets Timeless Landscapes
Tarangire is best known for its large elephant herds, strong predator presence, and rich birdlife, with over 500 species recorded. The park is particularly rewarding from June to October, though it can be visited year-round. With carefully selected lodges and camps both inside and just outside the park, Tarangire offers classic game drives, striking scenery, and a quieter safari experience away from peak crowds.
Highlights
Things to do in Tarangire National Park
From roaming elephant herds to baobab-dotted savannahs, explore Tarangire’s unforgettable safari experiences.
Game Drive & Safaris
Game Drive & Safaris
Explore Tarangire on guided game drives, where large elephant herds gather along the Tarangire River during the dry season.
Elephant Encounters
Witness some of Africa’s largest elephant populations as family herds move between riverbanks, swamps, and open plains—one of Tarangire’s defining and most memorable experiences.
Hot Air Balloon Safari
Soar above Tarangire’s baobab-dotted landscapes at sunrise for a unique aerial perspective of elephant herds, winding riverbeds, and open savannah, followed by a champagne bush breakfast (seasonal and weather-dependent).
Baobab & Landscape Photography
Capture Tarangire’s dramatic scenery, featuring ancient baobab trees, golden savannahs, and moody skies—ideal for both wildlife and landscape photography.
Luxury Safari Stays
Stay in carefully selected lodges and tented camps offering immersive wilderness settings, personalized service, and easy access to prime wildlife areas within the park.
When to visit
From Elephants to Endless Baobabs
Wondering when to visit Tarangire? Here’s your seasonal guide to wildlife, weather, and safari experiences.
When to Visit
Big Game (Dry) Season
Highlights
- Massive elephant herds gather along the Tarangire River
- Exceptional predator sightings as wildlife concentrates near water
- Excellent visibility with short grasses and open landscapes
- Classic dry-season safari conditions with clear skies
- Ideal for first-time safari travelers and wildlife photography
Shoulder Season
Highlights
- Lush green landscapes transform the park
- Migratory birds arrive—excellent birdwatching season
- Fewer vehicles and a quieter safari experience
- Beautiful contrast of wildlife against baobabs and stormy skies
- Calving season (Jan–Feb) brings newborns and predator activity
Green Season
Highlights
- Extremely green and scenic landscapes
- Fewer tourists and lower lodge rates
- Rivers and swamps at their fullest
- Best suited for travelers prioritizing scenery and solitude
- Some roads may be muddy, adding a sense of adventure
Highlights & Inclusions
What Our Packages Include
Designed for travelers who value depth over distance, our journeys combine exceptional wildlife encounters with seamless comfort. Every detail is thoughtfully curated—from where you stay to how you explore—so you can focus on experiencing Africa at its most authentic and unforgettable.
Season-Optimized Safari Stays
Handpicked lodges and camps located where wildlife sightings are best, season by season.
4x4 Land Cruiser
Purpose-built safari vehicles offering comfort, safety, and unbeatable game-viewing.
Professional Guide
Purpose-built safari vehicles offering comfort, safety, and unbeatable game-viewing.
Full Board Meals
Fresh, nourishing meals included throughout your safari journey.
Comfort
Find Your Perfect Accommodation
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Lake Manyara
What is Tarangire National Park best known for?
Tarangire is renowned for its vast elephant herds, iconic ancient baobab trees, and exceptional dry-season wildlife concentrations along the Tarangire River.
When is the best time to visit Tarangire National Park?
The dry season from June to October offers the best wildlife viewing, as animals gather around permanent water sources. The green season (November to May) is ideal for birdlife, lush scenery, and fewer visitors.
How long should I spend in Tarangire National Park?
A stay of 1–2 nights is ideal when combined with Lake Manyara or Ngorongoro, while 2–3 nights allows for a more immersive and unhurried safari experience.
Can Tarangire be combined with other parks?
Absolutely. Tarangire pairs seamlessly with Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park, creating a well-balanced and luxurious safari itinerary.
How to get to Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is easily reached by road from Arusha in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The park lies slightly off the main northern safari circuit, making it a quieter alternative to nearby destinations. Most visitors arrive by private safari vehicle as part of a northern circuit itinerary, often combining Tarangire with Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti. Light aircraft flights are also available to nearby airstrips for those preferring to fly.
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