Tarangire National Park
Tanzania
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park covers roughly 2,850 square kilometres south of Arusha, its landscape defined by the Tarangire River and the ancient, swollen-trunked baobab trees that dot its grassy plains. The river is the ecosystem’s only reliable source of water through the dry season, drawing in wildlife from across the surrounding region.
From June to November, thousands of elephant, zebra, wildebeest and buffalo concentrate along the riverbanks and swamp edges in some of the highest game densities in northern Tanzania, while over 550 recorded bird species make it one of the country’s richest destinations for birdlife. Tarangire is markedly quieter than the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, with far fewer vehicles at any sighting.
What to Expect
Most travelers pair a visit to Tarangire National Park with nearby highlights such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, combining sites into a single seamless northern-circuit itinerary rather than backtracking between stops.
Activities & Wildlife
From dense elephant herds and ancient baobabs to dry-season waterholes and prolific birdlife, Tarangire packs some of northern Tanzania's richest game viewing into its quietest park.
- Elephant Herds
- Ancient Baobab Trees
- Dry-Season Waterholes
- Prolific Birdlife
Tarangire holds one of the highest elephant densities in Africa, with family herds of forty or more a common sight moving between the river and the surrounding acacia woodland.
Getting to Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is roughly a two-hour drive south of Arusha, mostly on paved road with a short stretch of dirt track into the park itself, making it an easy first or last stop on a northern-circuit safari. Its position close to Arusha also makes it a natural add-on for travelers with a spare day, without the longer transfers that the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater require.
When to Go to Tarangire
Best Time to Go
Accommodation
Where to Stay at Tarangire National Park
Accommodation
Tarangire Treetops Lodge
Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
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Accommodation
Sanctuary Swala Camp
Southern Tarangire, Tanzania
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Plan a trip to Tarangire National Park
Browse our Tanzania safari itineraries or contact us to build a custom trip.
More of Tanzania to explore
- Serengeti National ParkEndless plains and the wildebeest migration.
- Ngorongoro CraterA volcanic crater packed with wildlife.
- ZanzibarBeaches and Stone Town to finish a safari.
