Tarangire National Park Travel Guide
A hidden gem famed for elephants and ancient baobabs
Lying to the south of Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Are, Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s best-kept safari secrets.
Although easily accessible from Arusha, it remains relatively undiscovered, providing a more exclusive and tranquil safari experience for those in the know.
The park is characterised by its stunning scenery – look forward to expansive savannah grasslands punctuated by ancient baobab trees – as well as its impressive elephant herds. During the dry season, when wildlife congregates along the Tarangire River, game viewing is exceptional, offering high chances of spotting both predators and large herds.
Tarangire is home to some of the largest elephant herds in East Africa, and the sight of these ponderous pachyderms ambling between the baobabs is unforgettable. The dry season – from June to October – attracts vast numbers of wildlife to the riverbanks, including lions, leopards, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and wildebeest. Tarangire is also a hotspot for some of the rarer antelope species in East Africa, such as the fringe-eared oryx and the long-necked gerenuk. Prefer birds? Over 500 species have been recorded in Tarangire, including colourful bee-eaters, hornbills, and raptors.
While you’ll spend most of your time here on guided safari drives, selected game lodges and camps offer guided walks and night drives; an unforgettable activity not allowed in many Tanzanian parks. Hot-air balloon excursions are an unforgettable add-on, and cultural visits to neighbouring communities, particularly the Maasai and Datoga, can also be arranged.
Dining in Tarangire is exclusively lodge-based, often served al fresco with wonderful views across the park. While many menus feature local produce and culinary influences, you can expect international-style menus and dishes. Luxury camps generally include all meals and beverages in their rates, and special dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.
Pack light, neutral-coloured clothing for game drives, suitable for warm days and cooler early mornings. A fleece or light jacket is advisable, especially from June to August. Closed walking shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent are essential. Most camps offer laundry services and provide basic amenities, but be sure to bring sufficient supply of any personal medications.
Tarangire has a warm climate for most of the year, but you’ll find the best wildlife viewing in the dry season (June to October), when animals gather at the river. During the green season (November to May), the park is lush, and the landscapes even more beautiful, offering excellent birdwatching and fewer visitors. The season of the long rains (March to May) can render roads impassable, and some camps may close temporarily.
Tarangire is located in a malaria-endemic area. Anti-malarial medication is recommended, so consult your travel health professional at least three weeks before travel.
Tarangire is located approximately two hours by road from Arusha, making it one of the most accessible parks in northern Tanzania. Scheduled flights also operate to the nearby Kuro Airstrip, with onward transfers arranged by your lodge or safari operator. The park is an excellent extension to itineraries that combine the Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro.
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