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Tanzania · National Parks
Tarangire National Park
Ancient baobabs and some of the largest elephant herds in Tanzania, gathered along the Tarangire River.
Location
Manyara Region, Tanzania
Park size
About 2,850 km²
Best time
June to October
Ideal stay
One to two nights
The park
Elephants and baobabs
Tarangire lies about two hours south-west of Arusha, named after the river that runs through it. In the dry season, the Tarangire River is the only permanent water in the area, and wildlife pours in from the surrounding plains, including some of the largest elephant herds in northern Tanzania.
The landscape is unmistakable: giant baobab trees, some hundreds of years old, rise above the acacia woodland and swamps. Lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes and zebra are common, and over 500 bird species have been recorded, making it a favourite with birders.
Tarangire is often the first park on a northern Tanzania safari, followed by Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.
Places your guide will show you
Tarangire RiverSilale SwampBaobab countryLemiyonBurungiMatete
Signature sight
Giant baobabs and big herds
Wildlife
Who you will meet
In the dry season, Tarangire has one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Tanzania.
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01
Elephant
Herds of hundreds gather along the river in the dry season.
02
Lion
Prides hunt the riverbanks and woodland.
03
Leopard
Rests in the large trees along the river.
04
Giraffe
Browse the acacias across the park.
05
Zebra
Arrive in large numbers when the plains dry out.
06
Buffalo
Big herds gather around the swamps.
Experiences
More than game drives
Tarangire combines great wildlife with some of Africa’s most iconic trees.
Game drives
Follow the river with an English-speaking driver-guide.
Baobab country
Stop beneath giant baobabs that are centuries old.
Tarangire River
Watch elephants dig for water in the dry riverbed.
Maasai cultural visit
Visit a Maasai community near the park.
Easy access
A short, paved drive from Arusha, ideal to start a safari.
Photography
Elephants and baobabs make classic African images.
When to visit
The best time for Tarangire
Tarangire is at its best in the dry season, when the river draws wildlife from far and wide.
Jan – Mar
Warm and green
Good game viewing, green landscapes and fewer visitors.
Apr – May
Long rains
Lush and quiet, with lower rates and muddy tracks.
Jun – Oct
Peak season
Dry season
Animals gather near water, making sightings easy.
Nov – Dec
Short rains
Short showers, fresh grass and migrant birds.
Getting there
Reaching the park
By road
About two hours from Arusha on a paved road.
By air
Light aircraft from Arusha land at airstrips in and near the park.
On safari
Usually the first or second stop on the northern circuit.
Where to stay
Lodges, camps and stays
01
Inside the park
Lodges and tented camps overlooking the river.
02
Bordering areas
Camps in community areas offering walks and night drives.
03
Near the gate
Budget camps outside the main entrance.
Park entry fees are set by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) and charged per person per day. Ask us for current rates when you request your quote.
Ready-made trips
Tarangire safari tours
Tanzania safaris and Kenya and Tanzania combinations that include Tarangire.
- Arusha, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire
- 8 Days 7 Nights
- Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire, Arusha
- 7 Days 6 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, Arusha, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire
- 14 Days 13 Nights
- Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, Arusha, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire
- 13 Days 12 Nights
Good to know
Tarangire FAQs
Where is Tarangire National Park?
In the Manyara Region of northern Tanzania, about two hours south-west of Arusha.
What is Tarangire known for?
Large elephant herds, giant baobab trees and excellent birdlife.
When is the best time to visit Tarangire?
June to October, when the dry season concentrates wildlife along the river.
How long do you need in Tarangire?
One to two nights, or a full day as part of a northern circuit.
Can you see the Big Five in Tarangire?
Elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo are common. Rhinos are very rare here.
Can Tarangire be combined with other parks?
Yes. It pairs with Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
Talk to a planner
Still deciding?
Our Nairobi team can answer anything about Tarangire and shape a route around your dates.
- +254 111 318 596
- +254 705 223 484
- info@topmatoursandsafaris.com
- Mon – Sat: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Your journey
Start your Tarangire journey
Tell us your dates, group size and budget, and we will shape a Tarangire itinerary around the season and the experiences you want.
