Skip to content 
Tanzania safari destination
Tarangire, giants among the baobabs
Huge elephant herds, ancient baobab trees and a river that draws wildlife from far and wide.
Quick facts
Park at a glance
Location
Manyara Region, Tanzania
Park size
About 2,850 sq km
Ideal stay
2 to 3 nights
Best time
June to October
Park overview
Elephant country in northern Tanzania
Tarangire National Park is named after the river that runs through it, the only permanent water source in the area during the dry season. From June to October, wildlife pours in from the surrounding plains, and the park hosts some of the largest elephant gatherings in northern Tanzania.
Giant baobab trees, some hundreds of years old, give Tarangire its distinctive look. The park is also excellent for birdwatching and is quieter than its famous neighbours, making it a perfect first stop on a northern circuit safari.
- About two hours from Arusha
- Huge elephant herds in the dry season
- A quieter alternative to busier parks
Why go
Six reasons to visit Tarangire
A park full of character, elephants and wide-open space.
Elephant herds
Some of the largest gatherings in northern Tanzania.
Ancient baobabs
Massive trees that dominate the landscape.
The Tarangire River
A lifeline that draws wildlife in the dry season.
Rich birdlife
Hundreds of species, from hornbills to raptors.
Fewer crowds
A quieter park than the Serengeti or the crater.
Easy first stop
Close to Arusha and the rest of the northern circuit.
Wildlife
Who you will meet in Tarangire
From elephants to big cats, the river draws them all.
Elephants
Large herds gather along the river in the dry season.
Lions
Often seen resting in the shade near water.
Leopards
Hidden in the trees along the riverbanks.
Giraffes
Browsing among the acacias and baobabs.
Zebras
Arriving in large numbers in the dry months.
Buffalo
Big herds graze near the river and swamps.
When to visit
Tarangire through the year
Every season has its own rewards. Pick the one that matches what you most want to see.
Peak season
June to October
Dry season
Wildlife crowds along the river, with the biggest elephant herds of the year.
Great time
January to February
Short dry spell
Warm weather, good sightings and lush scenery.
Quiet season
March to May
Long rains
Green landscapes, quiet roads and excellent birdlife.
Good value
November to December
Short rains
Fresh grass and migrant birds, with animals beginning to spread out.
Things to do
More than game drives
Ways to make the most of your time in Tarangire.
Game drives
Follow the river in search of elephants and big cats.
Baobab landscapes
Photograph giant baobabs with elephants in the frame.
Elephant watching
Spend time with families at the river.
Birdwatching
Look for ostriches, hornbills and colourful rollers.
Maasai culture
Meet nearby communities and learn about their way of life.
Scenic drives
Explore the quieter corners of the park.
Plan your visit
Getting there and staying over
The practical details, so you can focus on the wildlife.
By road
About two hours from Arusha, making it an easy first stop on a northern circuit safari.
By air
Light-aircraft flights land at an airstrip inside the park.
Where to stay
Lodges and tented camps overlooking the river and baobab plains.
Tarangire safaris
Trips that include Tarangire
Tanzania and combined safaris that visit Tarangire. Every itinerary can be tailored to you.
- 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
- 13 Days 12 Nights
Good to know
Tarangire questions, answered
The things travellers most often ask before visiting. Anything else, our Nairobi team is happy to help.
Two or three nights is ideal, or a full day as part of a northern circuit safari.
During the dry season from June to October, when the river is the main source of water.
Yes. Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti are all close by.
Very. It is one of the best birding parks in northern Tanzania, especially in the green season.
They can be present in wooded areas. Wear light, neutral colours and bring insect repellent.
Yes. Its closeness to Arusha makes it an easy first park for children.
Ready for Tarangire?
Tell us your dates and which parks you would like to combine, and we will plan your Tanzania safari around you.
