Tarangire National Park

Region

Manyara Region, Northern Tanzania

Area

2,850 km²

Best Time

Jun?Oct (dry)

Altitude

1,000 ? 1,500 m

Tarangire is the elephant capital of the northern circuit ? ancient baobabs standing over a river that keeps the park green and full of game long after the rains have gone.

Named after the Tarangire River that cuts through it, this park is one of the most underrated in Tanzania. In the dry season, the river becomes the only reliable water source for miles, drawing enormous herds of elephant ? often 200 or more in a single family group ? along with zebra, wildebeest and eland from the surrounding Maasai Steppe.

What sets Tarangire apart visually is the baobab woodland: thousand-year-old trees with trunks wide enough to park a vehicle beside, scattered across golden grass and termite mounds. It is quieter than the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, with far fewer vehicles per sighting, which makes it a favourite add-on for travellers who want big game without the crowds.

Safari Highlights

Elephant Herds

Some of the largest elephant concentrations in Africa gather along the Tarangire River in the dry season.

Ancient Baobabs

Iconic baobab trees, some well over 1,000 years old, define the park's skyline.

Tarangire River

The dry-season lifeline of the ecosystem ? the best game viewing hugs its banks.

Fewer Vehicles

A quieter alternative to the Serengeti, with excellent sightings and none of the crowding.

Tree-Climbing Lions

One of the few parks in Tanzania, alongside Manyara, where lions are regularly seen up in trees.

Birdlife

Over 550 recorded species, including the yellow-collared lovebird found almost nowhere else.

Animals you may see

  • Elephant
  • Lion
  • Leopard
  • Zebra
  • Wildebeest
  • Eland
  • Fringe-eared Oryx
  • Gerenuk
  • Buffalo
  • Giraffe
  • Warthog
  • Yellow-collared Lovebird

When to visit

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
  • Peak
  • Good
  • Fair
  • Low

June to October is peak season ? the river draws game from the entire ecosystem and sightings are at their most concentrated. April and May, the long rains, see many animals disperse and some park roads become difficult.

Find Us

FAQs

Is Tarangire worth visiting if I only have a few days?

Yes ? it pairs naturally with Lake Manyara or Ngorongoro on the way to or from the Serengeti, and needs only one to two nights to deliver excellent elephant and baobab scenery.

When are the elephant herds biggest?

July to October, the dry season, when the river is the only water for miles and herds concentrate along its length. In the wet season many animals disperse into the surrounding plains.

Is Tarangire good for a night walk or walking safari?

Yes, guided walking safaris are available in parts of the park and in the adjacent Manyara Ranch, something not permitted in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater.

How far is Tarangire from Arusha?

About two hours by road, making it an easy first or last stop on a northern circuit safari.

Tours in this destination

Plan your trip

Tell us the dates and who is travelling — we will put an itinerary together for you.

Contact Chat on WhatsApp