Location: Northern Circuit, Manyara Region
Area: 2,850 km²
Category: National Park

Overview

Tarangire National Park is one of the most celebrated parks within Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit. Known for its majestic baobab trees and impressively large herds of elephants, the park offers a unique safari experience with fewer crowds compared to neighboring Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

Named after the Tarangire River that winds through its heart, this park is a critical dry-season refuge for wildlife. The river serves as the only permanent water source during the dry months, attracting thousands of animals and offering spectacular game-viewing opportunities.

Spanning roughly 2,850 square kilometers, the park is home to a wide range of wildlife including zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, cheetahs, leopards, greater and lesser kudus, elands, and even rare species such as the oryx and gerenuk. It’s also a birder’s paradise, hosting nearly 500 species of birds, from vibrantly colored lovebirds to the towering ostrich and the impressive Kori bustard.

Whether as a stand-alone day trip from Arusha or as part of a longer safari itinerary, Tarangire National Park offers an unforgettable wildlife adventure amid a breathtaking African landscape.

Highlights

• One of the largest elephant populations in Tanzania

• Iconic baobab trees dotting the savannah

• Permanent water source at Tarangire River

• Excellent birdwatching with nearly 500 species

• Rare sightings of oryx and gerenuk

• Less crowded safari experience

Activities

• Game Drives – Explore the vast plains, swamps, and river valleys teeming with wildlife.

• Bird Watching – Spot exotic and endemic bird species in diverse habitats.

• Balloon Safari – Float silently above the park for a panoramic view of wildlife and landscape (seasonal).

• Night Game Drives – Discover nocturnal wildlife rarely seen during the day.

• Cultural Experiences – Optional visits to local communities can be arranged.

• Romantic Getaways – Ideal for honeymooners and special celebrations in nature.

Wildlife Viewing

Tarangire is known for its seasonal migration where thousands of animals move through the park in search of water. During the dry season, massive herds of elephants, sometimes up to 300 strong, gather along the Tarangire River. Predators follow the herds, making this a fantastic location to observe predator-prey dynamics in action.

Species frequently spotted:

• Large mammals: Elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest

• Predators: Lions, leopards, cheetahs

• Rare antelopes: Oryx, gerenuk, kudu

• Birds: Yellow-collared lovebirds, Kori bustards, ostriches, starlings

Tarangire River

The lifeline of the park, the Tarangire River is fed by seasonal streams from the eastern and southeastern highlands. It sustains lush swamps such as Silale, Gurusi, and Larmakau, which are vital during the dry season. These ecosystems support thousands of migrating animals and provide a rich base for game viewing throughout the year.

FAQs

Best Time to Visit:

• Dry season (June to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing as animals gather around the river.

• Green season (November to May) offers vibrant scenery and excellent birding.

How to Get There:

• By road: ~2.5 to 3 hours drive from Arusha

• By air: Accessible via nearby airstrips for charter flights

Climate:

• Warm days and cooler nights; temperatures vary with seasons and elevation. The dry season is generally cooler.

Nearby Destinations

• Lake Manyara National Park

• Ngorongoro Crater

• Lake Natron

• Serengeti National Park

• Arusha City

Are You Ready to Roam the Wild?
Start planning your Tanzanian wildlife safari today. Let African Giant Adventures guide you to the unforgettable.