Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park, With its Magic
Located slightly off the main safari route, Tarangire National Park is a lovely, quiet park in Northern Tanzania. It is most famous for its elephant migration, birding, and authentic safari atmosphere.
The majority of travellers to the region either miss out on Tarangire altogether or venture into the park for only a matter of hours—leaving swathes of Tarangire virtually untouched!
With a game viewing area roughly ten times the size of nearby Manyara NP and an exceptional concentration of game from July through October, this seasonal Tanzania safari park is a little gem on the Northern safari circuit, especially if you love elephants!
Tarangire is the surprise package on the Northern circuit. Often overshadowed by the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire boasts huge concentrations of animals during peak months and a fraction of the visitor numbers compared to other Northern parks. From July through October, safaris here are superb, with an
atmosphere and habitats that are distinctively different from those of other parks. Tarangire's surprisingly large size provides visitors with the quietest game viewing environment in the region.
The southern part of Tarangire is especially tranquil, and lodges such as Swala and Oliver's Camp are ideal for exploring this remote area and truly escaping other travelers. Overall, it’s a superb little park that offers great value compared to its neighbors and is a seriously good option for those wanting to get away from it all.
Tarangire National Park Safari - The Wildlife
During the dry months, the concentration of animals around the Tarangire River is almost as diverse and reliable as in the Ngorongoro Crater. The park's unique ecosystem is balanced by a localized migration pattern, which is followed by most of the game that resides in and around the park.
As a result, Tarangire shines in season but can be less impressive the rest of the year. Elephants are the main attraction, with up to 3,000 in the park during peak months.
The peak season also brings good numbers of wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, buffalo, Thompson's gazelle, greater and lesser kudu, eland, leopard, and cheetah. The real treasures of the park are dwarf mongoose, oryx, and gerenuk, though sightings of these species are quite rare. Tarangire is also one of Tanzania's finest birding destinations.
Are Night Drives Allowed in Tarangire?
Night drives are allowed in Tarangire, although not all lodges offer them due to varying arrangements with TANAPA. Lodges outside the National Park typically do not offer night drives. If this is a key interest, confirm with your lodge before booking.
Tarangire - When to Go
The game viewing from July through October is exceptional, but for the remainder of the year, the majority of game migrates out of the park, moving to the Rift Valley floor and the grazing grounds of the Masai steppe. As a result, high concentrations of game are less likely in the off-season months, though visiting during this time can still be rewarding for those seeking to avoid crowds.
Tarangire Safari Lodges - Accommodation
Numerous lodges surround the border of Tarangire, but staying inside the park itself is often the best choice. Swala and Oliver's Camp are top-end options within the park. Kuro Camp, with its excellent management and beautiful interior design, is a standout favorite. Tarangire Treetops, located outside the park, offers rooms raised into ancient baobab trees, making it one of Tanzania's most unique properties. For a more authentic and classic safari experience, Tarangire Sopa is a larger hotel, but a more traditional safari lodge is recommended to enhance your stay.
For a summary of the Best Places to Stay in Tarangire, please follow this link.
Best Time to Visit Tarangire National Park
The best time to visit Tarangire is likely during the dry season from June to October, when game viewing is at its peak. The presence of tsetse flies from December to March can make the park less pleasant during this period, so while it's a good time for the Serengeti's wildebeest calving, Tarangire is best avoided.
Tarangire National Park - Further Reading
While our website aims to be comprehensive, additional background information can be found in the Cadogan Guide to Tanzania and Zanzibar - Tarangire Chapter, written by our director Annabel. The most recent edition was published in 2005, so some details may be slightly dated, but it remains a thorough resource.
Location and Size
Location: It is approximately 120 kilometers southwest of Arusha, making it easily accessible as part of the northern safari circuit.
Size: The park covers around 2,850 square kilometers, making it the sixth-largest national park in Tanzania. It is characterized by its varied terrain, including swamps, rivers, and savannah plains.
Unique Landscape
Baobab Trees: Tarangire is famous for its ancient baobab trees, some of which are hundreds of years old. These iconic trees, also known as "upside-down trees," provide shelter for various bird species and are a striking feature of the landscape.
Tarangire River: The park is named after the Tarangire River, which acts as a lifeline for the wildlife. During the dry season (June to October), the river becomes the primary source of water, attracting large herds of animals.
Wildlife and Safari Experience
Elephants: Tarangire boasts one of the highest densities of elephants in Tanzania. Visitors can witness herds of up to 300 elephants, especially during the dry season when they gather around the river.
Birdlife: The park is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 500 bird species recorded. Notable species include the Kori bustard, yellow-collared lovebird, and ostriches.
Predators and Herbivores: Besides elephants, the park is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, and a variety of herbivores like giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and buffalos. Unique sightings include the fringe-eared oryx and greater kudu.
Best Time to Visit
Dry Season (June to October): This is the best time for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. It is also an ideal period for walking safaris.
Green Season (November to May): The park becomes lush and green, attracting migratory birds. This is a great time for birdwatching, but wildlife may be more dispersed.
Activities in Tarangire
Game Drives: The most popular activity, offering an opportunity to see diverse wildlife up close.
Walking Safaris: Led by professional guides, these safaris allow visitors to explore the park on foot, learning about the flora and fauna in detail.
Night Game Drives: Unique to Tarangire, night safaris offer a chance to spot nocturnal animals like bush babies, genets, and owls.
Cultural Visits: Visitors can explore the local Maasai villages, gaining insight into the traditional Maasai way of life.
Accommodation Options
Tarangire offers a range of accommodation options, including:
Luxury Lodges: Ideal for a more comfortable and exclusive safari experience, often located within or near the park boundaries.
Tented Camps: Offering a closer connection to nature with a touch of comfort and luxury.
Budget Campsites: For travelers seeking an affordable and adventurous experience.
Why Visit Tarangire?
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Tarangire is less crowded compared to Serengeti and Ngorongoro, providing a more intimate safari experience.
Unique Ecosystem: The park's mix of landscapes, from baobab-dotted plains to swampy areas, offers diverse habitats for wildlife.
Elephant Migration: The seasonal movement of elephants and other wildlife offers a spectacular viewing experience, especially during the dry season.
How to Include Tarangire in Your Safari Itinerary
Tarangire is often included in itineraries alongside Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara, forming part of the northern circuit safari. A typical safari to Tarangire can be a day trip from Arusha or part of a multi-day safari tour.
