Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park, located in northern Tanzania, is famous for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and sweeping savannah landscapes dotted with termite mounds. It’s less crowded than the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, making it a favorite for travelers seeking a quieter, off-the-beaten-path safari experience.
The park centers on the Tarangire River, a lifeline during the dry season when thousands of animals — elephants, buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, impalas, and predators like lions and leopards — gather along its banks. It’s also a paradise for birders, with over 500 bird species, including yellow-collared lovebirds, ostriches, and raptors.
Best Time To Visit
Dry Season (June to October)
This is the prime time for wildlife viewing. As water sources dry up elsewhere, animals crowd the Tarangire River, offering dramatic game-viewing scenes. Elephant herds can number in the hundreds, and predators are easier to spot in the thin vegetation.
Wet Season (November to May)
The landscape turns lush and green, birdwatching is superb with many migratory species, and the park feels peaceful with fewer visitors. However, wildlife viewing is less concentrated since animals disperse away from the river.
Tip: Roads may become muddy in March and April, the peak of the rainy season — some camps even close during this time.
How to get there
By Road
Tarangire is about 118 km (73 miles) from Arusha, taking roughly 2–2.5 hours on good roads. It’s an easy drive, making it a popular first or last stop on the northern safari circuit.
By Air
The Kuro Airstrip inside the park serves daily scheduled flights from Arusha, Serengeti, Zanzibar, and other major safari hubs — ideal for fly-in safaris or luxury travelers.
By Safari Package
Most visitors explore Tarangire as part of an organized safari tour, combining it with Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, or Serengeti. These packages include transfers, guides, and park fees, simplifying logistics.
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