Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park • Image 2
Tarangire National Park • Image 3
Tarangire National Park • Image 4Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK); Tarangire Airstrip
Tanzania
Warm days and cooler nights
Year-round travel
Elephant
11 key species listed
3 to 5 Nights
Tailored itinerary
June to October for the best game viewing near the river
High & Green seasons
About Tarangire National Park & Destination Guide
Tarangire National Park is famous for its elephants and its baobab trees, and it is one of the best parks for a short safari from Arusha. It suits families, photographers and guests who want a quieter park before the Serengeti.
Game drives follow the Tarangire River, which draws animals in the dry months. You see large elephant herds, giraffes, zebra and wildebeest, and lions resting in the shade. Birdwatching is good, and sundowners can be arranged near camps.
The trade-off is season. In the dry months the park is full of animals near the river, but in the rains they spread out across a huge area and are harder to find. The road to the park is short, but the park can be dusty in the dry season.
Tarangire is a natural first stop on a northern circuit before Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, and it is also a good two day add-on to a Zanzibar holiday (direct flights take about 1 hour 10 minutes).
Getting Here, Transport & Climate
Tarangire is a short drive from Arusha, about half a day including entry. It is on the road to Lake Manyara. See the Tarangire safari tours.
Overland travel in customized Toyota Land Cruisers featuring pop-up roofs for 360° wildlife viewing, USB charging sockets, high-clearance suspension, and a cooler with chilled bottled water.
exploreTarangire National Park Interactive Map & Terrain
Explore the geographic coordinates, boundaries, local airstrips, and surrounding wilderness circuits of Tarangire National Park.
Weather, Climate & Seasonal Advice
June to October for the best game viewing near the river. January and February are green and good for birds. April and May are the wettest months.
Warm days and cooler nights. The dry season is June to October. The long rains fall from March to May and the short rains in November and December. Tsetse flies can be a nuisance in some areas, so wear neutral colours.
Highlights & Wildlife in Tarangire National Park
petsKey Wildlife & Marine Species
Signature Highlights
Large elephant herds along the Tarangire River
Ancient baobab trees across the park
Dry season gathering of wildebeest, zebra and buffalo
Lions resting in the shade
Good birdwatching
Easy short safari from Arusha
Activities & Things to Do in Tarangire National Park
Tarangire Game Drive
Game drives follow the Tarangire River, which draws animals in the dry months. You see large elephant herds under old baobab trees, giraffes, zebra and wildebeest, and lions resting in the shade. Birdwatching is good, and you picnic under a tree at midday. In the dry months the park is full of animals near the river, but in the rains they spread out across a huge area and are harder to find. The park can be dusty in the dry season. Sundowners can be arranged near some camps.
Featured Safaris & Tours in Tarangire National Park
Explore our custom travel itineraries for Tarangire National Park
Request Custom ItineraryFrequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Tarangire National Park?
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June to October for the best game viewing near the river. January and February are green and good for birds. April and May are the wettest months.
How do I get to Tarangire National Park?
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Tarangire is a short drive from Arusha, about half a day including entry. It is on the road to Lake Manyara. See the Tarangire safari tours.
What is the weather like in Tarangire National Park?
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Warm days and cooler nights. The dry season is June to October. The long rains fall from March to May and the short rains in November and December. Tsetse flies can be a nuisance in some areas, so wear neutral colours.
What can I see and do in Tarangire National Park?
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• Large elephant herds along the Tarangire River • Ancient baobab trees across the park • Dry season gathering of wildebeest, zebra and buffalo • Lions resting in the shade • Good birdwatching • Easy short safari from Arusha
What should I pack for Tarangire National Park?
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Neutral colours such as khaki, olive or light brown, and avoid bright colours, black and dark blue. Bring a fleece or light jacket for cool early morning game drives, a sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, sturdy walking shoes and binoculars if you have them. Soft bags are easier than hard suitcases for small bush flights and vehicles.
What wildlife can I see in Tarangire National Park?
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Elephant, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, impala, lion, leopard, cheetah (rare), fringe-eared oryx and gerenuk (rare), and many bird species including ostrich.