
National ParkFeatured Destination
Tarangire National Park
Tanzania 2,850 km² (1,100 mi²) Est. 1970
About Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania's most underrated safari destinations, renowned for its massive elephant herds, ancient baobab trees, and the life-giving Tarangire River that draws vast concentrations of wildlife during the dry season. Covering 2,850 square kilometers, it is the sixth-largest national park in Tanzania.
The park's landscape is a mosaic of grassy floodplains, swamps, and dense woodland dotted with iconic baobab trees, some estimated to be over 1,000 years old. During the dry months from June to October, Tarangire rivals the Serengeti for wildlife density, with hundreds of elephants, wildebeest, zebras, and buffalo gathering along the river. It is also a birder's paradise with over 550 species recorded.
20
Safari Tours
4.4
Avg Rating
4/5
Big Five
56
Years Protected
Highlights
- Largest elephant herds in Tanzania, often numbering in the hundreds
- Iconic ancient baobab trees create a unique and photogenic landscape
- Less crowded than the Serengeti and Ngorongoro while offering excellent wildlife
- Outstanding bird watching with over 550 recorded species
- Easy to combine with other northern circuit parks
Considerations
- Wildlife disperses widely during the wet season, reducing sightings
- Tsetse flies can be bothersome in certain areas of the park
- Fewer luxury accommodation options compared to the Serengeti
- Limited predator sightings compared to the Serengeti or Ngorongoro
Wildlife
Big Five Status
🦁
Lion
occasional
🐆
Leopard
occasional
🐘
Elephant
common
🦬
Buffalo
common
🦏
Rhino
Not present
Notable Species
Lion
Occasional
Leopard
Occasional
Elephant
Common
Cape Buffalo
Common
Giraffe
Common
Zebra
Common
Wildebeest
Common
Kudu
Occasional
Impala
Common
Grant's Gazelle
Common
Kori Bustard
Occasional
Lilac-breasted Roller
Common
Rock Python
Rare
Common Occasional Rare
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season Good Time Less Ideal
Climate Overview
Getting There
Tarangire is located about 120 kilometers southwest of Arusha, making it one of the most accessible parks on the northern circuit. The drive takes approximately 2 hours on good tarmac roads. Charter flights to Tarangire airstrip are also available.
Nearest Airport
Tarangire Airstrip
Nearest City
Arusha
Drive Time
2 hours
Safari Tours (20)

Africa's Wild Wonders
5.0
10-Day Northern Tanzania Safari & Cultural Experience
10 days
From
$2,650 /person

Africa's Wild Wonders
5.0
5-Day Best Value Northern Highlights Safari
5 days
From
$1,200 /person

Africa's Wild Wonders
5.0
6-Day Best Value Northern Circuit safari
6 days
From
$1,600 /person

Burigi Tours and Safaris
10-Day Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari
10 days
From
$8,650 /person

Burigi Tours and Safaris
9-Day Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari
9 days
From
$7,755 /person

Burigi Tours and Safaris
7-Day Great Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari
7 days
From
$5,475 /person

Burigi Tours and Safaris
8-Day Serengeti Adventure Big Cats Safari
8 days
From
$4,760 /person

Petit Maasai Safaris
8-Day Calving Season Safari
8 days
From
$3,600 /person

Sundown Expeditions
3-Day Midrange Safari to Tarangire & Ngorongoro
3 days
From
$990 /person

Blue Mist Safaris
6-Day Budget Camping Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara
6 days
From
$1,065 /person

Kilimanjaro Winners And Safaris
5-Day Tanzania Northern Circuit Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire
5 days
From
$1,600 /person

Apex Prowler Adventures
7-Day Great Tanzania Safari Experience
7 days
From
$2,530 /person
Showing 13 to 24of 24 results
Tarangire National Park
20 tours available