Tarangire National Park

Your Tarangire National Park Safari Begins Here.

Tarangire National Park is best known for its iconic baobab trees that tower over the landscape and the huge herds of elephants that roam its grassy plains. Located in northern Tanzania, the park derives its name from the Tarangire River, a permanent waterway that provides an essential source of fresh water from June to October, when most other water sources have dried up. The park is located in the Manyara Region, between Lake Manyara and the Great Rift Valley, where it is the 6th largest national park in the country, covering around 2,600 square miles. Although Tarangire is one of the less frequented game reserves in Tanzania, it is home to a surprising number and diversity of wildlife, exceeded only by the country’s Serengeti National Park.

Tarangire is the ideal destination for those who want to enjoy some solitude and perhaps explore the park with expert guides on foot.

During the dry season, Tarangire hosts the second largest density of elephants in the world, second only to Chobe National Park in Botswana. Tarangire hosts its own mini-migration each dry season when around 250,000 animals enter the park in search of water. All these impressive animal movements are due to the permanent waters of the Tarangire River. Because some of the lodges have fulfilled special requirements that allow them to offer night drives and game walks, Tarangire is the ideal destination for those who want to enjoy some solitude and perhaps explore the park with expert guides on foot. Another option includes air-borne game watching from a hot-air balloon floating silently above the ancient baobabs.

Frequently asked questions

Why visit Tarangire?
Tarangire National Park is a less-visited region best known for its tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior that’s only seen in two populations of lions in the world. A memorable feature of Tarangire is the huge baobab trees dotted around in big numbers which adds to the stunning scenery.
When is the best time to visit Tarangire?
The best time to visit Tarangire National Park is from June to October (Dry Season). During these months, animals migrate into the park from surrounding areas and congregate around the Tarangire River, making them easier to spot.
How to get to Tarangire?
Tarangire National Park is part of the northern safari circuit and can be visited together with the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. The best way to get there is by flying to Kilimanjaro International Airport, and then departing from the nearby town of Arusha, it is a comfortable two-hour drive to the entrance gate.
What wildlife can you see in Tarangire?
In Tarangire National Park, you can commonly spot elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and various antelope species. Massive herds of elephants also roam the park, making it one of the best places in East Africa to observe these gentle giants up close.