Quick Facts
About Tarangire National Park
Peak Time
June - October
Best Time To Go
Year-Round
Famous For
Large herds of elephants and ancient baobab trees
Home Of
Over 550 species of birds and diverse wildlife
Overview
Located just a few hours drive from the town of Arusha, Tarangire is a popular stop for people travelling through the northern safari circuit on their way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. The park extends into two game controlled areas and the wildlife is allowed to move freely throughout.
Before the rains, droves of gazelles, wildebeests, zebras, and giraffes migrate to Tarangire National Park’s scrub plains where the last grazing land still remains. Tarangire offers an unparalleled game viewing, and during the dry season elephants abound. Families of the pachyderms play around the ancient trunks of baobab trees and strip acacia bark from the thorn trees for their afternoon meal. Breathtaking views of the Maasai Steppe and the mountains in the south make a stopover at Tarangire a memorable experience.
Wildlife
During you Safari in Tarangire, You are highly recommended to stay for a couple of days especially in the south of the park which offers a less crowded safari experience and gives you the opportunity to enjoy an authentic African feel of the Tanzania’s countryside.
Baobab Trees
The ancient baobab trees are one of the defining features of Tarangire National Park. These iconic trees, often referred to as the “Tree of Life,” can live for thousands of years and dominate the park’s landscape. The massive trunks of baobabs store water, which helps them survive the long dry seasons, and they also provide shelter for various wildlife species. A visit to Tarangire is incomplete without marveling at these natural giants that have stood the test of time.
Scenic Landscapes
Tarangire’s scenery is a mix of vast, open plains, riverine landscapes, and dense acacia woodlands. The Tarangire River is a permanent water source that draws in large numbers of wildlife during the dry season. The landscape is dotted with picturesque baobab trees and seasonal swamps that provide a variety of habitats for wildlife. Whether you’re gazing at herds of elephants among the baobabs or watching the sun set over the savannah, Tarangire offers some of the most stunning scenery in Tanzania.
Activities
- Game Drives and walking tours
- The primary safari activity in this park is game driving however if you live outside the park boundaries you might be able to enjoy walking tours. and night safaris. Currently Oliver’s Camp organizes walking tours as well as fly camping safaris.
- Night Game Drives
- One would wonder, are night game drives allowed in Tarangire? Well Night Game Drives are allowed in the park however, not all accommodations offer these tours. Only those that have properly established all the requirements and regulations offered by TANAPA such as Swala and Oliver’s camp are allowed to conduct these walks.
- Tarangire Balloon Safaris
- Join a hot air balloon ride over the Tarangire as you soar over the treetops of the Tarangire to enjoy an exceptional perspective of wildlife like lions and ungulates right below you
- Bird watching
- This is another common activity within the Tarangire during which devotees will be able to spot various bird species.
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Best Time to Visit
Accommodation
Why Visit Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is a sleeper hit that deserves more spotlight, delivering jaw-dropping wildlife encounters—especially if you’re obsessed with elephants or birds. Its towering baobab trees and the seasonal ebb and flow of animal migrations give it a one-of-a-kind safari flavor in Tanzania. Whether it’s the understated charm, the teeming wildlife, or the peaceful, sprawling landscapes that call to you, Tarangire promises a genuine African adventure that’s tough to beat. What’s got you most excited about this hidden gem?