Tarangire National Park, known for its ancient baobab trees and thriving wildlife, offers one of Tanzania’s most captivating safari experiences. Located just southwest of Arusha, the park is renowned for its large elephant herds, diverse birdlife, and seasonal migration of wildebeest and zebras. Tarangire is one of the lesser-known parks, making it a more intimate destination for wildlife viewing compared to its busier counterparts.
Spanning over 2,850 square kilometers, the park’s diverse landscape includes swamps, savannahs, and the life-giving Tarangire River, which draws countless animals during the dry season. While elephants dominate the scene, visitors will also spot large numbers of buffalo, giraffes, and various antelope species. The park’s birdlife is equally impressive, with over 550 species, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
Size: 2850 sq km (1,096 sq miles).
Location: 118 km (75 miles) southwest of Arusha.
Easy drive from Arusha or Lake Manyara with a surfaced road leading up to 7km from the main gate. Visitors can continue on to the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti.
Charter flights are available from Arusha and the Serengeti.
Guided walking safaris, day trips to Maasai and Barabaig villages, and explorations of ancient rock paintings near Kolo on the Dodoma Road.
Year-round, but the dry season (June - September) offers the best chance to see vast herds of wildlife.
Tarangire National Park is characterized by its breathtaking baobab trees and rolling savannahs. During the dry season, when water sources become scarce across the region, the Tarangire River remains a lifeline, attracting herds of elephants, wildebeests, zebras, and other wildlife. The park is also home to a variety of predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas, creating a dynamic and exciting safari experience.
Visitors to Tarangire are often amazed by the size of the elephant herds, with some groups numbering up to 300 individuals. These massive creatures can be seen digging into the dry riverbeds, searching for underground water. Along with the elephants, the park boasts an array of unique species including fringe-eared oryx, gerenuk, and large herds of buffalo.
Birdwatchers will be delighted with Tarangire's diverse avian population. The park is home to over 550 species of birds, making it one of the best destinations for birding in East Africa. The green swamps, even in the dry season, provide a habitat for flamingos, herons, storks, and a variety of raptors.
Beyond the wildlife, Tarangire is a place of tranquility, where visitors can enjoy walking safaris, cultural tours, and visits to nearby Maasai villages. It is a less crowded alternative to the Serengeti, offering an intimate and rich safari experience without the heavy tourist traffic.