Tarangire National Park: Everything You Need to Know

Discover the Untamed Beauty of Tarangire National Park in Tanzania

One of the most iconic destinations in the republic of Tanzania is Tarangire National Park. Additionally, it is a home to numerous attractions and Tanzania things to do. Tarangire National park is situated in the southern parts of Tanzania and it is bordered by the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This Tanzania national park is known to be a thrilling destination and it surprises visitors with its sweeping savannahs, dramatic baobab trees. Also, rich game viewing, and a peaceful atmospheres rewarding for all sorts of Tanzania safari activities in the country.

Location of Tarangire Park in Tanzania

Tarangire National Park is established in the Manyara region of the northern Tanzania points Additionally, Tarangire National Park Tanzania is just 118 kilometres south west of Arusha town. Hence, having a total distance of about 2,850 square kilometres, making it the sixth-largest national park in  Tanzania.

Tarangire National Park Tanzania is named after Tarangire River, its lifeline and source of its numerous attractions starting from wildlife within the park. The river winds its way through the park and acts as the main source of freshwater for wildlife. Especially during the dry season, hence drawing large numbers of animals in search of water.

History of Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park was established as a game reserve in 1957. Later, it was upgraded to a national park in 1970. And this was with the intended purpose to protect the unique ecosystem centred around the Tarangire River and the migratory corridors used by wildlife. Tarangire is known for its elephant population and iconic baobab trees, some of which are hundreds of years old. Unlike other Tanzania National parks, Tarangire feels less commercial and retains a raw making it an even more exciting destination to visit as you thrill at wildlife.

Climate of Tarangire park Tanzania

Tarangire National Park is known to have a tropical savanna climate. So, this is defined by warm temperatures and seasonal rains in Tanzania. Tangerine national park climate in Tanzania plays a critical role in shaping the park’s ecosystems and wildlife movements. Nevertheless, Tarangire NP has two main seasons known to offer various experiences to those that decide to visit.

  • Dry Season (June to October): This is the best time to visit Tarangire, as wildlife concentrates around the Tarangire River. The landscape becomes more open, visibility increases, and it becomes easier to spot animals.
  • Wet Season (November to May): The Tarangire park Tanzania transforms into a lush, green paradise. Though some areas become harder to access due to muddy tracks. Hence, this is a wonderful time for birdwatching safaris in Tanzania and fewer crowds.

How to Get To Tarangire Park in Tanzania

There are various ways to get to Tarangire National Park. So, sightseers can opt for these ways as they get to engage in a safari experience in Tarangire

Getting to Tarangire Park by Air:

Get to Tarangire by Road:

  • From Arusha, Tarangire is a 2–3 hour drive (approx. 120 km) via paved and gravel roads. Tarangire Park is accessible by road from Arusha, a drive of approximately two to three hours from Arusha city. Also, this is a popular starting poing for most affordable luxury Tanzania Safari tours from this company. With these means, you can hire a private vehicle in Tanzania joing a group guided safari in Tarangire.
  • Most visitors access the park through the Main Gate near Kwakuchinja.

Fortunate enough we (Tanzania National Parks Agency) offer transfers to Tarangire Park as part of your safari package either by road or air.

Tarangire National Park Map

Tanzania Top Attractions in Tarangire National Park

Tarangire NP is filled with numerous tourist attractions in Tanzania which ranks it as a great safari destination to visit. Below arethe different tourist attractions  in Tarangire Park Tanzania to witness as you venture the destination.

Group of zebras in Tarangire National Park / Tanzania.
Group of zebras in Tarangire National Park / Tanzania.

1. The Tarangire River

Animals-crossing-Tarangire-River-in-Tanzania

One of the top attractions within this Tanzania Park is the unique Tarangire river. Tarangire river  is the life-giving resource in the national and the central feature which sustains animals throughout the year. During the dry season, it attracts large congregations of elephants, wildebeests, zebras, buffaloes, and other herbivores. Carnivores follow closely, making the riverbanks perfect for wildlife observation in Tarangire.

2. Iconic Elephant Herds in Tarangire

Tarangire national park is famously referred to as the “Elephant Paradise” of Tanzania. So, this is due to the fact that the park hosts some of the largest elephant populations in East Africa. Additionally Tarangire Park has herds of up to 300 elephants often seen roaming or bathing together in Tanzania. Hence, this ranks the Tarangire as the best for elephant experiences in the country.

3. Baobab Trees

Tarangire is home to numerous baobab trees which are Scattered across the savannah like ancient monuments. So, these massive bobabs add to the park’s mystical feel. These trees not only define the landscape but also serve as crucial ecological hubs. In additional, this is done through storing water, providing shelter, and food for birds and insects. Hence, promoting Tanzania birding safaris in Tarangire as a result of this tourist attraction.

4. Seasonal Great Migration in Tanzania

Tarangire Park plays host to a lesser-known, but no less impressive, animal migration in Africa. During the dry season, thousands of animals such as wildebeests, elands, oryx, and zebras move into the park. This East Africa great migration in Serengeti is from surrounding regions as these animals search for water and pasture. Hence influencing and boasting wildlife safari holidays within Tarangire np in Tanzania.

5. Diverse Wildlife

Tarangire is home to numerous wildlife just beyond elephants but other things to see in Tanzania. Also, Tarangire NP is a home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including:

  • Lions – often found resting under the trees or stalking prey by the riverbanks.
  • Leopards – shy and elusive, but occasionally spotted in the wooded areas.
  • Cheetahs – faster and more agile, seen on the open plains of Tangerine national park in Tanzania.
  • Giraffes, buffaloes, warthogs, impalas, reedbucks, and rare species like the fringe-eared oryx and greater kudu.
  • Birdlife – over 550 bird species including the yellow-collared lovebird, kori bustard, and colorful bee-eaters.

6. Silale Swamp

Tarangire National Park Tanzania has the largest wetland which is located in southern parts of the park. Additionally, it serves as a crucial water source during the dry season in Tanzania. Salale swamp is as well a haven for birds and supports a high density of herbivores.

Worst and Best Time to Visit Tarangire Park in Tanzania

While on an experience to this Park, note the best and worst time to Tarangire park in Tanzania. Tarangire climate is characterised by distinct wet and dry seasons. So, here is what you should know about these periods and they are.

Best Time to visit Tarangire Park:

The best time to visit Tanzania for a Tarangire safari tour is during the dry season (June–October). So this is when wildlife congregates around the Tarangire river, making game viewing exceptional.

  • June to October – Ideal for wildlife viewing, especially elephants. Animals gather around the river, making sightings frequent and dramatic.
  • Late January to February – Also dry and accessible with good game viewing.

Worst Time to visit Tarangire National Park:

The wet season (November to May) brings lush greenery and fewer crowds but can make some roads difficult to navigate. The latter is regarded as the worst time to visit Tarangire game park in Tanzania. However, the wet season in Tarangire Tanzania offers beautiful landscapes and excellent birdwatching opportunities.

Top Things to Do in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

While at Tangerine national park Tanzania, there are various safari activities to do as you learn more about the park. So, visitors to Tarangire get to be thrilled with these various things to do in Tanzania and these include;

  1. Game Drives (Day & Night): Game drives are known to be the core activity in this Tanzania national. So, visitors take part in these Tarangire safari game drives as they explore the riverbanks and grasslands most especially during day. Additionally, others can engage in the night game drives which offer unveil to the Tarangire’s nocturnal life. This includes spotting bush babies, porcupines, and possibly leopards.
  2. Walking Safaris: Sightseers engage in guided nature walks which offer an intimate connection with the bush. So, sighsteers get to track animal footprints, learn about medicinal plants. Also, encounter wildlife from a new perspective hence getting to experience the park upclose.
  3. Bird Watching: Tarangire NP is known to be home to over 550 species of birds in Tanzania. Hence, Tarangire is a paradise for bird lovers. Witness numerous numerous birds in the parks perimeters during a birdwatching safari in Tarangire. As you head out to this thrill bring your binoculars and enjoy spotting everything from eagles and storks to hornbills and weavers.
  4. Cultural Visits: Tarangire offers experiences like cultural tours in Tanzania to the nearby Maasai or Barabaig communities. Hence, offering insights into local traditions, music, food, and crafts around Tarangire region.
  5. Tanzania Hot Air Balloon Rides in Tarangire (Seasonal): This less common than the Serengeti hot air balloon safaris. Operators such as Tanzania National Parks, Kilimanjaro Rwenzori, Serengeti Masai Mara, Goar Africa Safari tours offer balloon safaris over Tarangire. Tarangire balloon safaris mostly happen especially in the dry season in Tanzania. Don’t miss a once-in-a-lifetime experience to float above baobabs and herds with hot air balloon flights in Tarangire.

Tarangire National Park Entry Fees

young elephants playing in the Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

Tourists in Tanzania should note the Tarangiregate entry fees to encounter before their safari. Below are the park entry fees for Tarangire NP to be aware. Additionally, note that these Tarangire entry fees are not fixed and are most likely to change at any given time of the year.

  • Foreign adult (non-resident): USD 59 per person/day
  • Foreign child (5–15 years): USD 17.70
  • East African citizens: TZS 2,000–5,000 depending on age
  • Vehicle Entry: USD 40–150 depending on type and size
  • Guided Tours & Special Activities in Tarangire: Additional charges apply (e.g., walking safari, night game drive)

Where to Stay in Tarangire?

Tarangire National park offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all preferences and budgets as they get to visit the national park in Tanzania So, it offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly campsites to luxurious lodges in Tanzania. Popular Tarangire lodges options include;

  • Luxury Lodges: Tarangire Treetops, Sanctuary Swala Camp, Chem Chem Lodge
  • Mid-range Options: Tarangire Safari Lodge, Baobab Tented Camp
  • Budget Campsites & Eco-lodges: Whistling Thorn Camp, Tarangire Simba Lodge

These luxury, mi-range and budget Tarangire accommodations provide excellent views and immersive Tanzania safari holidays experiences.

Google Map for Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

Top selling Tarangire safari tour Packages

Tanzania National Parks company offers affordable luxury tour packages for Tarangire safari at all budgets. Contact us for a bespoke Tarangire safari itinerary for luxury or budget travellers to Tanzania.