Tarangire National Park
Safari suitability: 8/10
Find your tourWhile it does have four of the big five, the park’s small size and abundance of tsetse flies bring it down a few points.
What YAS members think
Highlights
- Excellent destination for viewing elephants
- Great photo opportunities here for those looking for scenic landscapes
- Gorgeous baobab trees
- The months of July through February are recommended as the best ones to visit
- Its close proximity to Lake Manyara National Park mean visitors can easily see two parks in only a few days
About Tarangire National Park
Located about 120 km (75 miles) west of the town of Arusha, Tarangire National Park is a great safari destination for those with limited time. Its proximity to Lake Manyara National Park also means visitors can visit two national parks in Tanzania in short period of time.
Tarangire is the sixth-largest national park in Tanzania, and can easily be covered in two days. It is eponymously named by the river that runs through it, providing valuable water to resident animals during the dry season. While the park does not offer all of the big five, it is especially famous for its large number of elephants. It is estimated that nearly 4000 elephants can be found here, so any safari will surely involve ample sightings of these large mammals. In addition to elephants and lions, several other large animals can be seen here such as giraffe, leopard, buffalo, hyenas, wildebeest and zebra. In fact, four of the big five are found in Tarangire, with only the rhino being absent.
The magnificent scenery is also a huge draw to Tarangire. In addition to the stoic, thorny acacias, one can find the mighty baobab tree here. The tree bears nutritious fruits that are high in Vitamin C and in calcium, and which are very popular with the animals. Another striking feature of the Tarangire landscape is the termite mound, which is found in abundance here. Some reach great heights and they can be mistaken for small trees from far away. It is also not uncommon to see a cheetah perched atop an abandoned termite mound, as they make for an excellent vantage point for spotting prey.
When to visit Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is recommended year-round, with possibly only the heavy rainy season putting a ‘damper’ on things as the foliage is very dense and the watering holes are aplenty. The heavy rain season runs from the end of March through mid-May. Conversely, the peak of the dry season, around September and October, is when game viewing is at its best, as the animals are forced to gather at the remaining water sources. Another benefit to visiting Tarangire during the drier months is you will encounter fewer Tsetse flies. Anyone who has been bitten by one of these annoying, relentless insects will know that they can be very trying on the patience, particularly when one is trying to photograph an animal. The most annoying thing about the Tsetse fly, after its sharp bite, is the fact that it is a diurnal animal—it is active during the daylight hours. Tsetse flies tend to be drawn towards darker colors, such as dark blues and violets, so wearing lighter-colored clothing will help. There will also be fewer mosquitos when visiting during the dry season.
Tarangire NP is about a 3 hour drive from Arusha Tz, the " 'Gateway' to the Serengeti," on a well-paved road. It is a 20 minute flight from Arusha (ARK), or a 45 minute flight from Kilimanjaro (JRO). The park is about the size of Rhode Island. Tarangire is one of my favorite national parks in the Serengeti area because it is generally not crowded with visitors and its size and diversity of wildlife allows for seeing a lot of different kinds of animals at a close distance in a relatively short amount of time. In a half day you can see a lot of great animal life, though a full day would be ideal. Tarangire National Park is known for having the largest elephant population in northern Tanzania. Currently, Tarangire has 3 major elephant populations with each population having around 1,000 elephants. The national park also has zebras, giraffes, wild dogs, hyenas, hippos, wildebeest, impalas, jackals, waterbucks, cheetahs, kudus, Grant gazelles, dik diks, lions, leopards, fringe eared oryx, and eland. It also has many giant baobab trees. During the short rainy season (November-December), it is commonplace to see tree climbing lions. The Tarangire River attracts animal life. In the dry season (June -September), huge numbers of thirsty animals are attracted to and congregate around the banks of the river. Its southern part, Silale swamp, attracts animals that feed and drink during the dry season. In addition to game viewing, you can also visit Maasai and Barabaig villages and have guided walking safaris in the area
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Tarangire took us by surprise! We had heard of the big names like Serengeti, but this park offered something truly unique. The baobab trees against the golden savannah were stunning, and the sheer number of elephants blew us away. Our guide said it was a lesser-known spot, but it felt like we had the park almost to ourselves. We even spotted a few lions lounging near the Tarangire River. It's a quieter experience, but still packed with wildlife. Absolutely worth adding to any safari itinerary!
Tarangire national park is the place where more herds of elephants are found, with the good view and roadside is very good,the picnic place for lunch is also amaizing and we were able to view the river Tarangire from there.
Although it’s only a couple of hours up the road from Arusha, most tourists hurry on towards Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro with barely a second glance at the Tarangire turn-off; and in doing so they are missing the wildest park on Tanzania’s northern circuit. Elephants and baobabs – the giants of the animal and vegetable kingdoms – define the nature of Tarangire. Add 500 square miles of acacia glades, swamps and anthill-dotted plains and you have a classic African big game sanctuary. Tsetse flies can be bothersome but soon forgotten when you find a lion pride or a beautiful Tarangire leopard. Birding is good, too. I saw my first-ever pennant-winged nightjar here. The best advice for anyone wanting to visit Tarangire is to come in the dry season between June and October when the only water for miles around is the Tarangire River, attracting thousands of animals from the Masai steppe.
Tarangire National Park, as experienced and appreciated by Dakado Tanzania Safari, is a captivating wildlife haven that leaves an indelible mark on all who venture into its embrace. From the mesmerizing congregation of elephants along the Tarangire River to the iconic baobab trees and diverse birdlife, the park's rich biodiversity and commitment to conservation make it a standout destination. Our guided safari through Tarangire showcased its raw beauty, and our strategically located accommodations seamlessly blended comfort with the untamed allure of the African wilderness. Dakado takes pride in introducing guests to the wonders of Tarangire, ensuring each safari is an immersive journey into the heart of Tanzania's natural treasures.
Best national park at Tanzania. In Tarangire we use short distance but we was spot a lot of attractions this is why we love Tarangire. There is also good accommodation and roads are accessible all around the year.
Tarangire National Park which is found southwest of Arusha city is mostly famous for its huge herds of elephants, birding and many baobab trees and its natural habitat includes open grassland, forest, swamps and lake burunge which gets its water from Tarangire river and it can be visited throughout the year. Best times to visit is during dry season from June to September there is high concentration of wild animals who migrate there in search of water and pasture Tarangire offer different options from traditional game drive on a jeep to walking though the savannah while learn animal tracking and observe the smallest living creatures such as termites, rodents and reptiles or a night game drive to see nocturnal animals and hot air balloon in the early mornings. Tarangire is best for a private game viewing as its less crowded and has lot to offer though out the year with spectacular game viewing with grazers, browsers and carnivores .Its also fairly close to Arusha city which is about 118 km (75 miles) and its accessible though out the year while its big enough to spend more than 3 days There are good accommodation facilities inside and outside the park from budget, mid standard to luxury accommodation and park is surrounded by a game protected areas controlled by wildlife management authority and works with local communities on conservation activities, there several cultural tours offered by tribes and communities living near by the park such as Maasai tribe, mbulu tribe and Hadzabe
The Tarangire River provides water for the wildlife species in the national park, especially during the dry seasons. Tarangire National Park contains a very large wildlife concentration, including the largest species of Africa's animals, and hundreds of bird species.
When a tourist enters Tarangire for the first time, will be excited with a wonderful landscape, full of beautiful natural attractions like termite hills, baobab trees, acacia, rivers, and indigenous trees. It is home to many large animal species of class Mammalia, birds, and reptiles. It is a wildlife sanctuary whereby large herds of elephants and buffalo are seen. Also, for bird watchers, it is home to bird photographic safaris consisting of the largest birds on earth such as ostrich, and majestic bird secretary birds. Over 450 species of birds have been observed. This park has many baobab trees and some varieties of acacias, where Tarangire pythons climb trees.
Italy
Elephants, baobabs and pythons are the reasons why people go to Tarangire. Every book, every guide, every pamphlet will tell you that. Its true. Tarangire National Park is the home of these giants. Even if they are of very different kinds, theres a sort of agreement between them.
Kenya
Tarangire National Park is best known for its many gigantic baobab trees and its large herds of elephants. It is a home to approximately 2,500 individuals and large herds are regularly viewed. Elephants gathering at the Tarangire River to drink water make for a perfect panoramic picture! You can also spot many different animals like leopard, zebra, impala, warthog, eland, buffalo, waterbuck and lion. Also the birders (ornithologists) will have so much to see; more than 500 different bird-species are present. This park hosts the biggest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti. Also it is the only place in Tanzania where the oryx and gerenuk are regularly spotted.
Driving to Tarangire from Arusha
Driving to Tarangire from Arusha takes under three hours and is on, generally, good roads.
Domestic and charter flights to Tarangire
The majority of scheduled, domestic flights service nearby Lake Manyara. There is a local airstrip at Tarangire, and chartered flights will accommodate those who wish to save time 2.5 hours and fly there.
The following airlines travel to Tarangire National Park
As Salaam Air has grown to be a leading air carrier between the Tanzanian Islands. Our experienced team understands that customer satisfaction is important to the creation of a successful flight operation. Thus, we go above and beyond to satisfy our clients. The airline plies eight routes to promote tourism within and outside the country. We have two fuel-efficient aircraft Cessna 208B Grand Caravan and Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia, which are good for the environment and the safety of our clients.We would like to help you discover more about our Islands here on our website and at every step of your journey Visit website
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Coastal Aviation is an airline operating out of Dar es Salaam - charter flights. Coastal Aviation flying to some 100 strips located in some of the most isolated pockets of the East African Region. The scheduled Coastal network also connects visitors to Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda with the world-famous Serengeti, links the emerging tourism destinations of Mozambique with the Southern Tanzania parks of Selous and Ruaha, and unites the tropical island paradises of Pemba, Zanzibar, Mafia and Fanjove Private Iaslandwith the National Parks and towns of the mainland. Our state of the art fleet is composed of 20 aircraft and has been expertly-adapted to the African safari environment, without compromise to safety and comfort. Visit website
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Flightlink is a scheduled airline with Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and Air Service License (ASL) granted by Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority & Kenya Civil Aviation Authority to conduct Private & Scheduled Flight under Public Transport category within the region. All the aircraft in our fleet are chosen for their excellent safety records and their ability to perform in even in the most hostile conditions, so landing be it in the bush or on tarmac is not at all taxing. Visit website
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Regional air is a recognized leader in the aviation industry in Tanzania, the airline began in 1997 with one pilot and one aircraft. They are affiliated to the long-established Nairobi-based domestic airline, Airkenya. We are based in the northern Tanzanian town of Arusha. Arusha is the starting point of safaris into Northern Tanzania, as the airline also offers charters to these various parks and game reserves. Visit website
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Safari Plus is Tanzanias first, Premium Charter operator in Tanzania positioned to offer unique flying experience while giving our customers flexibility and total control over their travel needs around the country and beyond. The Airline was established in 2009. 1 x Beechcraft King Air 350 with 8 Seats configured in executive club seating. 2 x Beechcraft 1900D with 18 Seats. Head office based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Operating base at Julius Nyerere International Airport. Approved by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority to operate both; Scheduled Air Services and Non-Schedule Air Services (Charter Services). Visit website
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TANZANAIR was formed in 1969 and pioneered aviation throughout Tanzania. Today it continues to live up to its slogan as theComplete Aviation Company. It was founded by Dinos J Samaras who managed the Company until he passed away in April 2010. It is now headed by his son John Samaras who was his deputy since 1983. With 45 years experience, TANZANAIR offers tailor-made air travel to suit the needs of its customers. With a modern fleet of twin and single-engine Cessna and Beechcraft turbine aircraft, TANZANAIRs well-established reputation leads the way in air charter services throughout the region. TANZANAIR operates out of its own purpose-built Passenger Terminal located between Terminal I and II at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. The passenger lounge is adjacent to the two hangars. It is housed within a secure wall enclosed compound with ample parking facilities. Visit website
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ZanAir Limited is a domestic airline based in Zanzibar. Since their inaugural flight in 1992, ZanAir has continued to establish a quality reputation, serving esteemed clientele. ZanAir is an acknowledged expert within Tanzania serving all destinations, including remote unpaved bush locations. Visit website
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Flown by an international team of pilots, Zantas Air has one of the youngest fleets of Cessna Grand Caravans in Tanzania. These are maintained to the highest safety standards and comply with the ICAO, CESSNA, and TCAA directives. We have an exclusive lounge at Arusha airport. Guests can relax in our comfortable lounge while they wait for their flight. Our operations are designed to suit our client's needs with a customized itinerary based on their schedule. Zantas Air works with its sister company, Mbali Mbali Lodges and Camps, to offer shared charter flights. We fly passengers from Northern Tanzania to Western Tanzania twice a week on Monday and Thursdays. Visit website
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Tarangire map
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