Tarangire National Park
Tarangire: Elephants Among the Baobabs
Tarangire National Park is often the first stop on a northern Tanzania safari, and it makes a big impression. Giant baobab trees, some hundreds of years old, dot the landscape, and in the dry season the Tarangire River attracts some of the largest elephant herds in East Africa.
The park is about two hours from Arusha, so it is easy to reach on the first day of your safari.
Things to Do in Tarangire
From June to October, wildlife pours in from the surrounding plains to drink at the river. Besides elephants, look for lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and the rare fringe-eared oryx. With more than 500 bird species, Tarangire is also superb for birders.
Best Time to Visit Tarangire
The dry season from June to October is best for big herds. In the wet season, many animals disperse, but the park is green and quiet.
Plan Your Visit
Tarangire features on our 5-day Tanzania Big Five safari and the 6-day Tanzania wildlife safari, before you continue to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
Explore our Tanzania safaris or ask us for a tailor-made itinerary.
Additionally, Tarangire’s iconic baobab trees, often referred to as the “upside-down trees,” create a striking landscape that adds to the park’s unique charm. Visitors can also spot a variety of other wildlife, including lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, and a rich array of bird species, such as the endemic and strikingly beautiful violet-backed starling. The park offers an array of activities designed to immerse visitors in its natural beauty and wildlife. Guided game drives are the primary way to explore Tarangire, providing opportunities to witness the park’s diverse fauna and stunning landscapes.
For a more intimate experience, visitors can engage in walking safaris, which allow them to closely observe the smaller details of the ecosystem and gain insights from knowledgeable guides. Night safaris, available in certain areas of the park, offer a chance to see nocturnal species and experience the bush after dark.
Additionally, several lodges and camps within and around the park provide varied levels of comfort and luxury, ensuring a memorable stay while enjoying Tarangire’s unique environment. As part of Tanzania National Parks, Tarangire contributes significantly to the country’s conservation efforts and offers a distinctive safari experience that complements the diverse attractions of Tanzania’s other protected areas.
Where to Stay near Tarangire
Every Traford safari comes in three styles: Signature (luxury), Classic (mid-range) and Adventurer (budget). These are the options we recommend most often; final choices depend on your dates and availability.
- Signature: Tarangire Treetops, with rooms built around baobab trees.
- Classic: Tarangire Safari Lodge, overlooking the river, and Tarangire Sopa Lodge.
- Adventurer: budget camps and lodges near Mto wa Mbu.
