Northern Tanzania
Tarangire National Park
The kingdom of giants
Overview
Tarangire is elephant country — herds hundreds strong moving beneath baobab trees that were old before the pyramids were built.
In the dry season, the Tarangire River becomes the only reliable water for miles, drawing one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in northern Tanzania. Elephants dig for water in the riverbed while lion, leopard and huge herds of buffalo, zebra and wildebeest keep close.
Often treated as a quick stop, Tarangire rewards a full day or an overnight stay — the southern reaches of the park are genuinely wild and nearly empty of vehicles.
The landscape
Rolling savanna studded with ancient baobabs, seasonal swamps, and the life-giving ribbon of the Tarangire River.
Quick facts
- Size
- 2,850 km²
- Famous for
- Elephants and baobabs
- Drive from Arusha
- ≈ 2 hours
- Best combined with
- Ngorongoro & Serengeti
Wildlife
Who lives here
- Elephant herds among the largest in Tanzania
- Tree-climbing pythons and fringe-eared oryx
- Over 550 bird species — the most of any Tanzanian park
- Lion, leopard and cheetah
Seasons
When to come
Dry seasonJune – October
Wildlife concentrates along the river; peak elephant viewing.
Green seasonNovember – May
Superb birding and dramatic baobab landscapes.
Experiences
Game drives · Night drives (select lodges) · Walking safaris · Birdwatching
In Pictures
Scenes from Tarangire
Journeys Here
Safaris that visit Tarangire National Park
7 Days / 6 NightsTarangire · Ngorongoro Crater · Serengeti
Serengeti Signature Safari
The essential northern circuit, done properly
View journey
8 Days / 7 NightsTarangire · Lake Manyara · Ngorongoro Crater · Serengeti
Family Adventure Safari
Wild Tanzania, paced for young explorers
View journey4 Days / 3 NightsTarangire · Ngorongoro Crater
Northern Highlights
The crater and the baobabs in four days
View journeyGood to Know
Questions, answered
Absolutely. Most visitors day-trip the northern circuit road, but staying overnight means dawn game drives along the river and access to the wild southern sectors.
Northern
Pairs well on the northern circuit
Tarangire National Park is one of 9 destinations on the northern circuit. Most itineraries combine two or three.
