Manyara Region · northern Tanzania
Tarangire National Park
Baobabs, a permanent river and the northern circuit's heaviest dry-season elephant concentrations.
- Country
- Tanzania
- Typical access
- Road from Arusha
- Usual stay
- 1 night
- Terrain
- River valley, baobab woodland, seasonal swamp
Overview
What Tarangire is.
Tarangire is built around a single river that keeps running when the surrounding country dries out. Between roughly July and October that pulls in very large elephant herds, along with buffalo, zebra and wildebeest from a wide area.
It is also the baobab park. The trees are scattered across the whole landscape and give Tarangire a silhouette nothing else on the circuit has.
In the wet months much of the game disperses outside the park boundary, so Tarangire is normally programmed as a dry-season stop or as a one-night opener on the way from Arusha.
Wildlife
What you are likely to see.
- Elephant, in the circuit's largest dry-season concentrations
- Lion, leopard and, occasionally, tree-climbing lion
- Buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and eland
- Fringe-eared oryx, gerenuk and lesser kudu
- Over 500 recorded bird species, including large flocks along the river
Experiences
How the days work here.
Tarangire river drives
The river line is where the dry-season concentrations form.
Baobab country
Distinctive landscape photography, especially in low light.
Silale swamp
A seasonal swamp that holds game and birdlife well into the dry months.
Best time to visit
When to come to Tarangire.
- July – OctoberPeak dry season and the heaviest elephant concentrations.
- June, NovemberShoulder months, quieter, still good river-line viewing.
- December – MayWet. Game disperses; the landscape is at its greenest.
Where you stay
Our shortlist at each level.
Properties Ndurumo may recommend or use at each level. Final accommodation is confirmed with your quotation and remains subject to availability.
Budget
Fanaka Campsite
Midrange
Tarangire Sopa Lodge
Luxury
Lemala Mpingo Ridge
Routes that include Tarangire
Safaris through here.
Tanzania · 3 daysclassic safari
3 Days Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater & Tarangire Safari
Three northern parks in three days, without the long run out to the Serengeti.
Arusha · Lake Manyara · Ngorongoro · Tarangire · Arusha
Tanzania · 6 daysclassic safari
6 Days Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Tarangire Safari
The complete northern circuit, finishing among the baobabs of Tarangire.
Arusha · Lake Manyara · Serengeti · Ngorongoro · Tarangire · Arusha
Questions
About Tarangire.
Is Tarangire worth a night?
In the dry season, clearly. Between December and May the game disperses and a single day visit on the way through often makes more sense.
Plan your safari
Build a trip around Tarangire.
Tell us your dates and how long you have, and we will shape a route that gives Tarangire the time it deserves.