Elephant herds
Especially from about June to October, when herds gather near the river.
Tanzania · Northern Tanzania
Tarangire
Baobabs and elephant herds along the river.
Tarangire National Park is known for its giant baobab trees and the elephant herds that gather along the Tarangire River in the dry season. It is the first or last stop on many northern-circuit safaris, about two hours from Arusha.
- Country
- Tanzania
- Known for
- Elephants · baobab trees
- From Arusha
- About 2 hours by road
- Ideal stay
- A day to 2 nights
The place
Tarangire, at a glance.
In the dry season, the Tarangire River is the main source of water for a large area, so wildlife concentrates along it. Elephants, buffalo, zebras and wildebeest gather in large numbers.
The park's landscape of baobabs, acacia woodland and swamps is quite different from the Serengeti's open plains.
The park covers about 2,850 square kilometres and is part of a wider area through which animals migrate seasonally. As the land dries out after the rains, elephants and other wildlife move back towards the river, which is why the dry season is so rewarding here.
Tarangire is also excellent for birds, with more than 500 species recorded, and its swamps, such as Silale in the south, attract wildlife throughout the year.
Planning notes
- Official name
- Tarangire National Park
- Region
- Northern Tanzania
- Known for
- Elephants · baobab trees
- From Arusha
- About 2 hours by road
- Ideal stay
- A day to 2 nights
- Combines well with
- Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti
The appeal
Why visit Tarangire?
Baobab landscape
Ancient baobab trees give Tarangire its own character.
Close to Arusha
An easy first day on a northern-circuit safari.
Wild encounters
Wildlife of Tarangire.
Elephants, buffalo, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, impala, lions and a rich birdlife. Wildlife is free-ranging, so sightings vary and can never be guaranteed.
Elephants walking along a sandy riverbed lined with trees 
Elephant family walking down a woodland track 
Elephant herd moving across grassland towards a line of trees 
Impala herd in lush green grass
Travel through the year
When to visit Tarangire.
June to October for the largest concentrations of wildlife; Tarangire is still enjoyable in the green season.
Jun – Oct
Dry season and the best time for wildlife concentrations along the river.
Nov – May
Green season; animals disperse, but birdlife is excellent.
Your way of travelling
Ways to experience Tarangire.
Optional activities are arranged separately and may cost extra.
01
River game drive
Follow the Tarangire River, where elephants dig for water in the sandy bed in the driest months.
02
Baobab landscapes
Huge, ancient baobabs make Tarangire one of the most photogenic parks in northern Tanzania.
03
Birdwatching
From hornbills and lovebirds to raptors and ostriches, a good park to bring binoculars.
The way there
Getting to Tarangire.
By road
About two hours from Arusha.
On a circuit
Usually the first park from Arusha, before Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, or the last on the way back.
By air
Light aircraft can use an airstrip in the park, but almost all of our safaris arrive by road.
Finding your pace
How long to stay.
A game drive
Most circuits spend a day in Tarangire.
1–2 nights
Allows a quieter, unhurried visit.
Where to stay
Accommodation in Tarangire.
Our budget safaris use the property below. Mid-range and luxury lodges and camps are agreed with you after you enquire, based on your dates and preferences.
Campsite and rooms · Lake Manyara area
Fanaka Campsite
A garden base between Tarangire and Lake Manyara.
Trip ideas
Short trip
3 Days Tanzania Safari – Tarangire, Lake Manyara & NgorongoroArusha → Tarangire → Lake Manyara → Ngorongoro Crater → Arusha
Combine it
5 Days Big Five Tanzania Safari – Northern CircuitArusha → Tarangire → Lake Manyara → Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Arusha
The long way
14 Days Kenya & Tanzania Budget SafariNairobi → Maasai Mara → Nakuru → Lake Naivasha → Amboseli → Arusha → Tarangire → Lake Manyara → Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Arusha
12 safaris
Safaris that include Tarangire.
7 days · Tanzania · Private or group
7 Days Northern Tanzania Circuit Midrange Safari
The northern circuit, unhurried
Wildlife safari · Mid-range
Seven days through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, two nights in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, with lodge stays and time to enjoy each place.
Price on request
8 days · Tanzania · Private or group
8 Days Great Migration Midrange Safari
Four nights in the Serengeti, planned around the herds
Wildlife safari · Mid-range
An eight-day safari with four nights in the Serengeti, positioned where the herds are likely to be for your dates, plus Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Price on request
10 days · Kenya & Tanzania · Private or group
10 Days Kenya to Tanzania Midrange Safari
From Nairobi to Arusha the scenic way
Wildlife safari · Mid-range
A ten-day mid-range journey from Nairobi to Arusha: the Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha and Amboseli in Kenya, then Tarangire, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Price on request
3 days · Tanzania · Private or group
3 Days Tanzania Safari – Tarangire, Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro
Three parks in three days from Arusha
Wildlife safari · Budget
A short northern Tanzania safari from Arusha: Tarangire's baobabs and elephants, Lake Manyara's forest and lake, and a final day in the Ngorongoro Crater.
USD 675 pp
4 days · Tanzania · Private or group
4 Days Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti & Lake Manyara Safari
The northern circuit in four days
Wildlife safari · Budget
Northern Tanzania's highlights at speed: Tarangire, a night in the Lake Manyara area, an afternoon and morning in the Serengeti and a final day in the Ngorongoro Crater.
USD 830 pp
5 days · Tanzania · Private or group
5 Days Big Five Tanzania Safari – Northern Circuit
Four parks, five days
Wildlife safari · Mid-range
A mid-range northern circuit covering Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, the area where all of the Big Five may be found.
Price on request
6 days · Tanzania · Private
6 Days Complete Tanzania Camping Safari
Three nights in the Serengeti
Wildlife safari · Budget
A private camping safari with three nights in the central Serengeti, giving you two full days to follow the herds, plus Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Price on request
6 days · Tanzania · Private
6 Days Incredible Tanzania Wildlife Safari – Private
A private northern circuit with lodge stays
Wildlife safari · Mid-range
A private six-day lodge safari through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, two nights in the Serengeti and a final day in the Ngorongoro Crater.
Price on request
Group joining6 days · Tanzania · Group joining
6 Days Stunning Tanzania Shared Northern Circuit Safari
Join other travellers on the northern circuit
Wildlife safari · Budget
A shared budget safari through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, travelling with other guests to keep costs down.
Price on request
Beyond Tarangire
Where to next?
Ways to travel
Before you go
Practical notes.
Tsetse flies
Present in some wooded areas; avoid dark blue and black clothing.
Common questions
Tarangire, explained.
When is the best time to visit Tarangire?
June to October, when wildlife concentrates along the Tarangire River.
Is Tarangire worth visiting?
Yes, especially for elephants and its baobab landscape, which feel very different from the Serengeti.
Where do budget safaris stay near Tarangire?
Our budget safaris use Fanaka Campsite in the Lake Manyara area, which is convenient for both Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks.
Tarangire or Lake Manyara?
Tarangire is larger and better for elephants and big landscapes; Lake Manyara is smaller, with forest, a lakeshore and excellent birdlife. Many circuits include both.
How far is Tarangire from Arusha?
About two hours by road, which makes it an easy first or last day on a northern-circuit safari.
Your Tarangire journey
Ready to see Tarangire for yourself?
Explore safaris that include Tarangire, or tell us how you would like to travel.