Tarangire National Park Safari
Tanzania's Premier Wildlife Destination
Discover Northern Tanzania's best-kept secret - a vast, uncrowded wilderness famous for spectacular elephant concentrations, ancient baobab forests, and authentic safari experiences. During peak season (July-October), up to 3,000 elephants gather along the Tarangire River, creating one of Africa's greatest wildlife spectacles.
Why Choose a Tarangire National Park Safari?
Tarangire National Park is the Serengeti's quieter, more authentic cousin. While smaller than its famous neighbor, this 2,850 km² wilderness punches far above its weight during the dry season (June-October) when massive concentrations of wildlife migrate to the permanent waters of the Tarangire River. The park's signature ancient baobabs - some over 1,000 years old - create a dramatic African landscape unlike anywhere else in Tanzania. With visitor numbers a fraction of the Serengeti's, Tarangire offers exclusive game viewing and an intimate connection with wild Africa.
Tarangire National Park Safari Highlights
Regions to Explore
Tarangire River Circuit
The park's lifeblood and main wildlife artery. During the dry season, endless elephant processions descend to the river at dawn and dusk, creating unforgettable photographic opportunities. Lions and leopards patrol the riverbanks, waiting for prey. This is where safari magic happens daily from July to October.
Silale Swamp
A lush oasis surrounded by acacia woodlands. Year-round water attracts buffalo herds, elephant families, and predators. Particularly excellent for birdwatching with hundreds of species congregating here. The varied habitat creates exceptional wildlife diversity.
Baobab Woodlands
Dramatic landscapes dominated by massive ancient baobabs - some estimated at 1,000+ years old. These giants dwarf elephants passing beneath them, creating iconic African scenes. Tree-climbing lions are occasionally spotted lounging in acacia branches, a behavior more associated with Lake Manyara but increasingly common here.
Southern Wilderness
Remote and rarely visited, the park's southern reaches offer true wilderness solitude. Oliver's Camp and Swala Camp provide exclusive access to this pristine area. Walking safaris here are exceptional, offering intimate encounters with wildlife on foot. The ultimate escape from safari crowds.
Activities & Experiences
Did You Know?
Size: 2,850 km² - roughly 10 times larger than Lake Manyara National Park
Established: 1970 to protect the vital migration corridor
Elephants: Up to 3,000 during peak dry season (July-October) - highest concentration in Tanzania outside Ruaha
Baobabs: Ancient trees estimated at 1,000+ years old dominate the landscape
Birds: 550+ recorded species - more than any other Northern Tanzanian park
Endemic species: 34 bird species found here but nowhere else in Northern Tanzania
Tree-climbing lions: Increasingly common behavior, possibly learned from Lake Manyara neighbors
Migration: Supports Tanzania's second-largest wildlife migration after the Serengeti
Seasonal transformation: During wet season (Nov-May) most animals disperse to Maasai Steppe, creating dramatic seasonal variation
Rare sightings: One of few places to spot fringe-eared oryx and gerenuk (long-necked gazelle)
River: Tarangire River is the only permanent water source during dry season
Visitor numbers: Fraction of Serengeti's crowds despite world-class wildlife
Planning Your Visit
Recommended Stay
2-3 nights ideal. Many visitors only day-trip from Arusha (2 hours drive) but overnight stays reward with exceptional morning/evening game viewing and access to walking safaris.
Getting There
2-hour drive from Arusha on sealed road (120km). Daily scheduled flights available from Arusha (20 mins). Perfectly positioned between Arusha and Lake Manyara/Ngorongoro, making it an easy addition to Northern Circuit itineraries.
Accommodation Options
In-park camps offer best experience: Oliver's Camp ($450-800/night, walking specialist), Swala Camp ($500-900/night, remote south), Kuro Camp ($400-700/night, excellent guides and design), Little Chem Chem ($800-1,200/night, luxury), Nimali Tarangire ($600-1,000/night). Outside park: Tarangire Treetops ($400-600/night, unique treehouse rooms in ancient baobabs).
Important to Know
Prime season July-October when wildlife concentrated. April-May wet season sees animals disperse. December-March has tsetse fly issues (annoying but not dangerous). Walking safaris only at specific camps outside main park or in private concessions. Night drives available at camps with special permissions.
Best Time to Visit
June - October (peak dry season), November-December good for birding, avoid December-March (tsetse flies)
Wildlife
Massive elephant herds, tree-climbing lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, eland, greater & lesser kudu, fringe-eared oryx, gerenuk (rare), dwarf mongoose, python, 550+ bird species including yellow-collared lovebirds
Tarangire National Park Safari Tours & Packages
Explore our carefully crafted itineraries featuring Tarangire National Park
4-Day Nature Safari
Immerse yourself in Tanzania's natural wonders. Experience elephant herds in Tarangire National Park and explore the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater on this intimate 4-day safari adventure.
12-Day Safari & Zanzibar
Experience the ultimate Tanzania adventure combining world-class wildlife safaris with pristine tropical beaches. Explore Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater, then relax on Zanzibar's stunning beaches.
6-Day Jewels of Tanzania
Experience Tanzania's Northern Circuit highlights on this 6-day safari. Tarangire's elephants, Lake Manyara's lions, Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro Crater. From $2,150.
10-Day Migration & Zanzibar
A 10-day adventure combining the thrill of the Great Migration in the Serengeti with the relaxation of Zanzibar's pristine beaches. Explore Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti before unwinding on the Spice Island.
7-Day Calving Migration
Witness 8,000 wildebeest calves born daily on the verdant plains of Ndutu during the spectacular calving migration season. Experience dramatic predator-prey interactions, explore Tarangire elephants, Central Serengeti wildlife, and Ngorongoro Crater on this 7-day Tanzania safari adventure.
Explore More Tanzania Safari Destinations
Combine Tarangire National Park with these incredible wildlife areas
Serengeti National Park
Northern Tanzania
Witness the world's greatest wildlife spectacle as 2 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate across endless plains in search of fresh grazing. The Serengeti, meaning 'endless plains' in Maasai, is Tanzania's oldest and most renowned national park, covering 14,750 square kilometers of pristine wilderness.
Ngorongoro Crater
Northern Tanzania
Descend into Africa's Eden - a UNESCO World Heritage Site where a volcanic caldera collapsed 3 million years ago, creating the world's largest intact crater. This natural amphitheater spans 260 square kilometers and hosts the highest concentration of wildlife in Africa, making it the best place to see the Big Five in Tanzania.
Arusha National Park
Northern Tanzania
Discover Tanzania's most accessible yet dramatically diverse national park, where Mount Meru's volcanic majesty dominates landscapes ranging from pristine montane forests to sparkling alkaline lakes. Just 45 minutes from Arusha, this compact 137 km² gem offers walking safaris, canoeing adventures, and remarkable wildlife encounters - the perfect Northern Circuit introduction or day trip.
Experience Tarangire National Park
Contact us to create your personalized safari adventure
Get Your Custom Quote