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Tanzania safari destination

Tarangire National Park

Giant baobabs, a lifeline river and some of the biggest elephant herds in northern Tanzania.

Tarangire safaris
Plan your trip

Location

Manyara Region, Tanzania

Best time

June to October

Ideal stay

Two to three nights

Famous for

Elephants and baobabs

Location

Manyara Region, Tanzania

Best time

June to October

Ideal stay

Two to three nights

Famous for

Elephants and baobabs

African elephant strolling through a dry savanna landscape with sparse trees.

Dry season magic

From July, wildlife crowds the Tarangire River as water elsewhere runs out.

Elephant country, baobab skies

Tarangire lies about two hours south-west of Arusha, a landscape of rolling grassland, acacia woodland and ancient baobab trees.

In the dry months, the Tarangire River becomes the only reliable water for miles, and wildlife pours in from the surrounding country. Herds of hundreds of elephants gather along its banks, and with fewer vehicles than the Serengeti, sightings often feel private.

Where your guide will take you

  • Tarangire River
  • Silale Swamp
  • Lemiyon baobab country
  • Matete woodland
  • Lake Burunge
  • Kuro area

The animals you came to see

Big herds, big cats and baobabs, often all in the same view.

Elephant

Herds of hundreds gather along the river in the dry season.

Lion

Prides hunt the plains and are sometimes seen resting in trees.

Leopard

Look for leopards in the riverine woodland and baobab country.

Giraffe

Maasai giraffe browse the acacia woodland across the park.

Zebra

Zebra herds move in to drink from the river in the dry months.

Buffalo

Large herds graze around Silale Swamp and the river.

More than game drives

Hover or tap a card to see how each experience fits into your days in Tarangire.

Guided game drives

River, swamp and baobabs.

Guided game drives

Follow the river and the swamps with your guide, timing drives for the best light and wildlife activity.
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Walking safaris

Elephant country on foot.

Walking safaris

Some camps on the park’s edge offer guided walks, a thrilling way to see tracks and smaller wildlife.
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Night game drives

The bush after dark.

Night game drives

In areas just outside the park, night drives reveal genets, bushbabies and hunting predators.
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Birdwatching

Over 550 species recorded.

Birdwatching

Look for yellow-collared lovebirds, ostriches, hornbills and huge flocks of weavers.
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Cultural visits

Meet local communities.

Cultural visits

Visit a nearby Maasai village to learn about daily life, traditions and living alongside wildlife.
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Baobab photography

Ancient giants at golden hour.

Baobab photography

Photograph elephants beneath centuries-old baobabs in the soft light of early morning and late afternoon.
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When to visit Tarangire

Tarangire is best in the dry months, but every season has something to offer.

January to February

Short dry season

Green landscapes, newborn animals and excellent birdlife.

March to May

Long rains

Wildlife spreads out, but the park is quiet and lush.

Best time

June to October

Peak dry season

Elephants and other wildlife crowd the river. The best time for big herds.

November to December

Short rains

Fresh grass and migrant birds as the first rains arrive.

Planning your trip

The practical details, so you can decide how to travel and where to stay.

Getting there

A short drive from Arusha.

  • By road: about two hours from Arusha on a good tarmac road.
  • By air: light-aircraft flights from Arusha land at Kuro airstrip inside the park.
  • Combined routes: the natural first stop on a Northern Circuit safari with Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.

Where to stay

Lodges and tented camps.

  • Inside the park: lodges and tented camps with views over the river.
  • On the edge: camps in nearby conservancies, some with walks and night drives.
  • Any budget: we match lodges to your style, from comfortable mid-range to luxury.

Park entry fees are charged by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) per person, per day. Ask us for the current rates when you request your quote.

Tarangire safari tours

Ready-made trips that include Tarangire, usually as the first stop on a Northern Circuit safari.

Group Tour
Combined Kenya and Tanzania, Kenya Group Joining, Tanzania Group Joining
  • Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli, Arusha, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
  • 11 Days 10 Nights
Kenya
From $ 2,434
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Day Tour
Day Trip
  • Tarangire National Park
  • 1 Day
Tanzania
From $ 330
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Group Tour
Tanzania Group Joining
  • Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater
  • 4 Days 3 Nights
Tanzania
From $ 920
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Group Tour
Combined Kenya and Tanzania, Kenya Group Joining, Tanzania Group Joining
  • Masai Mara, Nairobi, Arusha, Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro
  • 9 Days 8 Nights
Kenya
From $ 1,905
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Private Tour
  • Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater
  • 6 Days 5 Nights
Tanzania
From $ 2,680
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See all safaris

Tarangire FAQs

Can’t see your question here? Our Nairobi team is available 24/7.

Talk to Serval Tours and Travel

Tarangire is in the Manyara Region of northern Tanzania, about two hours’ drive south-west of Arusha.

Two to three nights is ideal, though one full day also works as part of a longer Northern Circuit safari.

In the dry season the river is the only reliable water, so elephants gather in herds of hundreds along its banks.

June to October, when wildlife concentrates around the river. The green season is quieter and great for birds.

Yes. Lion are seen regularly, along with leopard, cheetah and many plains animals.

Yes. It sees far fewer vehicles, so many sightings feel private.

Some camps on the edge of the park offer guided walks and night drives in their conservancy areas.

Yes. It pairs naturally with Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti on a Northern Circuit safari.

Start planning your Tarangire safari

Tell us your dates, group size and budget. We’ll come back with a Tarangire itinerary built around the season and the experiences you want most.

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