Elephants
Some of Tanzania's Biggest Herds
Watch families of dozens of elephants cross the river and dust-bathe under the baobabs.
03°50′S 36°00′E Tarangire River · 16:30
The Park You Remember
Tarangire National Park Safari in Tanzania.
From Arusha 2 h By road
Plan My Tarangire Safari5-Star Rated · 20+ Years in Tarangire · Private Vehicle & Guide
What is Tarangire National Park famous for?
Tarangire National Park is famous for having some of the largest elephant herds in Tanzania, ancient baobab trees, and the Tarangire River, which draws huge numbers of animals in the dry season. The park covers about 2,850 km² in northern Tanzania, around two hours by road from Arusha, and is home to lions, leopards, buffalo, more than 500 bird species, and sometimes tree-climbing lions and pythons. Yera Journeys plans private Tarangire safaris, often combined with the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.
Why Tarangire
Tarangire Isn't the Park You Plan Around. It's the One You Remember.
A river that never dries, elephant herds a hundred strong, and baobabs old enough to have watched them arrive for generations. In the dry season, Tarangire fills with wildlife like few parks in Africa.
It is close to Arusha, quieter than the Serengeti, and often the surprise highlight of a northern safari. We give it the time it deserves, not just a quick stop on the way to the crater.
Tarangire
Giant baobabs. Great herds. A river that never sleeps.
What you get
Six Benefits of a Tarangire Safari With Yera
Easy access
Two Hours From Arusha
Start your safari the same day you arrive, or end with an afternoon game drive before you fly home.
Quiet
Fewer Vehicles
Much quieter than the Serengeti and the crater, especially in the south of the park.
On foot
Walking and Night Drives
Walk with an armed ranger or search for nocturnal wildlife in the conservation areas next to the park.
Surprises
Tree-Climbing Lions and Pythons
Look up: lions and African rock pythons are sometimes seen resting in Tarangire's trees, plus more than 500 bird species.
Stays
Camps With River Views
Lodges and tented camps above the river, where elephants walk past your veranda.
Areas of Tarangire
Where to Go in Tarangire National Park
The park changes from the busy river in the north to wild, quiet country in the south.
| Area | Best time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Tarangire River (north) | June to October | Elephant herds, baobabs, river crossings by wildlife |
| Silale Swamp | June to November | Lions, buffalo, elephants in the swamp, birds |
| Southern Tarangire | June to October | Wild, quiet plains, very few vehicles |
| Conservation areas outside the park | All year | Walking safaris, night drives, Maasai communities |
Things to do
Things to Do in Tarangire
Game drives
- Private morning and afternoon drives
- Elephants at the river
- Lions, leopards and buffalo
- Tree-climbing lions and pythons, sometimes
- Picnic lunch under a baobab
Walking safaris
- Guided walks with an armed ranger
- Tracks, plants and small wildlife
- In the areas next to the park
Night drives
- Search for nocturnal animals
- Genets, bush babies and hunting cats
- Outside the park boundary
Culture & birds
- Maasai village visits
- Birdwatching with expert guides
- Sundowners above the river
Where to stay
Tarangire Lodges and Camps
Inside the Park
Lodges and tented camps with river views and the earliest game drives.
Conservation Areas
Camps just outside the park, with walking safaris and night drives.
Mto wa Mbu & Manyara
Lodges between Tarangire and Lake Manyara, easy for both parks.
Karatu
Coffee-farm lodges on the way to the Ngorongoro Crater.
When to go
Best Time to Visit Tarangire
June to October
Dry season and the best time. Wildlife crowds the Tarangire River and elephant numbers are at their highest.
November to May
Green season. Fewer animals in the park, but lush landscapes, newborns, great birding and lower prices.
Any time on a northern safari
Tarangire is the perfect first stop from Arusha before the crater and the Serengeti.
At a glance
Tarangire National Park Facts
| Size | About 2,850 km² |
|---|---|
| Famous for | Elephant herds, baobab trees, the Tarangire River |
| Wildlife | Elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, pythons, 500+ bird species |
| Location | Northern Tanzania, about 2 hours by road from Arusha |
| Ideal stay | 1 to 2 nights |
| Best time | June to October |
| Combine with | Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti |
| Styles | Classic, Signature or Bespoke |
Tarangire safaris
Popular Tarangire Safaris
Combine Tarangire with
Best Places to Add to a Tarangire Safari
Ngorongoro Crater
The Big Five in one day, about three hours away.
Serengeti
The Great Migration and big cats beyond the crater.
Lake Manyara
Forest, flamingos and tree-climbing lions, close by.
Zanzibar
A short flight from Arusha to the beach.
Our promise
Plan With Confidence
No cost to start
Your Tarangire safari proposal is free, with no obligation.
Revise until it's right
Change parks, lodges and days before you confirm.
Clear price in writing
Every inclusion and exclusion stated before you pay.
Questions travellers ask
Tarangire Safari FAQs
What is Tarangire National Park famous for?
Its huge elephant herds, ancient baobab trees and the Tarangire River, which attracts large numbers of animals in the dry season.
How far is Tarangire from Arusha?
About two hours by road, so you can start your safari on the day you arrive.
When is the best time to visit Tarangire?
June to October, the dry season, when wildlife gathers along the Tarangire River. The green season from November to May is good for birds and newborn animals.
How many days do you need in Tarangire?
One full day or one night is enough for most guests. Stay two nights to add a walking safari or night drive.
Can you see the Big Five in Tarangire?
You can see lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo. There are no rhinos, so add the Ngorongoro Crater for all five.
Are there tree-climbing lions and pythons in Tarangire?
Sometimes. Lions occasionally rest in Tarangire's trees, and African rock pythons are often found in the branches. Sightings are never guaranteed, so ask your guide to look up.
Can you do walking safaris or night drives in Tarangire?
Yes, in the conservation areas just outside the park, with an armed ranger and an experienced guide.
Tarangire or Lake Manyara?
Tarangire is bigger, with more elephants and wildlife in the dry season. Lake Manyara is smaller, with forest, flamingos and tree-climbing lions. They are close, so many guests visit both.
Begin your journey
Let's Plan Your Tarangire Safari
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