Tarangire
National Park
A park that attracts large numbers of game, most notably elephant, wildebeest & zebra.
Tarangire Safaris
Your experience of Tarangire depends on which part of the park you visit, however it is particularly worth visiting in the dry season.
Northern Tarangire is a classic stop with its wide valleys and scenic landscape. It’s also great for game which is present throughout the whole year, regardless of the season. Southern Tarangire, the area below Kuro, is a favourite of ours as it’s quiet and visited by few tourists. It is world-famous for spotting elephants, varied bird life and even sometimes lesser kudu.
Tarangire’s western boundary, traditionally an important migratory route, offers a slightly different take to the main park and hosts Lake Burunge, connected to the Tarangire River, which is a pretty area with some fantastic birdwatching. Lokisale, on the east of the park, also affords a slightly different take on the main park and sees vast amounts of game, especially during the wet season.
The Tarangire River is one of the few sources of permanent water in the area and attracts vast numbers of animals from the surrounding Maasai Steppe during the dry season. It is known mostly for being home to the largest population of elephants in Tanzania – you could see up to 300 in one sighting observing the river and surrounding area, as they bathe and refresh.
Like the Serengeti National Park, Tarangire should really be viewed in the context of the full ecosystem, of which it is only a small part. The ecosystem extends out of Tarangire, south and east into the Maasai Steppe, and this vast area acts as a dispersal area for much of the game throughout the year.
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- Huge herds of elephants
- Predators a plenty
- Large buffalo herds
- The stylish Kuro Camp
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Best Time To Visit Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is a hotspot all year round for game and elephant viewing.
In the dry season, June – October, the Tarangire River becomes one of the only consistent sources of water in the park, meaning a whole host of animals can be spotted replenishing and refreshing during your visit. Herbivores gather to drink and clean, while predators prowl for an easy meal.
If elephants are your thing, Tarangire is outstanding in the green season – in particular January and February.
Accommodation is markedly cheaper during this season, meaning you can stay at luxury lodges for significantly cheaper rates. There are also lower numbers of tourists during this time – so you can avoid the crowds and enjoy a more authentic and exclusive experience.
Best Time To Visit Tarangire National Park
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Our Favourite Camps & Lodges
Kuro is a seasonal camp, open from June to early November, and has been created with a light footprint to harmonise with the natural habitat.
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One of Tanzania’s best bush camps and with its excellent in-house guides, offers one of the better-quality game experiences in Tarangire.
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Swala Camp is one of those places where, in the dry season, you really don’t need to leave your verandah to see superb game.
Learn MoreTarangire National Park (FAQS) NEED TO KNOW
How many days do you need in Tarangire National Park?
Tarangire National Park is vast, measuring at around 3000 sq. km, and often described as a ‘hidden gem’. The more time you can afford to spend in the park, the more likely you are to see varied wildlife and different landscapes as you take the time to visit different parts. We would recommend spending a minimum of three nights in Tarangire before heading out on the next leg of your northern Tanzania circuit, but if you have the luxury of time then additional days on top of this would be ideal.
What is the best way to explore Tarangire National Park?
By staying in Tarangire, you afford yourself the luxury of travelling pretty much as you wish.
Most days on safari start early. Watch the sunrise or head straight out on a game drive to experience the park waking up. You could also end the day on a night safari, which aren’t always possible in national parks but in the Tarangire they are. This allows you to experience a different side to the park and see how the animal world unfolds at night. With a private guide, you have the flexibility to decide what shape the next day takes so requests for certain sightings or areas are always talked through.
Are mosquitoes and tsetse flies a problem in Tarangire?
A benefit of going to Tarangire during the dry season is that mosquito numbers tend to be lower, as there is less water. However, there is increased activity from tsetse flies. To mitigate any problems, we would suggest going on game drives in the cooler hours of the day – the morning and the evening, as tsetse flies are less active when it’s this temperature.
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A print anthology of safari and wilderness travel with over 220 pages of travel inspiration.