Tarangire National Park Safari Guide
Ancient baobab forests and massive elephant herds — Tanzania's most underrated park and an essential addition to the northern circuit.
Top Highlights
Best Time to Visit Tarangire National Park
June to October when the Tarangire River is the only water source for miles, concentrating enormous numbers of elephants, wildebeest, and zebra. The park is quieter and more affordable than Serengeti.
Tarangire National Park Safari Budget Guide
Park fees $53/adult/day. Lodge accommodation $200-800/night. Often combined as a 1-2 night stop on a northern circuit safari. The park offers excellent value compared to Serengeti.
Getting to Tarangire National Park
Just 2 hours south of Arusha by road — the closest major national park to the safari capital. Often the first or last stop on a northern circuit safari.
Tarangire is the northern circuit's hidden gem — a park of ancient baobab forests, seasonal swamps, and the life-giving Tarangire River that draws enormous concentrations of wildlife during the dry season. The park is home to some of the largest elephant herds in East Africa, with groups of 300 or more regularly seen moving through the iconic baobab-studded landscape.
During the dry season from June to October, the Tarangire River becomes the only permanent water source for an area of roughly 20,000 square kilometres, creating a seasonal concentration of wildlife that rivals the Serengeti for sheer density. Lions, leopards, pythons draped over baobab branches, and over 550 bird species make Tarangire one of the most rewarding parks in Tanzania — yet it receives a fraction of the Serengeti's visitors.
Where to Stay in Tarangire National Park
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