Tarangire National Park

About Tarangire National Park

Ranking as the 6th largest National Park in Tanzania and covering an area of 2,600 square kilometers, Tarangire National Park is most popular for its large elephant herds and mini-wildlife migration that takes place during the dry season, which sees about 250,000 animals enter the park.

Slightly off the popular northern Tanzania Safari Circuit, the park lies between the meadows of Masai Steppe to the southeast and the lakes of the Great Rift Valley to the north and west. The permanent Tarangire River is the life-line of the park, particularly in the dry season when it becomes the only water source for wildlife across the region.

The park is characterized by elephant grass, vast areas with mixed acacia woodlands, ribbons of aquatic forest, and magnificent giant baobab trees that can live up to 600 years, storing between 300 and 900 liters of water. The southern areas offer a less crowded safari experience with an authentic African feel of Tanzania's countryside, perfect for multi-day stays.

Highlights

One of Africa's largest elephant populations (herds of up to 300 members)

Mini-migration of 250,000 animals during dry season

Ancient baobab trees up to 600 years old

Permanent Tarangire River - lifeline for wildlife

545+ bird species including yellow-collared lovebirds

Less crowded than Serengeti with exceptional game viewing

Wide swamps transforming into green plains

Authentic southern sector for wilderness camping

Night game drives available at select camps

Hot air balloon safaris over baobab forests

Wildlife

African Elephants (one of the largest populations, herds up to 300)

Impalas

Elands

Cape Buffaloes

Giraffes

Bohor Reedbuck

Coke's Hartebeest

Thompson's Gazelles

Greater and Lesser Kudu

Gerenuk (rare)

Fringe-eared Oryx (rare)

Black Rhinos (rare)

Lions

Leopards

Cheetahs (southern open areas)

Spotted Hyenas

Wild Dogs (rare sightings)

545+ bird species including yellow-collared lovebirds, starlings, raptors

Activities

Game Drives - Morning, afternoon, and full-day safaris

Walking Tours - Guided bush walks outside park boundaries

Night Game Drives - Nocturnal wildlife viewing at Swala and Oliver's Camp

Hot Air Balloon Safaris - Sunrise flights over baobab forests

Bird Watching - Over 545 species year-round

Photography - Elephants against baobab trees

River Wildlife Viewing - Animals congregating at Tarangire River

Fly Camping - Mobile camps in southern wilderness

Cultural Visits - Nearby Maasai villages

Picnicking - Designated scenic spots along the river

Best Time to Visit

The dry season from June to November is the best time to visit Tarangire National Park. During these months, the Tarangire River becomes the only water source, attracting massive concentrations of wildlife including elephants, wildebeest, zebras, buffaloes, and predators. Game viewing is exceptional as animals congregate around the river. The wet season (November-May) sees animals disperse across the Masai Steppe, but offers lush green landscapes, excellent birding, and dramatic scenery with fewer visitors.