Tarangire River
The lifeline of the park in the dry season, lined with elephants and buffalo.
Tarangire National Park
Land of elephants and ancient baobabs
- Best time
- June – October
- Recommended stay
- 1 – 2 days
- Nearest airport
- Kuro Airstrip
- Main attraction
- Elephant herds & baobabs
About Tarangire
Tarangire is known for its elephants and its giant baobab trees. In the dry season the Tarangire River is the only permanent water in the area, so herds of elephant, zebra, wildebeest and buffalo gather along its banks.
Only about two hours from Arusha, it makes a relaxed first stop on a Northern Circuit safari and is excellent for birdwatching, with more than 500 species recorded.
- Size
- ≈ 2,850 km²
- Established
- 1970
- Drive from Arusha
- ≈ 2 h
- Bird species
- 500+
What makes it special
Baobab landscapes
Centuries-old baobabs, some large enough to shelter animals inside their trunks.
Silale Swamp
Green all year and good for lions, buffalo and birdlife.
What you can see and do
- Elephant
- Lion
- Leopard
- Cheetah
- Buffalo
- Zebra
- Wildebeest
- Giraffe
- Fringe-eared oryx
- Lesser kudu
- Tree-climbing pythons
- 500+ bird species
Game drives
Walking safaris
In the wildlife areas bordering the park, with an armed ranger.
Night drives
Available from some camps outside the park boundary.
Birdwatching
When to go
June – October, when wildlife gathers at the river
- January: Good
- February: Good
- March: Rainy / low season
- April: Rainy / low season
- May: Rainy / low season
- June: Best
- July: Best
- August: Best
- September: Best
- October: Best
- November: Good
- December: Good
- Best
- Good
- Rainy / low season
In the wet season the herds spread out of the park, but the baobabs are green and the birding is excellent.
Recommended stay: 1 – 2 days
Getting there
About 2 hours by road from Arusha on a paved highway. It is often the first stop before Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
Nearest airports & airstrips
- Kuro AirstripInside the park
- Arusha AirportARK
- Kilimanjaro International AirportJRO
Entry and conservation fees
| Fee | Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation fee — adult non-resident | $50 per person / 24 h | +18% VAT |
Park and conservation fees are set by TANAPA, NCAA and the Zanzibar authorities and can change. Figures shown are indicative; your quotation always uses the current official rates.
Tarangire in pictures
Tours & safaris
Packages that visit Tarangire
Wildlife Safaris
Classic Northern Circuit Safari
Arusha · Tarangire · Serengeti · Ngorongoro
- Game drives
- Crater tour
- Picnic lunches
Family Tours
Family Safari: Tarangire & Ngorongoro
Arusha · Tarangire · Ngorongoro
- Game drives
- Maasai village
- Kid-friendly lodges
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