Tarangire Safari Guide

Quick Answer

Tarangire National Park is one of the best places in Tanzania to see elephants. It is home to large herds of elephants, as well as lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes and many bird species.

This guide gives you everything you need to know to plan your Tarangire safari: wildlife, best time to visit, costs, how to get there, where to stay and how to combine it with Kilimanjaro or Serengeti.

What Is Tarangire National Park?

Tarangire National Park is a protected area in northern Tanzania, covering about 2,850 square kilometres. It is famous for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees.

The park is part of the larger Tarangire ecosystem, which includes the Tarangire River and surrounding areas. It is a great destination for wildlife viewing, especially during the dry season.

Wildlife in Tarangire

Tarangire is home to a wide variety of wildlife. You can see the Big Five, as well as cheetahs, giraffes, hippos and many bird species.

1. Elephants

Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds. You are almost guaranteed to see them during a game drive.

2. Lions

Tarangire has a healthy lion population. You may see them resting in trees or hunting on the plains.

3. Leopards

Leopards are more elusive, but Tarangire has a healthy population. They are often seen in the woodlands and near rivers.

4. Cheetahs

Cheetahs are occasionally seen in Tarangire, especially on the open plains.

5. Giraffes

Giraffes are common in Tarangire and are often seen browsing on acacia trees.

6. Other Wildlife

• Buffalo
• Hippos
• Zebras
• Wildebeest
• Gazelles
• Warthogs
• Baboons
• Many bird species

Best Time to Visit Tarangire

Tarangire is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to see.

June–October (Dry Season)

This is the best time for wildlife viewing. The grass is short, animals gather around water sources, and the weather is dry and sunny.

November–February (Short Rains)

This is a good time to visit. The landscape is green and beautiful, and wildlife viewing is still good.

March–May (Long Rains)

This is the wet season. The landscape is green and beautiful, but roads can be muddy and wildlife is more scattered.

How to Get to Tarangire

Tarangire is located in northern Tanzania, about 120 km from Arusha. The easiest way to get there is by road.

• From Arusha: 2–3 hours by road
• From Kilimanjaro Airport: 3–4 hours by road
• From Serengeti: 5–6 hours by road

Where to Stay in Tarangire

There are many accommodation options in Tarangire, ranging from budget campsites to luxury lodges.

• Budget: Public campsites
• Mid-range: Tented camps and lodges
• Luxury: High-end lodges and mobile camps

Safari Options in Tarangire

• Full-day game drive
• Half-day game drive
• Walking safari (in designated areas)
• Night game drive (in some areas)
• Cultural visit to a Maasai village
• Combination with Serengeti or Ngorongoro

Costs

• Contact us for a personalised quote

Combining Tarangire with Kilimanjaro

Many climbers combine Kilimanjaro with a Tarangire safari. This is a great way to experience both the mountain and the wildlife.

• Climb Kilimanjaro (5–9 days)
• Rest for 1–2 days
• Go on a Tarangire safari (1–3 days)
• Optionally add Serengeti or Ngorongoro

Frequently Asked Questions