Tarangire National Park
Baobabs and the northern circuit's elephants
- Duration Usually 1 to 2 nights within a longer northern circuit trip
- Route Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti
- Accommodation Lodges and tented camps inside and around the park
- Transport 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Meal plan Full board on safari
- Group size Private departures from 2 travellers, shared departures available
Overview
Tarangire covers roughly 2,850 square kilometres south-east of Lake Manyara, and it is the elephant park of the northern circuit. In the dry months the Tarangire River is the only permanent water for a long way in any direction, and the animals concentrate along it in numbers matching anything in the Serengeti.
The landscape is distinctive. Ancient baobabs stand across the ridges, giving the park a look nothing else on the circuit has, and the river valley cuts through swamp and acacia woodland below them.
Beyond elephant, Tarangire holds lion, leopard, cheetah, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and large buffalo herds, plus dry-country species scarce elsewhere on the circuit, including fringe-eared oryx and lesser kudu. The birdlife is exceptional, with over 500 recorded species.
Most northern circuit itineraries treat Tarangire as a first or last stop, one or two nights on the way in or out of Arusha. It rewards more time than it usually gets.
Highlights
- The largest dry season elephant concentrations on the northern circuit
- Ancient baobabs across the ridges
- Over 500 recorded bird species
- Fringe-eared oryx and lesser kudu, scarce elsewhere on the circuit
- Tree-climbing lions occasionally seen
- Quieter than the Serengeti and Ngorongoro
What is included
Included
- Park entry fees and government taxes
- 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and an English-speaking driver guide
- Accommodation as specified in your quote
- Meals as specified in your quote
- Drinking water in the vehicle
- Airport or hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Tanzania visa and travel insurance
- Drinks other than the water provided
- Optional activities such as balloon safaris, walking safaris and cultural visits
- Gratuities for your guide and lodge staff
- Personal items and laundry
Pickup and meeting point
Pickup: Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport
Drop-off: Arusha, Kilimanjaro International Airport, or onward to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro
Frequently asked questions
When are the elephants best?
June to October, when the Tarangire River is the only permanent water for a long distance and the herds concentrate along it.
Is Tarangire worth a night, or a day trip?
A night inside the park gives you early morning and late afternoon game drives, which is when the park is at its best. A day trip from Arusha works but loses those hours.
What makes it different from the Serengeti?
The baobabs, the river valley landscape and the elephant density. It is also considerably quieter.
Is it good for birdwatching?
Among the best in Tanzania, with over 500 recorded species. November to April is peak.
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