Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park received its name from the Tarangire River that flows through the northern portion of the park. The river becomes the primary source of water for the animals residing in the park during the dry season.

Tarangire National Park is the 6th largest National Park In Tanzania. It covers an area of 2,850 square kilometers. It lies between the meadows of the Masai Steppe in the southeast and rift valley lakes in the north and west.

Tarangire’s landscape is made of granite ridges, river valleys, and swamps. Its vegetation is a mix of woodlands, seasonally flooded grassland, and baobab trees.

Labelled as one of the seasonal parks in northern Tanzania, Tarangire National Park sees a lot of migratory movement within its vast and varied ecosystem.

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Location and Geography

Tarangire National Park is located in the northern section of Tanzania, just south of Lake Manyara. The park lies among the meadows of the Masai Steppe (to the southeast) and the Great Rift Valley Lakes (to the west and north).

In the northern region of the park is its lifeline – the permanently flowing Tarangire River. The river flows northwards until the exit, in the northwestern corner and pours into Lake Burunge.

The 2850 sq. km. plains of the park’s landscapes are dominated by Commiphora bushlands, open grasslands, and acacia woodlands. This is a key habitat for several different savannah mammal species.

Tarangire's Diverse Landscapes

The surroundings of Tarangire National Park vary greatly as one moves about the large area. To begin with, there are lots of grasslands dotted with giant baobab trees. You also have rugged channels, rocky hills, bushlands, and riverine woodlands. Due to the Tarangire River running across the park, there are several floodplains and swaps too.

An Interesting Tarangire Fact

Kigelia or sausage trees are also an important habitat of the park. These trees have thick canopies and large sausage-shaped hanging fruits. They are a favourite resting place for lions and leopards in the park.

NAME OF THE HABITAT	HIGHLIGHTS
Red Termite Mounds	- Huge red termite mounds are spread throughout the landscapes of Tarangire National Park. - Some of them are twice the size of an adult human being.
Baobab Trees	- The baobabs of Tarangire are called the tree of life. - The trunk of an ancient baobab can grow to be about 100 ft. in circumference. - One baobab tree in the park was found to be more than 1000 yrs. Old.
Tarangire River and Lake Burunge	- Both these bodies of water are the perfect place to see migratory birds. - Plus, a lot of animals come to these freshwaters to quench their thirst, making for great sightings.

Reaching Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is part of the renowned Northern Safari Circuit of Tanzania and most safaris here start from the town of Arusha. The park is just a couple of hours away from Arusha. Below are the different ways you can access the park:

Accessing Tarangire by Air

This is the best way to get to Tarangire National Park. You can fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is just 46 km. away from the town of Arusha.

Another option is to fly to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam.
And, then book a domestic flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK).

Or you could go a different way and book a charter flight, though it’s a long process. You’ll first hop on a flight from Arusha then to Serengeti National Park, and finally to Tarangire.

Accessing Tarangire by Road

From the town of Arusha, it takes around three hours to drive to Tarangire National Park. This route is popular among visitors because of the great sceneries along the way plus access to other Tanzania Safari destinations like the Serengeti and Lake Manyara National Park.

Weather and Climate of Tarangire

The Weather In Tarangire National Park is temperate and pleasant. The wet seasons have two spells of showers – the short rains (in November and December) and the long rains (from March to May). It generally rains in the afternoon but rarely for the entire day.

The temperatures rarely get too hot, though keep in mind that evenings and early mornings tend to get very cold. Thus, warm clothing essentials are a necessity.

TIME OF THE YEAR	AVERAGE TEMPERATURES	DESCRIPTION
January and February	- Afternoon: 28°C (82°F) - Night time: 16°C (61°F)	- The dry spell (just after the short rains)
March, April, and May	- Afternoon: 28°C (82°F) - Night time: 16°C (61°F)	- The period of the long rains - Cloudy skies with overhead conditions are the norm.
June to October	- Afternoon: 26°C (79°F) - Night time - 14°C (57°F)	- Clear skies and pleasant daytime temperatures. - Chilly temperatures during the night.
November and December	- Afternoon: 28°C (82°F) - Night time: 16°C (61°F)	- The period of the short rains. - Four weeks of rain is common in this period.

Rainfall Period

The wettest month in Tarangire National Park is April and the driest months are July and August. The following is a monthly breakdown of the amount of rainfall Tarangire receives:

MONTH(S)	AMOUNT OF RAINFALL (in millimetres)
January	85 mm
February	97 mm
March	130 mm
April	166 mm
May	46 mm
June	5 mm
July	0 mm
August	0 mm
September	1 mm
October	14 mm
November	71 mm
December	99 mm

Some of our useful Insights:

Rainfall in Tarangire happens for 113 days and collects up to 714mm of precipitation. The highest UV index (12) in the park is in the months from January to April and August to December. And, June has the lowest UV index (10).

When to Visit

The Best Time to Visit Tarangire National Park is during the middle and towards the end of the dry season (from late June to October). These months have the perfect conditions for game viewing. Most of the wildlife moves to other regions during the wet season so seeing animals is less productive.

Though one major advantage of visiting Tarangire in the wet season is birdwatching. Here’s a comparison of both the seasons of Tarangire National Park:

AIRLINES FROM THE UNITED STATES TO TANZANIA

THE DRY SEASON (From June to October)	THE WET SEASON (From November to May)
Several animals migrate to the park in search of pasture and water.	The prime time for birdwatching in the park, as many migrant species are present.
Game viewing is more consistent because animals tend to stay around water sources.	The vegetation and surroundings are vibrant and lovely.
The weather is sunny and pleasant, with clear blue skies overhead.	Because this is the low season, the rates of accommodations and safari activities are lower.
Fewer mosquitoes, meaning the chances of contracting malaria will be lower.	Many animals migrate outside of the park during this season. So, game viewing isn’t as great as the dry season.

Now we’ll look at a monthly breakdown of visiting Tarangire National Park. This will help you to decide what month you’d like to visit the park based on your inclinations and personal needs:

From January to March – Perfect backdrops and birdwatching!

This is the middle of the dry season of the park. The vegetation is green and this offers the perfect backdrops for your safari adventures and photographic tours.

This is also a great time for birdwatching as over 500 species of resident and migrant species are present in the park.

April and May – Fewer Crowds and Discounted Safari Costs!

These months are the peak of the wet season in the park. This means that you can benefit from discounted accommodation costs plus there will be a lot fewer crowds around. Birdwatching is excellent during this period though you won’t be able to see as many animals compared to other months.

June to October – Primetime, here you go!

If you want an optimal Safari in Tanzania experience, then the dry season of Tarangire is the time and place to be. These months have shorter vegetation which makes seeing animals a lot more convenient.

Moreover, many herds of animals gather around different water sources including the Tarangire River. Thus, a Day Trip to Tarangire National Park from June to October will be an incredible adventure.

November and December – When the green shows its true colours!

This time marks the beginning of the green season in Tarangire National Park. The surroundings of the par are reborn during this period and it’ll be a magical sight to see on a Tanzania Safari.

Wildlife of Tarangire National Park

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, then you’d be delighted to learn that the biodiversity of Tarangire’s wildlife is on another level. During the dry season, the river from which the park gets its name is a magnet for different animals.

The following are some animals that you’ll have no trouble seeing inside the premises of Tarangire National Park:

Lions
African Bush Elephants
Leopards
Hippos
Cheetahs
Cape Buffaloes
Zebras
Giraffes
Warthogs
Jackals
Hyenas
African Wild Dogs

The herbivore and antelope populations in the park include:

Waterbucks
Hartebeests
Kudus
Wildebeests
Common Elands
Gerenuks
Impalas
Fringe-eared Oryxes

Some other highlights of Tarangire National Park Animals include vervet monkeys, olive baboons, honey badgers, dwarves and banded mongooses, etc.

Here are some prime wildlife attractions of Tarangire National Park:

Abundant Gentle Giants!

Tarangire National Park is one of the best places across Africa to see elephants. Tarangire’s elephants’ herds can reach more than 300 individuals. You’ll see these wonderful creatures sloshing about in plies of mud and bathing at the different water sources.

This experience is guaranteed to leave permanent memories because where on Earth can you witness herds and herds of elephants in their natural habitat comfortable with their surroundings?

Tree-climbing kings!

Another animal that’s synonymous with the name Tarangire is the lion. There are about 650 lions in the park, and they can be often seen lazing atop sausage and acacia trees.

Fascinating antelopes!

Tarangire is one of the few Tanzanian destinations where you can expect great sightings of both gerenuks and Oryxes. So, a rare and exciting wildlife safari is guaranteed in Tarangire National Park.

Birdlife Of Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is a birdwatching hotspot of Tanzania Safaris. The park contains more than 550 different species of birds. Its population of birds are some of the most diverse in the African continent.

Birds like hornbills and flamingos are drawn to the park for the numerous swamps and lakes. While other species enjoy the plentiful acacia trees because the trees’ long thorns offer a great foundation for building nests.

Here are some of the different types of bird species you can spot on a Tarangire National Park Safari:

COMMON BIRD SPECIES	ENDEMIC BIRD SPECIES	NEAR ENDEMIC BIRD SPECIES	MIGRANT SPECIES
Great White Pelican	Ashy Starling	Northern Pied babbler	Common House Martin
African Grey Flycatcher	Rufous-tailed weaver	Eastern Crested Guineafowl	Aquatic Warbler
Ostrich			White-rumped Sandpiper
Vulturine Guineafowl
Yellow-collared lovebird

Scenic’s Point of view – Birdlife in Tarangire is plentiful throughout the course of the year. But, birdwatching safaris are at their prime when North African and European migratory birds are present, which is from November to April.

Reasons To Visit

Want a bunch of reasons why Tarangire National Park has a special spot in the heart of several visitors on Safaris in Tanzania? Then, we’re here to clear things up, here are some reasons why you should consider visiting Tarangire:

Extraordinary game viewing opportunities (particularly in the dry season).
Enormous herds of elephants go upwards of 300 in number.
Frequent sightings of lions (with the possibility of seeing them on top of acacia trees).
The perfect birdwatching destination with more than 550 bird species.
Gorgeous sceneries on the backdrop of rich habitats.
One of the few places where you can see the giant, ancient trees of life – Baobabs.

Attractions of Tarangire

Now that you know why you should visit Tarangire National Park, it’s time to move on to the next step, i.e. the major attractions of the park. Below we’ll go over each of them in detail

Silale Swamp – The remote and giant sponge of Tarangire!

The varied ecosystem that co-exists in Tarangire National Park supports a wide range of vegetation, bird, and wildlife making it all the more alluring for the visitors.

One such distinct feature of Tarangire is the distant Silale swamp.
During the wet season, the swamp tends to soak up water like a big sponge and slowly releases it during the dry season acting as a water source.
This wetland is visited by huge herds of herbivores and thus attracts predators like lions, leopards, and wild dogs.

The swamp is even home to a good number of cape buffaloes and elephants. Some of the bird species found here include Donaldson-nightjar, Smith’s vulturine guinea, etc.

The Giant Baobab Trees – Behold the views and admire the life force!

Another distinct feature of Tarangire is the huge number of baobab trees found on its land.

These trees are succulents that are capable of holding a large amount of water in their trunks during the wet season.
The high water content allows them to produce nutrient-rich fruit during the dry season.
Which is like a saviour for birds and animals flourishing in the park when everything else goes dry and barren.

Thus, justifying the name “The tree of Life”. These trees have a vast life expectancy of nearly 600 years and their trunks are huge that can retain up to 300 litres of water. The seeds of these trees are nutritious and are a constant source of food for the various animals inhabiting the park.

Wildlife Migration – A mini mass migration!

A good number of migratory movements characterize Tarangire National Park. The seasonal nature of the park facilitates wildlife migration within its ecosystem.

During the dry season, the whole of Tarangire dries out.
Large herds of herbivores can be seen making their move toward the limited water sources available within the park.
The Tarangire River continues to be a lifeline for its inmates during the dry spell. Various animals do migrate into the park in search of water.

It is quite common to see herds of elephants, wildebeests, gazelles, zebras, and hartebeests as well as predators like lions, leopards, wild dogs, etc. invade the park in great numbers. Mark this park into your Tanzania Safari Packages and we bet you won’t regret it!

Elephant Population – Surprizing number of gentle giants!

Tarangire National Park has some of the highest-density of elephant populations as compared to anywhere in Tanzania.

As the dry season approaches in the month of June through October, large herds of nearly 300 elephants can be seen digging the dry river beds in search of underground streams of water. It is quite obvious to spot elephants during your Safari to Tarangire National Park due to their presence throughout the park in large numbers.

Poacher’s Hide – Step inside the tree of life!

There is this huge old baobab tree located a few hundred meters west of the main north-south track through the Tarangire National Park with a concealed entrance on one side – leading into a hollow chamber inside its bark.

This served as a hiding place for poachers until the mid-90s. The poachers used this as a hideout from the animals and patrolling rangers. Though now these are inhabited by the occasional bees or animals. In the present day, you can visit and see those epic hideouts on your Tarangire National Park Safari.

Lemiyon Triangle – Photographic safaris on the backdrop of impressive surroundings!

Lemiyon Triangle is found in the northernmost part of the park. It is bordered by the Burunge circuit on the west, Lake Burunge, and the Tarangire River on the east of the road.

The area forms a triangular-shaped zone with huge baobab trees along both sides of the road and also includes different types of acacia trees.
The Mahogany trees and the toothbrush bushes also flood the region.
Nature seems surreal with the presence of a variety of bird species both prey and predator birds.

The park offers good raptor viewing. Some of the raptors seen here include; the tawny eagle, the martial eagle, the long-crested eagle as well as the fish eagle. The prey birds that are seen in this area are the bateleur eagle. Both the zebras and wildebeests can be seen grazing over this pristine land.

Tarangire River – The Park’s lifeline!

The great Tarangire River that flows through the park serves as the lifeline for the bird and wildlife of Tarangire National Park.

During the dry season which prevails from July through October, the park attracts many animals that roam far-off places.
The reason is the water supply of the Tarangire River and seasonal swamps which retain a good amount of water to support life forms.
Zebras, wildebeests, impalas, gazelles, giraffes, buffalos, hartebeests, and herds of elephants come to this river to cool off.

As a result, predators like lions, leopards and wild dogs, etc. are also drawn toward the riverfront. Many birds, both local and migratory, also flock to this wonderful water source to quench their thirst.

Matete Woodlands – Riverine hills bursting with wildlife!

The northwest region of Tarangire is home to Matete Woodlands and the Matete Bridge which is also called Engelhard Bridge named after the patron whose family helped so much with the preservation of the park.

The Matete woodland is a unique land consisting of tall elephant grass and acacia woodlands.
A good number of baobab trees are also found towering over the vast flora and fauna found in the region.
These woodlands provide habitat for many types of animals and birds find an ideal resting space on them.
Vervet monkeys and baboons are also common in this area and Lions are the major predator inhabiting the woodland.

Kitibong Hill – Fully remote safaris!

The Kitibong region of the park surrounds Kitibong Hill in the Tarangire National Park. The landscape here is enticing and consists of acacia parkland in the eastern territory and Dalbergia woodland in the western area.

Things To Do In Tarangire National Park

Want to know what makes Tarangire tick with the most popular Tanzania Safari destinations and tours? Then, nothing more can convince you than the variety of activities that are on offer in the park, we know you can’t wait to find out what these are, so here’s a comprehensive list:

Spectacular game viewing – right from your 4WD vehicle!

Visualize yourself on Tanzania Safari Tours surrounded by a wide expanse of habitats including ancient baobabs, acacia and sausage trees. All on the backdrop of large herds of elephants marching forward or just relaxing by the rivers and lakes. Don’t you want to experience this too?

We assume that you certainly want to experience exactly this. Thus, simply choose from our range of Tanzania Safari Packages that include this marvellous destination and you’ll be all set.

Birdwatching – Simply the best range of avians!

Tarangire National Park isn’t just overflowing with an abundance of birds. It is also home to some of the most diverse birdlife in Tanzania. With this much avian life, Tarangire National Park Safaris are guaranteed to turn even the most uninterested into full-fledged birding enthusiasts.

Cultural Tours – Where enjoyment collides with impactful experiences!

Who would’ve thought that enjoyment on your Tanzania Safari Tour goes hand-in-hand with creating an impact? Well, it’s us for sure! We at African Scenic Safaris put a special emphasis on conducting sustainable and responsible tours as well as fun.

And, you can also experience these impactful experiences by immersing yourself in the native cultures on cultural excursions to the villages of the local communities.

Nature walks – Guided, of course! On the setting of the savannah plains!

Set off on a guided nature walk in Tarangire National Park toe-to-toe along with one of the park rangers, and experience the beauty of the park on foot. This allows for an even more authentic safari adventure as you’ll be able to get up close with the wildlife and learn fascinating pieces of informational tidbits from your guide.

Our Recommended Tarangire Tours

We know you can’t contain your excitement and are probably thinking about experiencing the wonders of Tarangire National Park right away. So, we’ve decided to assist you further in the process, here are a couple of our recommended Tanzania Safari Tours that’ll help you out:

NAME OF THE PACKAGE(S)	CENTRAL HIGHLIGHTS
8 Days Tanzania Classic Safari (https://africanscenicsafaris.com/tanzania-classic-safaris)	Set off on a classic adventure of Tarangire on the second day. See animals along the shores of the Tarangire River. Game drives across the rich habitats where you’ll see the giant baobab trees in person.
10 Days Tanzania Closer To Nature (https://africanscenicsafaris.com/closer-to-nature)	Nature isn’t just in the name, it’s in the experience too! Spend 2 days finding out what wonders Tarangire National Park has in store for you.

Want some more of our personalized Tanzania Safari Tours itineraries? We have you there as well! Simply visit this link and discover what other things Tanzania offers .

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Tarangire Accommodations

A long day of exceptional wildlife viewing just demands a blissful night of sleep and Tarangire National Park doesn’t fall short in that regard. We want to assist you in finding the perfect accommodation, so here are some hand-picked recommendations:

NAME OF THE ACCOMMODATION(S)	RATING	AMENITIES AND HIGHLIGHTS
Tarangire Safari Lodge	4-Star (Mid-Range)	Charming and spacious rooms overlooking some incredible landscapes Convenient location: inside the park itself, and set close to the Tarangire River. Open-sided design makes for a more immersive experience (both the landscapes and wildlife).
Elewana Tarangire Treetops	5-Star (Luxury)	Spacious rooms with personal outdoor decks. The setting overlooks a watering hole, where you can spot plenty of wildlife drinking water. Top-notch luxury experience.
Nimali Tarangire	5-Star (Luxury)	Located in a private concession, adjacent to a riverbed. Gorgeous surroundings with nearby acacia and baobab trees. An exclusive and private luxurious experience.

So, gear up to enjoy refreshing sundowners from your outdoor deck while overlooking a watering hole where a family of elephants are lazing about, drinking water or getting their cleanliness on, while gentle breezes sway the giant baobabs! This is the charm and essence of Tarangire National Park Accommodations.

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Tarangire National Park Entry fee

The Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) is responsible for managing the parks and promoting conservation activities in all Tanzania National Parks. They formulate entry fees and other guidelines to be followed by the visitors visiting the parks in Tanzania.

Entrance fees	In High season	In Low Season
Residents	$29	$26
Non- Residents	$59	$53
Children (5 to 15 age) Residents	$8	Same price as the high season
Children (5 to 15 age) Non- Residents	$17	Same price as the high season

Tarangire’s Claims To Fame

There are a bunch of reasons why Tarangire National Park should be on everyone’s Tanzania Safari Packages. The following are the distinguishing features that set Tarangire apart from others:

Has one of the largest concentrations of elephants in the whole African continent. Old tuskers are also present, these are elephants with hugely impressive tusks.
One of the few Tanzania National Parks where walking safaris are permitted.
Extensive biodiversity and high population of different wildlife species (especially during the dry season – from June to October).
Even though it’s not as massive as the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti, Tarangire still sets the stage for a dry season migration, where many animals migrate to the Tarangire River.
The park is also known for its huge termite mounds that are dotted throughout the landscapes. Mounds that have been abandoned are home to dwarf mongooses.

See The Kingdom Of Elephants And Baobabs Yourself!

The characteristic skyline of Tarangire, framed by the giant branches of baobab trees is the background of superb and exclusive wildlife viewing. By and large, this is the core of Tarangire National Park Safaris. And that’s without touching on the fact that walking safaris are the picture-perfect activity that Tarangire offers safari lovers.

Thus, see the awe-inducing wonders of Tarangire National Park yourself by opting for one of our set of tailored Tanzania Safari Packages.

From our clients

Tyler D

Canada

WOW! Such an incredible trip, full of animal sightings. Our experience was overall fantastic from start to finish. African scenic safaris is a GREAT choice to do your safari tour!

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TARANGIRE

Tarangire National Park is located in northern Tanzania, in the Manyara Region. The nearest city to the park is Arusha and the park’s coordinates are - 4.0057° S, 35.9788° E

Tarangire National Park is renowned the world over for its huge population of elephants. In addition, the park’s landscapes consist of giant, scenic baobab trees.

The dry season (from June to October) is considered the Best Time to Visit Tarangire National Park. This is because most animals head towards the Tarangire River to keep themselves hydrated and in search of greener pastures, ultimately providing visitors with great wildlife viewing opportunities.

Certainly, yes! Tarangire National Park is a great safari destination that offers a great deal of wildlife viewing possibilities. And, the southern section of the park is great for a more private and secluded Tanzania Safari experience.

Tarangire National Park gets its name from the long-serving permanent source of water – the Tarangire River. The river is one of the primary reasons why the park has a hugely varied ecosystem.

There are around 2,500 elephants inside the premises of Tarangire National Park.

The total population of lions in Tarangire National Park is believed to be around 250.

The total area of Tarangire National Park is 2,850 sq. km. (1,100 sq. miles). The park is the sixth biggest of all Tanzania National Parks.

The trees of Tarangire National Park include giant baobabs, sausage trees, acacias (thorn trees), candelabra trees, fan palms, etc.

The Tarangire Lion Project focuses on reducing the human-lion conflict while collaborating with local communities and gathering data about the seasonal movement patterns of the lions of Tarangire National Park

See the Tarangire for yourself

Tarangire National Park is known for its exclusivity which no other National Parks in Tanzania have. At the same time what makes it spectacular is its abundant wildlife.

So if you are planning a Safari In Tanzania, do not forget to add Tarangire National Park to your bucket list.