Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park in Tanzania is a hidden oasis of the northern safari circuit nestled between the meadows of the Maasai Steppe in the southeast and the Great Rift Valley lakes in the north and west. Amidst the ancient baobab trees, the park is home to some of the largest herds of elephants. The landscape is a picturesque setting for the second largest migration, with some 250,000 ungulates crossing the savannah in search of the life-giving water of the Tarangire River.

At a Glance

Must See Tourist Attractions

• Large elephant herds

• Excellent bird watching

• Giant baobab trees

• Termite hills

• Rare and beautiful oryx

• Mini migration

Size

± 1,100 square miles (± 2,850 km²) 

Landscape

Acacia woodlands, swamps, rolling hills, riverine areas, savannah, baobab trees, river valley, granitic ridges, and seasonally flooded grasslands.

Main Species

Elephant, cheetah, lion, hyena, giraffe, leopard, buffalo, pythons, impala, reedbuck, oryx, gerenuk, lesser kudu, African wild dog caracal, vervet monkeys, olive baboon, ostrich, warthog, and dwarf mongoose.

The Wonder of the Wild & Surrounds

We take you on an unforgettable journey through one of Africa’s safest countries. Travel into Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park to witness the incredible wildlife that inhabits this magical place. The park forms part of a bigger ecosystem, the Tarangire-Manyara ecosystem, also known as the Maasai Steppe within the Manyara Region.

The park gets its name after the perennial life-giving river that runs through. The Tarangire River flows (Link Opportunity: Tarangire River) northward from the highlands in the Babati district and the Irangi Hills and drains into Lake Burunge. 

The park is known for its iconic stand of African Baobab trees, which give the landscape a mystical cathedral-like charm. The tree of life is a symbol of resilience and strength steeped in unfathomable superstition.

Tarangire National Park is one of the country's largest national parks, covering 285,000 hectares (2,850 km²). It hosts the second largest migration of ungulates when 250,000 animals enter the park in search of the life-giving water of the Tarangire River.

The river, dominated by fever trees, starts in the south of the park and flows northward. It is one of the only sources of water during the dry season. Large herds of elephants congregate around the watering holes. 

Within these borders, the park offers up-close wildlife encounters with huge herds of elephants and lion hunts at the Tarangire River. 

Meanwhile, in the north, the mystical baobab trees line the road in the Lemiyan Triangle, and the Matete Woodlands (Link Opportunity: Matete Woodlands) reveal sights of the fringed-eared oryx and lesser kudus with stunning views of the Lolkisale mountain. 

To the east, the Silale Swamps attract masses of animals and rock pythons, and the Sambu mountains are on the horizon.

Westward, the Burungi Circuit (Link Opportunity: Burungi Circuit) exposes candelabra trees with shimming reflections of the Burungi Lake. The Kitibong Hills hide the rare African Wild Dog, while large herds of buffalo graze and bird watchers enjoy some of the many species that call the area home.

We don't just visit Africa; we live its magic and, with our experienced tour guides, make your safari dreams come true.

The Diverse Geography

The landscape is a montage of stunningly diverse geography that sets Tarangire National Park apart as one of the most unique safari destinations. Its landscape shifts seamlessly from open savannahs and tall elephant grasslands to dense woodlands and expansive wetlands of black cotton soil.

The variety in the landscape enhances the park's natural beauty and supports an impressive range of plants and wildlife, creating a hotspot for a dynamic ecosystem that thrives throughout the year.

One of the main topographical features of the landscape is the sentinel guardians of Baobab trees that tower above the woodlands. These ancient goliaths can reach up to 82 feet (25 m) high and have a cylindrical trunk made up of multiple stems that spread out to about 46 feet (14 m), with some recorded even wider, resembling miniature fortresses.

Apart from their eerie silhouettes against the horizon, which create iconic photography, the trees, from the root-like branches to the hollow centers of the trunks, provide food and shelter to an array of animals, reptiles, and insects.

Their presence, unmistakable from afar, reveals the presence of water nearby. Large Baobabs can hold up to 36,060 liquid gallons (136,500 l) in their soft fibrous wood. 

Other names for these ancient icons include:

• Monkey bread tree

• Upside down tree

• Cream of Tartar tree

The tall elephant grass stretching across open plains contrasts with the rugged beauty of the terrain. It's a vital source that provides nourishment for grazing animals like zebra, wildebeest, and buffalo.

Another striking feature is the candelabra trees dotting the savanna. These evergreen succulent species resemble cactuses and can reach 32 feet (10 m) high. They are visually striking but equally toxic due to their milky latex substance.

Tarangire National Park is home to extensive swamps that dominate the southern regions. These water-rich areas sponge up water during the rainy season and release much-needed water during the dry season, attracting a variety of species that rely on the life-giving liquid.

We invite you to explore the heart of Tanzania's wilderness, where our tailored tour packages will take you on an adventure where wildlife meets serenity.

The Majestic Wildlife

Tarangire National Park is a treasure trove and sanctuary for an incredible array of wildlife, with every corner of the park teeming with life.

The park's most iconic feature is the large herds of elephants, numbering into the hundreds. During the 1970s and 1980s, poaching of ivory was a big concern, and the number of elephants dwindled. They sought refuge within the park's boundaries, where ranger patrols were more prominent. 

Under the ban of anti-poaching laws, the gentle giants grew over the decades from 2,300 in 1995 to over 5,000 during the last census in 2020.

Groups of elephants are drawn to the river to bathe and cool off in the waters and enjoy the lush vegetation the area offers during the rainy season.

Tanzania Safaris takes you close to the majestic creatures to watch the social behaviors of the playful interaction of the calves led by regal matriarchs and their families in search of water and food across the plains.

The landscape holds some rare and endangered species, including:

• African Wild dog (endangered)

• Cheetah (vulnerable)

• Lesser kudu (near threatened)

• Rüppell’s Vulture (critically endangered)

• Lion (vulnerable)

• Egyptian Vulture (endangered)

Among the park's rare wildlife is the vulnerable fringed ear oryx. These muscular antelopes have a striking appearance, with a fawn-colored coat and black markings on the face, throat, and flanks. They also have distinctive black tufts in the ear and slightly curved horns reaching 32 inches (81 cm) in length.

These elegant creatures are well adapted to the arid conditions of Tarangire National Park. They roam the open plains and blend flawlessly into the golden grass. They have been reported to survive for months without water by eating succulent plants during the dry seasons.

The African Rock Python adds a sense of mystery to the park. Africa's largest snake is a pro at camouflaging in its surroundings. Although non-venomous, they are still a formidable predator and masters at ambushing prey.

It's a thrilling experience for nature enthusiasts to spot a python coiled in a tree or hiding in dense vegetation. They can reach up to 15 feet 9 inches (4.8 m) in length and weigh up to 143 ounces (65 kg). While most feed on various animals, the largest being impala, there was a report of a python making a meal of a spotted hyena.

Scattered across the savanna are numerous termite mounds, some towering, like ancient miniature cities, several feet high. The abandoned strongholds often provide a refuge to the smallest African carnivore, the dwarf mongoose.

For bird lovers, Tarangire offers a paradise of 546 recorded birds to rival the park's mammal wonders. From grasslands to wetlands and the branches of the mighty baobab to the dense forest, the park is alive with the calls and echoes of the captivating avian community.

Cultures and History

Recognizing the importance of wildlife conservation, Julius K. Nyerere declared that wildlife protection was not only for the country but for all of mankind, which led to the Arush Manifesto in 1961.

The Manifesto laid the groundwork for the extensive national parks in Tanzania, which are deemed to have the highest level of resources and protection. In 1970, Tarangire was officially established as a national park.

The Tarangire National Park is the largest protected area within its ecosystem and is a focus of significant research and conservation efforts, including:

• Elephant Conservation

• Masai Giraffe conservation

• Wildlife Corridors and Migration

• Predator Research

• Bird Conservation

• Habitat Restoration and Anti-Poaching

• Community-Based Conservation

Best Time to Visit 

We understand that your safari is more than just a trip; tailoring your experience with us will leave lasting memories that make the safari adventure worth it. 

Between the dry and wet seasons, there are ample opportunities to view amazing wildlife. The question is, what animals do you want to view?

Getting There

Located in northern Tanzania, Tarangire National Park is easily accessible to visitors traveling through the region’s safari circuit.

Traveling to the park from abroad can be easily accessible from the nearby airports:

• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the closest primary gateway for international travelers. 

• Arusha Airport (ARK), the domestic airport in Arusha, is ideal (Link Opportunity: Travel Guide to Arusha) for connecting flights from other Tanzania destinations.

• Hire small chartered planes to arrange a transfer to Kuro Airstrip, which is located within the park.

By road, Tarangire National Park is about a 3-hour drive, 105 miles (169 km) southwest of Kilimanjaro region and 1.5 hours, 65 miles (104 km), from Arusha.

The park falls within close range of the surrounding safari destinations and can easily be included in the circuit.

• 1 hour drive from Lake Manyara National Park, 40 miles (63 km) 

• 2-hour drive from Ngorongoro Conservation area (Link Opportunity: Ngorongoro Conservation Area), 68 miles (109 km)

• 3-hour drive from Arusha National Park (link opportunity: Arusha National Park), 140 miles (87km)

• 4-hour drive from Serengeti National Park, 118 miles (190km)

GPS Coordinates: 3°44'19"S 35°58'12"E (Northern Entrance Gate)

Lodging Near Tarangire National Park

Attractions Near Tarangire National Park

• Serengeti National Park

• Lake Manyara National Park

• Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• Arusha National Park