Best Time to Visit Tarangire National Park 

Most visitors come to Tarangire National Park during the dry season that runs from June to October. Wildlife viewing is better this time of year as the vegetation is thin and the animals are easier to spot roaming around. 

It’s also a popular time for the animals to gather around the Tarangire River. Since it’s the easiest time to see wildlife, the dry months are the peak tourist season. The long rain season that runs from March until May is the low tourist season. 

While fewer visitors come in the wet season, it can still be a rewarding time for those that enjoy bird watching or more lush scenery. 

Not sure when you should come to Tarangire? Here is a breakdown of the two seasons and the pros and cons of each. 

Tarangire’s Dry Season 

June through October is the dry season in Tarangire National Park. Since there is little to no rainfall in the park, most animals go to the Tarangire River as a water source. Your safari guide will take you to the river where you can see many different species of animals lounging around and drinking. 

Since there is no rain to keep the vegetation growing, it’s easier to spot animals. The weather is also sunny and dry without the need to worry about rain ruining your safari. 

June through August have very cold evenings and mornings though. Make sure to bring some warmer clothing in these months so you can enjoy the game drives without being too cold. 

The number of animals you’ll see in the park will vary by month. If the rainy season is very heavy in May, there might be fewer animals in the park during June. 

Sometimes the rainy season starts early in October making it a little harder to spot animals. Predicting when the rain will begin is hard since the weather can be unpredictable. 

Why Visit During the Dry Season

Better Wildlife Viewing 

Tarangire has wildlife viewing all year round, but it's better in the dry season. The watering holes are easy places to see animals. You can also spot them even when they are far away since the vegetation is dry and thin. 

Better Time to Camp 

Tarangire has permanent canvas tents where you can sleep during your safari. Although the tents are waterproof and still in use during the rainy season, camping is much more enjoyable when the weather is dry and sunny. 

Fewer Mosquitoes 

Fewer mosquitoes mean less of a chance of contracting malaria. All lodging sites are equipped with mosquito nets over the bed though to protect you from mosquitoes and other insects. 

Cons of Visiting During the Dry Season 

While June through October is regarded as the best time to visit Tarangire because of the better wildlife opportunities, there are a few drawbacks to visiting during this season. 

The main one is that it’s peak tourist season. Some parts of Tarangire will get crowded with safari vehicles making it harder to snap good photos. Lodging sites are also more likely to get crowded. 

Since it’s the most popular time to visit Tanzania’s parks, prices during the dry season are also higher. While there are many affordable safari options, visiting during the dry season is usually more expensive compared to the wet season.

Tarangire’s Wet Season 

The wet season is from November through May. The park looks completely different during this time because the vegetation turns a lush green and covers the normally dry savannas. The landscape is breathtaking. 

November and December are the short rainy season. It rains almost every day for a short period. March to May is the long rainy season where it will rain every day for almost the entire afternoon. It’s rare for it to rain from dawn to dusk though. There should be a few dry hours each day. 

Why Visit During the Wet Season 

Despite the rain, there are a few advantages to visiting Tarangire during the wet season. 

Cheaper Prices

There are fewer visitors so you never have to fight for space in the parks. Since it’s the low tourist season, accommodation is much cheaper. You might even be able to stay in luxury accommodation since the prices drop during this season. 

Better For Bird Watching 

For those who are avid bird watchers, the wet season is the best time to visit. Tarangire is home to hundreds of different bird species including special migratory birds that come from Europe and North Africa during the wet season. 

Some of the commonly spotted birds include Brown Parrots, Yellow Collared Lovebirds, Steppe Eagles, Hoopoes, and many more!

Amazing Setting 

If you enjoy flowers and greenery, the wet season is also the perfect time to visit Tarangire. The grasslands in the park bloom with color and the entire space becomes luscious and green. 

Better for Photographers

For photographers that want to get the best photos of the landscape and terrain, the wet season is also a better time to visit. Pictures taken during the wet season are spectacular with a stunning green backdrop and flowers blooming across the screen. 

Cons of Visiting During the Wet Season 

The major drawback of coming during the wet season is that you have to deal with the rain. It doesn’t rain the same every month though. November and December have less rainfall than March to May. 

January and February are completely dry some years but there is still a chance you’ll see a minimal amount of rainfall during these months. 

While the rainfall rarely ruins a whole day, safaris and other activities do have to be planned around the weather which can be inconvenient. 

You’ll also have a harder time spotting wildlife. With the help of your expert safari guide though, you should still get the chance to see all of Tarangire’s best animals. 

Planning the Best Time to Visit Tarangire 

The best time to visit Tarangire depends on your budget and your schedule. People coming to view general wildlife should try to plan their trip during the dry season. Those wanting to save money or specifically coming for bird watching should come during the wet season. 

Tarangire offers wildlife viewing all year and is ready to welcome you no matter which month you choose to come!