Tarangire National Park
The Land of Giants: Elephants and Baobabs.
A Uniquely Captivating Safari Landscape
Tarangire National Park offers a safari experience that is wonderfully distinct from its more famous neighbors. Named after the life-giving Tarangire River that flows through it, this park is a land of ancient giants. It is renowned for having one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Tanzania, and its landscape is dominated by the majestic, thousand-year-old baobab trees that create a truly prehistoric and awe-inspiring scenery.
During the dry season (from June to October), the Tarangire River becomes a vital lifeline, attracting vast herds of animals from the surrounding Maasai Steppe. A Tarangire safari tour during this period provides phenomenal wildlife viewing, as elephants, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and various predators congregate along the riverbanks. Tarangire is also a paradise for bird watchers, with over 550 species recorded. For those seeking a less crowded but incredibly rewarding safari, Tarangire is an unmissable part of the Northern Circuit.
Key Tarangire Experiences
Massive Elephant Herds
Witness some of the largest elephant herds in Africa as they gather along the Tarangire River, often in groups of up to 300.
The Baobab Kingdom
Marvel at the surreal landscape dotted with ancient and gigantic baobab trees, often called the "Tree of Life."
Exceptional Bird Watching
With over 550 bird species, including many endemic to the region, Tarangire is a true haven for ornithology enthusiasts.
Diverse Predator Action
Look for the park's famous tree-climbing lions, leopards, and large clans of hyenas that follow the migratory herds.
Tarangire Gallery
Tarangire National Park FAQs
The best time to visit Tarangire is during the long dry season from June to October. During this period, the Tarangire River becomes the only major source of water, attracting huge concentrations of animals and making for spectacular wildlife viewing.
While the Serengeti is known for its vast, open grasslands and the Great Migration, Tarangire is defined by its unique landscape of rolling hills, acacia woodlands, and giant baobab trees. It's particularly famous for its enormous elephant population, which is a key highlight.
Yes, due to its relative proximity to Arusha (about a 2-3 hour drive), a day trip to Tarangire is possible and popular. However, to fully appreciate the park's diversity and reach its quieter southern sections, we highly recommend staying for at least one night.
Tarangire is a bird watcher's paradise. It boasts over 550 bird species, one of the highest numbers of any park in Tanzania. The swamps are home to a great variety of water birds, and the woodlands host several endemic species. The birding is especially fantastic during the wet season (November to May).
Yes! While Lake Manyara National Park is more famous for this behavior, the lions in Tarangire are also known to climb trees to rest, escape biting insects, or get a better vantage point. Spotting a lion lounging in the branches of a sausage tree is a memorable and unique safari sighting.
Explore the Land of the Giants
Walk in the shadow of ancient baobabs and witness the great elephant herds of Tarangire. This captivating park is a key part of any Northern Circuit adventure. Explore our Tanzania Safari Itineraries to see how we include Tarangire.
Plan Your Tarangire Safari