Explore Tarangire National Park

Welcome to our Tarangire National Park portal! Here, you’ll find all the information you need about wildlife, attractions, activities, safari accommodations, best times to visit, how to get there, and the cost of Tarangire safaris. Our travel blog offers tips and insights to help you plan the perfect adventure.

Overview of Tarangire National Park

Ranked as the sixth largest national park in Tanzania and covering an area of 2,600 square kilometers, Tarangire is renowned for its large elephant herds and the mini-wildlife migration that occurs during the dry season, attracting around 250,000 animals. This park is a must-visit on any Tanzania safari tour.

Location of Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is situated slightly off the popular northern Tanzania Safari Circuit, nestled between the Masai Steppe to the southeast and the lakes of the Great Rift Valley to the north and west. The park’s lifeline, the permanent Tarangire River, flows northwards and exits in the northwestern corner, emptying into Lake Burungi. During the dry season, wide swamps transform into lush green plains, particularly in the south of the park.

Tarangire’s Unique Vegetation

Named after the Tarangire River, the park is characterized by its varied vegetation. Although it is drier than the Serengeti, Tarangire boasts greener landscapes with elephant grass, mixed acacia woodlands, and aquatic forests. The park is also home to the iconic baobab trees, which can live up to 600 years and store between 300 and 900 liters of water.

Wildlife Migration in Tarangire

From June to November, the dry season brings a significant wildlife migration to Tarangire. While not as dramatic as the Serengeti’s wildebeest migration, it still attracts large numbers of animals, including wildebeests, elephants, gazelles, zebras, hartebeest, and buffaloes. Predators like lions also gather around the Tarangire River, the only reliable water source during this time. During the rainy season (November to May), many animals move northwest towards the Rift Valley floor and Lake Manyara.

Animals of Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, with herds of up to 300 members. The park also hosts impalas, elands, buffaloes, giraffes, Bohor reedbuck, Coke’s hartebeest, Thompson’s gazelle, greater and lesser kudu, and occasionally, the rare gerenuk and fringe-eared oryx. Leopards, lions, hyenas, and cheetahs are commonly seen, especially in the southern open areas. Over 545 bird species, including the stunning yellow-collared lovebirds and shy starlings, make Tarangire a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Activities in Tarangire National Park

• Game Drives: The main activity in Tarangire, offering excellent wildlife viewing.
• Walking Tours and Night Safaris: Available outside the park boundaries. Oliver’s Camp offers walking tours and fly camping safaris.
• Night Game Drives: Permitted in the park, but only a few accommodations, like Swala and Oliver’s Camp, offer these tours.
• Tarangire Balloon Safaris: Experience the park from above on a hot air balloon ride, providing a unique perspective of the wildlife below.

Cost of Tarangire Safari

The cost of a Tarangire safari varies based on accommodation and activities. Luxury lodges like Chem Chem Lodge ($1,250 per person per night), Little Chem Chem ($1,200 per night), and Kuro Camp ($857 per night) offer high-end experiences. Mid-range options like Tarangire River Camp and Maramboi Tented Camp provide more affordable rates. Budget travelers can consider Lake Burunge Tented Camp for a cost-effective stay.

Combining Your Tarangire Safari with Other Destinations

Enhance your adventure by combining your Tarangire safari with visits to the Ngorongoro Crater, Selous Game Reserve, Serengeti National Park, or gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda. The Masai Mara National Park in Kenya is another excellent addition to your itinerary.

Plan your dream safari with us and experience the best of Tarangire National Park and beyond. For more information and bookings, visit our website or contact us directly.