Often described as Tanzania’s most underrated national park, Tarangire National Park is one of Africa’s little-known treasures and a must for any northern circuit itinerary. With just a fraction of the visitors that the Serengeti receives, Tarangire offers more space and exclusivity for those who make it there. The park boasts a variety of wildlife as diverse as its landscape and is home to the largest population of elephants in Tanzania, making it arguably the best place in the world to see African elephants.

With four of the Big Five residing in the park, Tarangire is a terrific spot for a day trip from Arusha or as an addition to a Serengeti/Ngorongoro focused itinerary. Located between the meadows of Maasai Steppe to the southeast and the lakes of the Great Rift Valley to the north and west, about 120 kilometers outside of Arusha, Tarangire’s seasonal migrations within the greater Tarangire ecosystem make it a fantastic park to revisit on subsequent safaris, as it always has something new to show you.

Wildlife in Tarangire National Park

The wildlife you’ll see in Tarangire changes with the seasons. Some animals leave the park between November and May, returning to the Tarangire swamps during the dry season from June to October, especially around the river system. During this time, herds of up to 300 elephants search the dry riverbed for underground streams, while migratory buffalo, impala, wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, hartebeest, and eland crowd around the shrinking lagoons. The park boasts the greatest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti, making it a smorgasbord for predators. It’s also the only place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope like the fringe-eared oryx and long-necked gerenuk are regularly seen. The swamps are a focus for 550 bird species, with the most breeding species in one habitat anywhere in the world, making Tarangire a famous destination for bird lovers.

Other common animals in Tarangire include leopards, lions, hyenas, and cheetahs, often found in the southern open areas. However, the thick vegetation can make predators harder to spot compared to other parks in northern Tanzania. The large numbers of elephants and colossal baobab trees make Tarangire a popular destination for Tanzania photography safaris. If you have time, we recommend staying for a few days in the south of the park, as it’s less crowded and gives you the opportunity to experience the backcountry.

Plant Life in Tarangire National Park

The park is named after the Tarangire River, the only source of water for wildlife during the dry seasons. Despite the river being drier than the Serengeti, Tarangire’s vegetation is much greener, with lots of elephant grass, mixed acacia woodlands, and baobab trees. The baobab, known as the Tree of Life, can store between 300 and 1,000 liters of water within its trunk and can live up to 600 years. This tree is particularly common in Tarangire National Park. There are also wide swamps that dry into green plains during the dry season in the south. The dry open woods, acacia thickets, and significant baobab trees make up most of the vegetation in Tarangire.

Activities in Tarangire

Tarangire is ideal for those who want to explore beyond game drives. Walking safaris offer the opportunity to study the smallest creatures and learn about tracking animals. For a completely different perspective, you can soar through the sky in a hot-air balloon at dawn or head out on a night drive to find nocturnal wildlife. There are many incredible ways to explore this place, and Tanzania safari trips have the local knowledge and resources to make it happen.

The Best Time for a Tarangire National Park Tour

During the dry season, Tarangire has the highest concentration of mammals in the country. From late June to October, thousands of animals migrate to Tarangire from Lake Manyara National Park, congregating around the Tarangire River. This makes for one of the greatest safari experiences in Africa! While July to October marks the high season with many tourists, the low season, with more rain and taller grass, can make animals harder to spot. Regardless of when you visit, we are dedicated to helping our guests have the best safaris possible. Check out the various Tanzania safari holiday options and get in touch to ask questions or tell us exactly what kind of safari you’re looking for.