Welcome to Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is a few hours’ drive southwest of Arusha. It covers around 2,850 square kilometers and is part of Tanzania’s classic Northern Safari Circuit. It feels quieter and more out of the way than the Serengeti, and people who have done many safaris often name it as a favourite.

Why go to Tarangire?

  • Big elephant herds, sometimes 300+ animals

  • Old baobab trees all over the park

  • A seasonal river that pulls in wildlife from all around

  • Over 500 bird species, so birders love it

  • Fewer visitors, which means fewer vehicles at each sighting

Elephants are the main reason to come

Put simply, Tarangire is elephant country. It has the largest concentration of elephants in Tanzania, above all in the dry season from June to October.

You drive across dusty plains full of elephants. Mothers lead their calves, and big bulls rub against the old trees. It is wild and calm at the same time, and many guests say it is their favourite part of the trip.

Why are there so many? The Tarangire River is one of the few water sources that does not dry up in the dry season, so herds come from far away to drink. That is why you see so much wildlife in such a small area.

Tarangire wildlife beyond the elephants

The elephants get most of the attention, but the rest of the wildlife is very good too.

Other animals you can expect to see:

  • Lions, often resting in trees or hunting in the tall grass

  • Leopards in the riverside forest (they are shy)

  • Cheetahs on the open plains

  • Buffalo, zebras, and wildebeest in huge numbers

  • Giraffes, warthogs, impalas, and eland

With some luck, you might also see:

  • Wild dogs (rare but occasionally seen)

  • Kudu and oryx, which are harder to find in other parks