Discover Tarangire National Park – Tanzania’s Elephant Paradise

Tarangire National Park is famed for its massive elephant herds, iconic baobab trees, and diverse wildlife. As one of northern Tanzania’s largest parks, it offers extraordinary safari adventures through varied landscapes including dry riverbeds, savannahs, and acacia woodlands.

Tarangire is best known for hosting one of Tanzania’s largest elephant populations. During the dry season, over 3,000 elephants gather around the Tarangire River, providing spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities.

  • Large family herds and impressive bulls roam the park.
  • Close encounters near waterholes make for unforgettable photo moments.
  • Elephant behavior and social dynamics can be observed in their natural habitat.

The surreal landscape of Tarangire is dotted with ancient baobab trees, often called the "upside-down trees" due to their unique shape. These iconic giants add a mystical ambiance to the park and provide shelter to many animals.

  • Some baobabs are thousands of years old, standing as natural monuments.
  • Their hollow trunks sometimes serve as homes for owls and other birds.
  • Sunsets behind baobabs create breathtaking photographic scenes.

Beyond elephants, Tarangire supports a wide variety of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Its rich biodiversity makes it a hotspot for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers alike.

  • Lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas roam the park.
  • Impala, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and wildebeest are abundant.
  • Over 550 bird species, including the colorful lilac-breasted roller and the rare kori bustard.

The dry season, from June to October, is the most popular time to visit due to concentrated wildlife around water sources. However, the wet season also offers lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching.

  • June–October: Dry season – easy wildlife viewing and large elephant gatherings.
  • November–May: Wet season – vibrant greenery and abundant birdlife.

Tarangire offers various ways to explore the park’s natural wonders:

  • Morning and afternoon game drives to catch the best wildlife moments.
  • Guided walking safaris for intimate nature encounters.
  • Birdwatching tours led by expert guides.
  • Night drives (where permitted) to see nocturnal animals.

Located approximately 2–3 hours south of Arusha, Tarangire is accessible by road and by small charter flights to nearby airstrips.

  • Road: About 120 km from Arusha via well-maintained roads.
  • Air: Charter flights can land at Lake Manyara or other regional airstrips.