Overview
About Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is a Northern Circuit national park covering at approximately 2,850 km² dominated by different habitats including open savannah, river valleys, acacia and mixed woodland, seasonal floodplains, wetlands and large baobabs.
Its name comes from the The Tarangire River which is one of the park's principal ecological features. In the dry months, wildlife gathers around remaining water, while the greener months bring fresh scenery and rich birdlife.
Silale Swamp, particularly in southern Tarangire, provides a contrasting wetland landscape and important habitat for elephants, buffalo, birds and other wildlife. TANAPA specifically promotes Silale and the river loops as important dry-season viewing areas.
Tarangire can be reached by road from Arusha in approximately 2–3 hours . Kuro Airstrip provides scheduled or charter air access. The park links naturally with Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Serengeti within Northern Circuit.
On Safari
Wildlife
Elephants are Tarangire's defining wildlife, joined by buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and predators including lion, leopard and spotted hyena. The park also supports rich birdlife and offers possible sightings of dry-country species such as oryx, kudu and gerenuk.
Seasonality is one of the most important elements of Tarangire. In the main dry period from June to October, wildlife increasingly depends on remaining water and large concentrations can occur around the Tarangire River and wetland systems. After rainfall begins, zebra, wildebeest and other mobile wildlife disperse into the wider Tarangire ecosystem, while the park becomes greener and water more broadly available.
Things to Do
Activities
Game Drives
Guided Walking Safari
Night Game Drive
Hot-Air Ballon Safari
Birdwatching
Photographic Safari
Bush Meal
Sundowner
Plan Ahead
Best Time to Visit
January–February: A shorter dry period with greener landscapes and wildlife often more dispersed than later in the year.
March–May: Long rains bring lush scenery and excellent photographic colour, although some roads can become muddy.
June–October: The main dry season. Wildlife increasingly gathers around the Tarangire River, Silale Swamp and other remaining water sources.
November–December: Short rains refresh the landscape and encourage wildlife to spread back into the wider ecosystem, while birdlife remains a strong attraction.
Plan Your Safari
Ready to Explore Tarangire National Park?
Tell us what you would like to experience and we will help create a Safari around your interests, time and travel style.
Good to Know
Travel Tips
Plan your road transfer well
From Arusha, we usually recommend allowing around 2.5 to 3 hours by road, though traffic, stops and road conditions can sometimes make the journey longer.
Stay longer if you can
If your schedule allows, spending more than a quick day visit in Tarangire gives you a better chance to explore beyond the busier entrance and northern areas.
Prepare for seasonal road conditions
In the dry season, expect dust on the roads, while in the rainy months some sections can become muddy, which is why TANAPA recommends 4×4 access during wetter periods.
Arrange special activities in advance
If you would like experiences such as a walking Safari, night drive or balloon Safari, let us plan them early because they require authorised arrangements and depend on operator or accommodation availability.
Give elephants plenty of space
Tarangire is famous for its elephants, and we always advise giving them room, especially near water, while following your guide's instructions at all times.
Consider flying if it suits your Safari
Kuro Airstrip offers a good alternative to road travel for itineraries that use scheduled or charter flights.