Tarangire National Park

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Tarangire National Park is 130 km/80 miles southwest of Arusha and covers 2,850 km². Tarangire offers diverse wilderness and wonderful panoramas of wide savannah grasslands dotted with open acacia woodland studded with large Baobab trees. The Park is named after the renowned Tarangire River, which goes through it. It’s the best place in northern Tanzania to see the oddest-looking tree in Africa – the ‘upside down tree’ or baobab.

Tarangire National Park has the highest concentration of animal species outside of the Serengeti habitat. It is best known for its elephant herds and tree-climbing lions. Tarangire is home to all the classic African savannah species plus a few unusual ones – such as the long-necked gerenuk. The game includes wildebeests, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest, elephants, giraffe, jackal, warthog, olive baboons, bush babies, bat-eared fox, aardvark, caracal, genet, nightjar, honey badgers, wild dogs, serval cats among others.

Things to do in Tarangire National Park

Game safaris and Night Safaris – large herds of elephant populations

Tarangire National Park is best known for its many gigantic baobab trees and its large herds of elephants; it is home to approximately 2,500 individuals and large herds are regularly viewed. Game from the surrounding areas concentrates in large numbers near the Tarangire River as this is the only permanent water source in the area. Look out for Lions, Leopards, Spotted Hyenas, and Wild dogs among others.

Bird watching

Excellent birdwatching opportunities with about 550 bird species such as Yellow-collared lover birds, bateleurs eagles, gigantic lappet-faced vultures, brown parrots, and much more. The best place to view these birds is in the woodlands, swamps, and near the Tarangire River.

Canoe safari

Embark on a peaceful and scenic canoeing safari following the shorelines of small Momella Lake. On this 2- 2.5 hours canoe safari, you can view buffaloes, bushbuck, giraffes, hippos, and many water birds living in and close to the water.

Walking safaris

Experience the wildlife up close, look out for Buffalo, waterbuck, giraffe, warthog, zebra, bush-buck, and of course the naughty baboons can be seen all year round as well as many different bird species. The walking safari takes 2 to 3 hours during which you cross the Jekukumia River and visit a beautiful waterfall where you can take a refreshing ‘shower’. The shadowy Montane Forest is inhabited by inquisitive blue monkeys, and many colorful birds and is the only place on the northern safari circuit where the acrobatic black-and-white Colobus monkey is often seen.

Spectacular scenery famed for its ancient baobab trees

Tarangire national park is great for sightseeing as the park provides some of the most spectacular views of nature including the Tarangire River, the baobab trees, woodlands, and acacia landscapes.

Experience the Maasai Culture and their way of life.

Tarangire national park is situated near the Masai steep and offers community-based tours / cultural tours. Get to visit the nearby Maasai village and learn about the unique ways of living with their cultural aspects.

Where to stay in Tarangire National Park

Tarangire Treetops

Tarangire Treetops sits secluded in a private game reserve bordering Tarangire National Park and the Maasai Steppe. It offers spectacular views of Lake Manyara, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the beautiful Rift Valley wall. Distinctively furnished, blending natural materials and modern décor, the 20 treehouses provide magnificent views from expansive private balconies. Sumptuous suites each boast an ensuite bathroom (with a double shower), a private balcony, ceiling fans, and ample mosquito netting.

The guest areas in the Main Lodge, which is built around a thousand-year-old baobab tree, include a superb restaurant, bar, an inviting swimming pool (which overlooks a nearby watering hole), and a boutique store for guests’ convenience. Adventures include morning and evening game drives, informative bush walks, and visits to a nearby Maasai village. Romantic bush meals and sundowners can also be arranged.

Tarangire Safari Lodge

The five circular bungalows, built in a similar style to the Maasai boma, offer a more spacious option for family and triple accommodation. The bungalows are set away from the main lodge, providing privacy, and all have large en-suite bathrooms with solar-heated showers, and comfortable bedding made from local textiles. There are also 35 tents and 5 bungalows consisting of twin rooms, double rooms, and triple rooms. The lodge features an open-air dining room, Lounge & Bar, Swimming Pool, and Baobab Boutique.

Tarangire Ndovu Camp

Tarangire Ndovu Camp offers a traditional tented safari experience along the famous northern safari circuit. There are 12 canvas tents made up of 10 standard suites and 2 bedroomed inter-connected family suites. The tents are spacious and generously furnished with the entire front zipping open to reveal the Tarangire landscape and fitted with a storage chest, wardrobe, luggage rack, and bedside tables. The Camp features a pleasant lounge, dining area, bar, spa, gift shop, firepit, and swimming pool.

The best time to visit Tarangire Park

The best time to visit the park is December – March and June to October. The animals flock towards the Tarangire River for water, allowing for easy sightings. In order to see the big herds of elephants, we recommend visiting towards the latter period of the dry season (September/October).

For bird watching, visit between November and May, when migrant species arrive and resident birds display their colorful breeding plumage. The coming of the rains brings life to the park’s terrain, with the dried vegetation thriving again and a beautiful green scenery unveils yet again.