Tarangire National Park
Ancient baobab trees and the largest elephant herds in northern Tanzania — an underrated gem offering intimate safari experiences without the crowds.
Tarangire National Park is northern Tanzania's best-kept secret. At 2,850 square kilometres, it is the sixth-largest national park in the country, yet receives a fraction of the visitors that flock to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro — making it a superb choice for those seeking authentic, uncrowded safari experiences.
The park is defined by the Tarangire River, which becomes a lifeline during the dry season as animals from across the wider ecosystem converge on its shrinking waters. From June to October, wildlife densities along the river rival anywhere in Africa.
Tarangire's landscape is visually stunning and distinctly different from other northern parks. Massive baobab trees — some over 1,000 years old — dot the savannah, creating an almost prehistoric atmosphere. Termite mounds the size of houses punctuate the grasslands, and the Silale Swamps in the south attract vast concentrations of waterbirds.
The park is particularly famous for its elephants. During peak dry season, herds of 200–300 elephants gather along the river — the largest concentrations in northern Tanzania and among the most impressive elephant gatherings in all of Africa.
Safari Tours & Packages in Tarangire National Park
Explore our curated itineraries that include Tarangire National Park.
Northern Circuit Classic Safari
The essential Tanzania safari — Tarangire elephants, Lake Manyara's tree-climbing lions, Ngorongoro Crater, and the S...
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Tanzania Family Safari & Zanzibar Beach Escape
This itinerary combines Tanzania's most famous safari destinations with the tropical beauty of Zanzibar, creating the...
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CULTURE AND WILDLIFE SAFARI AND ZANZIBAR
Discover the magic of Tanzania on this comprehensive 15-day itinerary combining world-class safaris, authentic cultur...
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Tanzania Honeymoon Safari Tour
A Tanzania honeymoon safari brings together romance, wildlife, and comfort in a way that feels both exciting and pers...
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Tarangire hosts the largest elephant population in northern Tanzania — an estimated 2,500 individuals. The dry season concentrations are extraordinary, with herds of several hundred gathering at the river.
The park also supports large populations of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, giraffe, impala, and hartebeest. Predators include lion, leopard, cheetah, and African wild dog (seasonal). The birdlife is exceptional — over 550 species recorded, making it one of Tanzania's top birding destinations. The swamps attract yellow-collared lovebirds, endemic to Tanzania.
How to Get There
Tarangire is the closest Northern Circuit park to Arusha — just 2.5 hours by road. This makes it an excellent first or last stop on a safari itinerary. There is also a small airstrip for charter flights from Arusha and the Serengeti.
Park Fees & Regulations
Park entry fees are $53.10 per adult per 24 hours (non-resident). Children aged 5–15 pay $17.70. Vehicle and guide fees apply separately and are typically included in your safari package.