About Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is in northern Tanzania. It’s named after the Tarangire River that flows through it. The park covers about 2,850 square kilometers. It’s famous for its large elephant herds and old baobab trees. Many people also know it for the animals that gather near its river during dry seasons.
The park was established in 1970. It was created to protect the wildlife and the unique ecosystem of the area. The government saw how important this land was for animals, especially during dry times. They wanted to make sure it would always be there for the animals and for people to enjoy.
In Tarangire, you can see many animals. Elephants are the stars, with large families roaming around. You might also spot lions, leopards, and cheetahs. There are lots of zebras, wildebeest, and different kinds of antelopes. The park is home to over 500 bird species too, from tiny sunbirds to big ostriches.
You should visit Tarangire for a few good reasons. It’s not as busy as other parks, so it’s more peaceful. The baobab trees make the land look special. It’s great for seeing lots of elephants up close. Also, the park changes with the seasons, so each visit can be different. These things make Tarangire a fun place for a safari.
Best Time / climate / How to get / Enquiry
Tarangire Safari Tours
8 Days
Tanzania Safari
4 Days
Tarangire & Arusha Safari
3 Days
Tarangire National Park Safari
Wildlife in Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is home to many animals. The most famous are the elephants. You can see big groups of them walking around or splashing in the river. They love to eat the grass and leaves here.
Lions also live in Tarangire. Sometimes, you might see them climbing trees to rest. This is special because not all lions do this. Leopards are here too, but they’re harder to spot because they’re shy.
The park has lots of other animals. You can see zebras with their black and white stripes. Giraffes walk around, eating leaves from tall trees. Wildebeest and different kinds of antelopes run across the grasslands. Near the water, you might see hippos and crocodiles.
Birds are a big deal in Tarangire. There are over 500 types. You can see small, colorful birds and big ones like ostriches. Many birds come here from other places during certain times of the year.
During the dry season, even more animals come to Tarangire. They all want to drink from the Tarangire River. This makes it a great time to visit and see lots of wildlife.
Mammals
- African Bush Elephant
- Lion
- African Leopard
- Spotted Hyena
- Common Warthog
- Grant’s Zebra
- Blue Wildebeest
- Lesser Kudu
- Giraffe
- Olive Baboon
Birds
- Secretarybird
- Kori Bustard
- Ostrich
- Martial Eagle
- African Grey Parrot
- Lilac-breasted Roller
- Bateleur
- Yellow-billed Hornbill
- African Paradise Flycatcher
- Saddle-billed Stork
Reptiles
- Nile Crocodile
- Savannah Monitor
- African Rock Python
- Leopard Tortoise
- Agama Lizard
- African House Snake
- Puff Adder
- Helmeted Guineafowl
- Black-necked Spitting Cobra
- Nile Monitor
Best Time to Visit Tarangire National Park
The best time to visit Tarangire National Park is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. During these months, the weather is pleasant and wildlife viewing opportunities are excellent.
In the dry season, animals gather around the Tarangire River, making them easier to spot. You’ll have a good chance of seeing large herds of elephants, as well as other wildlife like lions, leopards, and various antelope species.
Keep in mind that the park is less crowded and accommodation prices are lower during the wet season from November to December and March to May. But wildlife viewing can be more challenging during these months.
Prime Times for Tarangire’s Natural Events
Wildebeest and Zebra Migration
(October to December)
During these months, wildebeest and zebras move into the park from the Masai Mara. This brings exciting wildlife action and attracts predators.
Green Season
(November to April)
While wildlife is more spread out, the landscape is lush and beautiful. This is also the best time for bird watching, as migratory birds arrive.
Calving Season
(January to February)
Many animals give birth during this time. You might see newborn wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes.
Tarangire’s Climate
Tarangire National Park has a warm, semi-arid climate with two main seasons. The dry season runs from June to October, with hot days around 80°F (27°C) and cooler nights. This is when the park’s landscape is at its driest.
The wet season lasts from November to May, bringing most of the park’s annual rainfall of about 20 inches (500 mm). It’s split into short rains (November-December) and long rains (March-May), with a brief dry spell in between.
Despite being semi-arid, Tarangire’s climate supports diverse wildlife. The park’s river and swamps provide water year-round, attracting animals even in dry times. This unique climate makes Tarangire a great place for wildlife viewing throughout the year.
Climate Chart of Tarangire National Park
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min (°C) | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 18 |
| Max (°C) | 32 | 32 | 31 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 32 |
How to Reach Tanzania
Getting to Tanzania is quite straightforward, with air travel being the most popular option. The country has several international airports that welcome visitors from around the world.
Firstly, Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam is a major entry point. Additionally, Kilimanjaro International Airport near Arusha serves many tourists heading to the northern safari circuit. Lastly, Mwanza International Airport offers another option for those traveling to the western part of the country.
Many well-known airlines fly to Tanzania, making it easy to find a suitable flight. For instance, Emirates and Qatar Airways offer routes from the Middle East. Meanwhile, European travelers can choose from airlines like KLM, Air France, or British Airways. Furthermore, Air India and IndiGo provide connections from South Asia.
Getting to Tarangire
Tarangire National Park is a prime safari destination in Tanzania. Most visitors begin their journey by flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport near Arusha. From there, you have two main options to reach Tarangire.
Firstly, you can take a scenic road trip. Alternatively, you can opt for a quick domestic flight followed by a short drive to the park entrance.
Thanks to its location, Tarangire can be easily combined with other top safari spots in Tanzania, such as the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater, for an extended trip.
By Air
From Arusha, it’s about a 2-3 hour drive to reach the park gates. Many safari operators can arrange road transfers from the airport.
There’s also an airstrip near Tarangire which allows for charter flights directly from Arusha or other airports. This option cuts down travel time but is more expensive.
By Road
From Arusha, take the Dodoma Road heading southwest and you’ll reach the park entrance after about 2 hours. If coming from Dar es Salaam, it’s around a 4-5 hour drive to the park via the Morogoro-Dodoma highway. From Moshi near Kilimanjaro, Tarangire is roughly a 3-4 hour drive south on the main roads.
Looking for an unforgettable safari in Tanzania? Explore Tarangire National Park!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tarangire National Park famous for?
Tarangire is best known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. The park also has a high concentration of wildlife during the dry season.
When is the best time to visit Tarangire?
The best time is during the dry season, from June to October. This is when animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot.
Can I see the Big Five in Tarangire?
You can see four of the Big Five in Tarangire: lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo. Rhinos are not found in the park.
How long should I stay in Tarangire?
Most visitors spend 1-2 days in Tarangire. This is usually enough time to see the main attractions and wildlife.