Tarangire National Park

Wildlife

Tarangire is best known for its elephants. In the dry season, it hosts some of the largest concentrations in northern Tanzania, with family herds gathering along the river to drink, dig for water in the dry riverbed and feed among the baobabs. Seeing dozens of elephants at once is common at this time of year.

The river also attracts large herds of buffalo, zebra and wildebeest, as well as giraffe, eland, impala, waterbuck and warthog. Tarangire is one of the best places in northern Tanzania to see dry-country species such as fringe-eared oryx, gerenuk and lesser kudu, which are not found in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro.

Predators follow the herds. Lions are frequently seen, and leopards are present in the riverine woodland and rocky areas, along with cheetah on the more open plains and spotted hyena. Wild dog occasionally pass through. Rhino are not present, so it is not a Big Five park, but four of the five are often seen.

Tarangire is excellent for birding, with more than 550 species recorded, among the highest counts of any park in Tanzania. Look for yellow-collared lovebirds, ashy starlings, kori bustards, ostriches and a wide variety of raptors, with many more species in the wet season. Pythons sometimes rest in the trees near the river.

Key wildlife

• Elephant
• Buffalo
• Lion
• Leopard
• Cheetah
• Giraffe
• Zebra
• Wildebeest
• Fringe-eared oryx
• Gerenuk
• Lesser kudu
• Eland
• Python
• Yellow-collared lovebird

Best Time to Visit

Short answer: Jun–Oct. Also good: Jan–Feb.

Peak Good Quieter

The dry season from June to October is the best time to visit Tarangire. Animals concentrate along the Tarangire River and the swamps, and game viewing is at its peak, with especially large elephant herds. The weather is warm and dry, and the vegetation thinner, making wildlife easier to spot.

During the rains, usually from November to May, many animals disperse out of the park to the surrounding plains to graze and give birth. Game viewing is less concentrated, but the park is lush and green, birdlife is at its best with migrant species present, and there are fewer visitors. January and February, during the short drier spell, can be lovely. The long rains, from around March to May, are the quietest time, and some camps close.

Tsetse flies can be present in the woodland areas, particularly in parts of the park and in warmer months, so wear light, neutral colours and avoid dark blue and black clothing.

Getting There

Tarangire is about two hours’ drive from Arusha on a good tarred road, with the main entrance gate in the north of the park. That makes it an easy first or last stop on a northern Tanzania safari. Arusha Airport (ARK) and Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) are the main gateways, with international flights arriving at Kilimanjaro.

Scheduled light-aircraft flights also serve airstrips in and near the park, such as Kuro in the centre, which is convenient for lodges deeper inside the park and for connecting with the Serengeti.

Tarangire combines naturally with Lake Manyara, around an hour’s drive away, and Ngorongoro Crater, about three hours away. Many travellers begin their safari here before heading to the crater and the Serengeti.

Fees & Access

Entrance fees

Conservation fees are set by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) and charged per person per 24 hours. In peak season (16 May 2026 to 14 March 2027) non-resident adults pay US$50 plus 18% VAT (US$59.00); TANAPA quotes this as TZS 127,750. In the low season (15 March to 15 May) the rate is US$45 plus VAT (US$53.10). Children aged 5–15 pay US$15 plus VAT (US$17.70), and under-5s enter free.

Fees are paid electronically and are normally included in your lodge or safari package.

Gate hours

Game driving 06:00–18:00.

Health

Malaria risk: Moderate. Ask a travel clinic about antimalarials before you go.

Fees and gate times change. Check the latest rates with the park authority before you travel.

Things to Do

Game drives are the main activity, exploring the river valley, swamps and baobab-dotted plains in search of elephants, predators and dry-country antelope.

Walking safaris are available with an armed ranger, either within the park or in the adjoining wildlife management areas, giving you a closer look at tracks, insects and plants.

Night drives are offered by some camps in the areas bordering the park, where you might spot nocturnal species such as aardvark, porcupine and genets.

Hot-air balloon flights are available over parts of Tarangire, offering a dramatic view of the baobabs and herds below.

Cultural visits to nearby Maasai and other communities are arranged by many lodges.

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