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Tarangire National Park
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Tarangire National Park, Parcul Național Tarangire, Parc National du Tarangire

Overview

Tarangire National Park is a mesmerising wildlife sanctuary in the Manyara Region of Tanzania. Covering an area of approximately 2,850 square kilometres, the park derives its name from the Tarangire River that crosses through it, serving as the primary source of fresh water for the wildlife within its borders.

The park’s terrain is incredibly diverse, with hilly landscapes, vast savannah plains, woodlands, and swamps. Baobab and Acacia trees dot the expansive grasslands, providing iconic silhouettes against the African skyline. The wonderful Tarangire River, lined with fever trees, is a vital lifeline in the region, especially during the dry season when it attracts many wildlife.

Established in 1970, Tarangire National Park is most well-known for its spectacular dry season concentration of wildlife. Although less famous than its counterparts in Serengeti and Ngorongoro, the park offers a serene and less crowded experience, where intimate wildlife encounters are the norm rather than the exception. The park is conveniently situated just a few hours’ drive from Arusha, making it a popular stop on Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.

Wildlife

Tarangire National Park hosts an astonishing variety of wildlife, some unique to the area. The park is renowned for its high density of elephants, with herds of up to 300 individuals often seen, particularly during the dry season. These gentle giants can be found strolling through the park, trunks swaying and ears flapping, a sight that leaves visitors in awe.

The park's wildlife spectacle is most pronounced in the dry season when thousands of animals migrate to the Tarangire River. This is the best time to visit, as you can see wildebeest and zebras in large numbers alongside resident animals like gazelles, impalas, elands, waterbucks, and the rare gerenuk.

Predators, such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, are often sighted throughout the park, particularly around the river during the dry season, where they closely monitor herds of herbivores. The park is also one of the best places in Tanzania to see the tree-climbing lions, which can often be spotted lounging on the branches of acacia trees.

The Tarangire is also a haven for birdwatchers, with more than 550 bird species recorded. These include endemic species like the Ashy Starling and Yellow-collared Lovebird and the large Kori Bustards, ostriches, and various raptors.

Tarangire National Park is one of the few places in Tanzania where oryx can be seen. It's also a sanctuary for the endangered African wild dog. Another highlight includes sightings of the peculiar long-necked gerenuk, a gazelle distinguished by its extraordinarily elongated neck and ability to stand on its hind legs.

Common Animals

Probability of seeing various animals

Black Backed Jackal

Black Backed Jackal

50%
Jackal

Golden Jackal

40%
Leopard

Leopard

60%
Caracal

Caracal

20%
Banded Mongoose

Banded Mongoose

100%
Dwarf Mongoose

Dwarf Mongoose

95%
Slender Mongoose

Slender Mongoose

90%
Serval

Serval

30%
Buffalo

Buffalo

95%
Hyena

Hyena

50%
Lion

Lion

60%
Zebra

Zebra

95%
Waterbuck

Waterbuck

90%
Dik-Dik

Dik-Dik

99%
Elephant

Elephant

95%
Wildebeest

Wildebeest

90%
Eland

Common Eland

100%
Bushbuck

Bushbuck

60%
Hipo

Hippo

95%
Warthog

Warthog

100%
Grant Gazelle

Grant Gazelle

70%
Thomson Gazelle

Thomson Gazelle

70%
Hartebeest

Hartebeest

100%
Topi

Topi

100%
Giraffe

Giraffe

100%
Impala

Impala

100%
Cheetah

Cheetah

60%

Common Birds

Probability of seeing various birds

Marabou Stork

Marabou Stork

100%
Yellow Billed Stork

Yellow-billed Stork

100%
White Stork

White Stork

50%
Black Stork

Black Stork

100%
Saddle Billed Stork

Saddle-billed Stork

100%
Egyptian Goose

Egyptian Goose

100%
Ostrich

Ostrich

100%
White Backed Vulture

White Backed Vulture

95%
Lappet Faced Vulture

Lappet Faced Vulture

95%
Ruppels Vulture

Ruppels Vulture

100%
Black Masked Weaver

Black Masked Weaver

100%
Rufous Tailed Weaver

Rufous-tailed Weaver

100%
Black Kite

Black Kite

100%
Augur Buzzard

Augur Buzzard

100%
Towny Eagle

Towny Eagle

75%
Secretary Bird

Secretary Bird

95%
Gray Crown Crane

Gray Crown Crane

95%
Martial Eagle

Martial Eagle

80%
Superb Starling

Superb Starling

100%
Kori Bustard

Kori Bustard

100%
Black Bellied Bustard

Black-bellied Bustard

100%
White Bellied Bustard

White-bellied Bustard

100%
Ashy Starling Bird

Ashy Starling

100%

Location on map

Reviews

Tarangire National Park

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Area / Size
2,850 km² / 1,100 mi²
Altitude
985-1,528 m / 3,232-5,013 ft
Best time to go
June to October
High season
June to October
Low season
April and May
Best weather
June to October
Worst weather
March and April
Travel Time
  • Arusha to Tarangire National Park: 2,5 hours’ drive
  • Tarangire to Lake Manyara National Park: 1-hour drive.
  • Tarangire to Ngorongoro Conservation Area: 2 hours drive.
  • Tarangire to Serengeti National Park: 4 hours drive.

Optional Activities

that can be done in

Tarangire National Park

Night Game Drive

Night Game Drive

Accommodations used by

our tourists in

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge
5/5
 Luxury Camp
 Tarangire National Park
Maramboi Tented Lodge
4/5
 Lodge
 Tarangire National Park
Tarangire Tortilis Camp
3/5
 Camp
 Tarangire National Park
Burunge Tented Lodge
2/5
 Lodge
 Tarangire National Park

Mrimba Palm Hotel

Mrimba Palm Hotel boasts a beautiful setting, offering a refreshingly serene environment from the hustle and bustle of the busy Arusha City Center. Boasting a calming silence that offers total relaxation from the busy day after a long trip to Arusha or just a peaceful time to reflect on all the marvelous experiences of the day. Our restaurant encompasses a classic catchy decor, a masterclass display of beauty with pine roofing on the inside, and beautiful tabletops and chairs from the rare and affluent Mahogany hardwood. The Mrimba Palm Restaurant offers you an amazing experience during meals; dinner, lunch, snacking, and lunch with a wide range of drinks on order.

+255 683 085 572
P.O. Box 16949 | Arusha | Tanzania
info@timonsafaris.com

Planet Lodge Arusha

Featuring an outdoor pool and restaurant, Planet Lodge is located in Arusha. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi in public areas. The African-style chalets have a private bathroom, air conditioning, and mosquito net. Extras include a telephone, towels, and linen. The Planet Lodge restaurant serves international and local cuisine. The bar offers a selection of drinks. Guests can relax by the poolside and in the lush garden while enjoying Mount Meru’s views. The lodge is a 1-hour drive from the Arusha National Park and within 48 km from the Kilimanjaro Airport. Free private parking is available on-site.

+255 683 085 572
P.O. Box 16949 | Arusha | Tanzania
info@timonsafaris.com

Karama Lodge

With pool views, Karama Lodge is situated in Arusha and has a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, a bar, a garden, and a year-round outdoor pool. Both WiFi and private parking are accessible at the lodge free of charge. There is a private bathroom with a shower in all units, along with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Guests at Karama Lodge can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Old German Boma is 5 km from the accommodation, while Njiro Complex is 6 km from the property. The lodge is a 1-hour drive from the Arusha National Park and within 48 km from the Kilimanjaro Airport. Free private parking is available on-site.

+255 683 085 572
P.O. Box 16949 | Arusha | Tanzania
info@timonsafaris.com

Gran Melia Arusha

Located in Arusha, 2.6 km from Old German Boma, Gran Melia Arusha provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness center. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can make use of a bar. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony, and a private bathroom with a shower. Every room is equipped with a coffee machine, while selected rooms have a kitchen with a fridge. All units in Gran Melia Arusha are equipped with bathrobes and an iPod docking station. A continental breakfast is available daily at the accommodation. Gran Melia Arusha offers 5-star accommodation with a sauna and terrace. Arusha Central Market is 3.1 km from the hotel, while the Uhuru monument is 3.1 km away.

+255 683 085 572
P.O. Box 16949 | Arusha | Tanzania
info@timonsafaris.com

Marera Valley Lodge

Marera Valley Lodge, located on the outskirts of Karatu town about midway between Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, is close to the village of Rhotia. Convenient to the main road, this elegant lodge has stunning views over the valley to the hills beyond. We look forward to your visit when we can offer you true Tanzanian hospitality and a warm welcome. Our large main building has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating areas with views of the pool and the beautiful nearby hills. Enjoy a drink or an alfresco lunch on the spacious verandah overlooking the pool. Relax in the bar and lounge area with a cozy fire in the cooler months and take your meals in the large dining room. You’ll find the welcoming reception area and gift shop here as well. The Rosemary Spa is located in a quiet corner of the garden and offers massage and other treatments for your relaxation. The cottages are set in lush tropical gardens and a walking path circumnavigates the extensive organic vegetable garden.

+255 683 085 572
P.O. Box 16949 | Arusha | Tanzania
info@timonsafaris.com