Tarangire National Park is a delight for nature lovers. Calm and serenity reign at the heart of this protected reserve, which is home to a large population of elephants and many species of multicoloured birds. This must-see national park in northern Tanzania is a safari destination not to be missed. Much less frequented than Serengeti National Park or theNogorongo Crater Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park offers a more intimate encounter with Tanzania’s wildlife. With its high concentration of animals, its river and its magnificent baobabs, Tarangire is a veritable sanctuary of biodiversity. Off Road will organise the ideal tour for you to discover all aspects of the wildlife for which Tarangire National Park is famous.
@Photo credit: Thierry PARENTI
This wildlife sanctuary has the highest concentration of elephants in Tanzania. It is the ideal place to observe these majestic pachyderms. The national park is famous for its large population of African elephants, but it is also home to 95 species of mammal and 550 species of bird. This is a rich ecosystem, thanks to the Tarangire River, which flows through the park and provides pleasant living conditions for the local wildlife.
Here’s a list of the mammals you’ll be able to spot on a Tanzania safari in Tarangire National Park:
As for predators, the lion reigns supreme in Tarangire. A few rare leopards, hyenas and cheetahs have also taken up residence.
Among the most common bird species in Tarangire Park are the kingfisher, the African ostrich, the yellow-necked lovebird, the lilac-throated roller and many others.
photo credit: Thierry PARENTI
The landscapes of Tarangire National Park are recognisably different from those you see in neighbouring parks. The many baobabs, among the largest in Africa, that dominate the north of the park create a sublime backdrop. The south of Tarangire, on the other hand, is defined by an acacia savannah dotted with seasonal swamps, an environment characteristic of northern Tanzania. This dense, luxuriant vegetation made up mainly of baobabs and acacias makes the beauty and uniqueness of the landscapes of Tarangire National Park.
photo credit: Thierry PARENTI
The lush vegetation and rich fauna of Tarangire National Park make it a veritable paradise for nature lovers. This protected reserve is home to a diverse range of wildlife and peaceful landscapes of great beauty, making it ideal for safaris. Here are the different experiences available to you on a safari tour in the heart of Tarangire National Park:
@Photo credit: Thierry PARENTI
A safari in Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park is an opportunity to meet an emblematic African people: the Maasai tribe! Originally from Kenya and Tanzania, the Maasai are renowned for their traditional way of life, their colourful aesthetic, their customs and their crafts. These semi-nomadic herders and warriors live on the edge of the great national parks of northern Tanzania. The village of Naberera, on the road leading to Tarangire National Park, is the perfect place to meet the Maasai on your safari tour. A visit to a Maasai village promises an authentic encounter with this emblematic African tribe. Discover their way of life, ancestral traditions, customs and characteristic social organisation. Off Road takes you to meet a colourful people on your safari in Tarangire National Park.
photo credit: Thierry PARENTI
There are two rainy seasons in Tanzania. The first runs from March to May and the second from November to December. During this time of year, animal watching in Tarangire National Park is compromised. Many species leave the plains of the reserve because of the flooding caused by the river that runs through the park. The elephants, Tarangire’s faithful residents, are still present, but are harder to see, hidden by the tall grass. The best time to go on safari in Tarangire National Park is during the dry season between June and October. The animals gather around the Tarangire River, the only major waterhole in the park available at this time. The low-lying grass creates ideal conditions for an authentic encounter with the wildlife.
Here are a few highlights outside the dry season:
photo credit: Thierry PARENTI
There is a wide range of accommodation available in Tarangire, with the option of staying inside the park or nearby. Tented camps are the most emblematic accommodation option on safari in Tanzania. These exclusive semi-rigid canvas tents have all the comforts of a top-of-the-range hotel, while enjoying an exceptional location in the heart of the African savannah. For those on a budget, camps located on the edge of Tarangire National Park offer the chance to enjoy this incredible setting at a lower cost. Whether located inside the park or on its outskirts, the lodges and tented camps are often visited by animals. Looking for an unusual experience? The Tarangire Treetops, built atop sumptuous baobab trees, offers a unique panorama of the savannah and its wildlife.
Here are some ideas of lodges for your stay in Tarangire National Park:
@Photo credit: Thierry PARENTI
Situated in the north of Tanzania, south of Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park enjoys a privileged location. It is easily accessible by car from any of the major destinations in the north of the country.
photo credit: Thierry PARENTI
The ideal length of stay in Tarangire National Park is 2 days. One day devoted to exploring the north of the park and one day devoted to discovering the south of the reserve. If you want to discover all the facets of Tarangire National Park, a third day will allow you to follow the movements of the animals around the marshes.
Tarangire National Park entrance fees are based on the age and nationality of the traveller. VAT of 18% must be added to the following rates.
For foreigners, per day and per person :
uSD 45 for over-16s
uSD 15 for those aged between 5 and 15
Free for children under 5
If you go on safari with Off Road, park entrance fees are included in the price of your trip.
As in all Tanzania’s parks, regulations are strict when you go on safari:
Tarangire, a veritable refuge for Tanzanian wildlife, was created in 1957 and became a national park in 1970. This 2,600m² wildlife sanctuary, through which the Tarangire River flows, is one of Tanzania’s leading conservation areas, on a par with the country’s 14 other national parks. The mission of this protected area is to ensure the conservation of Tanzania’s natural heritage while developing sustainable tourism (or ecotourism). Safaris are conducted in a way that respects the flora and fauna, in the heart of a preserved environment with no barriers to allow the migratory movements of the animals. Hunting is banned within Tarangire National Park to prevent any form of poaching, and local populations, particularly the Massai tribes, must live outside the reserve.
The creation of this protected area in the north of the country has made it possible to protect a large population of elephants threatened by poaching. Protecting endangered species is a major challenge for Tarangire National Park. The park’s rich and varied flora is also the focus of awareness-raising campaigns. The aim is to protect the unique ecosystem for which this magnificent reserve is renowned.
photo credit: Thierry PARENTI
Off Road organises your safari in Tarangire National Park with an experienced local guide who will share with you all his knowledge of the Tanzanian fauna and flora. Professional, passionate and experienced, our local guides will ensure that you are well looked after throughout your stay in Tanzania. Thanks to their perfect knowledge of the territory and local wildlife, our guides will take you as close as possible to the animals for a unique safari experience in complete safety. Raising travellers’ awareness of the issue of preserving the emblematic species of the Tanzanian savannah is also part of the guides’ job. With Off Road, you benefit from high-quality, personalised support and an authentic safari experience.
photo credit: Thierry PARENTI
Looking for a fully immersive safari adventure in the heart of Tarangire National Park? Read our customers’ opinions and stories! Our trips to Tanzania are synonymous with a change of scenery, sharing and memorable encounters.
A safari in Tarangire is an unforgettable experience in a park where peace and serenity reign. It’s a real paradise for bird andelephant lovers! It’s a must-see in Tanzania’s northern parks and an excellent choice for short safaris and safaris with children.
Tarangire National Park is home to many animals: giraffes, buffalo, elands, impalas, chimpanzees, warthogs, lions, leopards and, above all, a high concentration of elephants. During the dry season, oryx and giraffe antelopes can be seen, species more commonly found in southern Africa.
There are around 95 species of mammal and 550 species ofbird in the park, more than in the Serengeti ! Parrots, parakeets, hornbills, weavers, bee-eaters, bateleur eagles and even vultures.
The Tarangire River and Lake Barunge are the park’s main sources of water. They are also strategic points for observing wildlife.
Tarangire Park has very distinctive landscapes, different from those of neighbouring parks. There are many baobabs in the north of the park. In the south, the park is more characteristic of northern Tanzania, with its acacia savannah and swamps.
As you will have gathered, a trip to Tarangire National Park means landing in a spot of lush vegetation that is a delight for nature lovers. Observe a diversity of wildlife in an immensity of calm and peaceful landscapes.
The rainy seasons are between November and December and March to May. During this period, some animals leave Tarangire as the river floods the plains and the grass becomes too tall for the small herbivores. The elephants remain, however, and a few predators may still be present, but they are harder to see behind the tall grass.
The best time to visit the park is between June and November, in the dry season. The Tarangire River becomes the only major waterhole in the region and the animals flock to it to drink. The grass is short, there is plenty of water and no shortage of shade. Everything is there to see as many animals as possible.
The rest of the year also has its attractions:
Tarangire National Park is a 2-hour drive fromArusha and 1 hour from Lake Manyara Park. You can also get there after a safari in theNgorongoro Conservation Area (2 hours’ drive) or the Serengeti (around 4 hours’ drive).
Some lodges and camps are located directly in Tarangire Park. You can therefore sleep inside the park or nearby.
There are tented camps with private rooms. Some are very luxurious, with bar/restaurants and swimming pools.
There are also hard-standing lodges, often atypical, such as the Tarangire Treetops, built among the baobab trees.
Entrance fees to Tarangire National Park depend on the age and nationality of the traveller. VAT of 18% must be added to the following rates.
For foreigners, per day and per person:
If you go on safari with Off Road, park entrance fees are included in the price of your trip.
As in all Tanzania’s parks, safari regulations are strict:
From
$ 1940
/ PEOPLE
Manyara / Ngorongoro Crater / Tarangire / Arusha / Zanzibar
FLAGSHIP ACTIVITIES :Observe Tanzanian wildlife and meet the local people
Discover Zanzibar, its coral reefs and mythical spices!
From
$ 990
/ PEOPLE
Manyara / Cratère du Ngorongoro / Tarangire / Arusha
FLAGSHIP ACTIVITIES :Visite du village de Mto Wa Mbu
Pique-nique devant les éléphants du Tarangire !
From
$ 3450
/ PEOPLE
Arusha / Tarangire / Manyara / Ngrongoro / Ndutu / Serengeti / Natron
FLAGSHIP ACTIVITIES :Observing the great migration
Meeting with locals and village visit.
From
$ 2200
/ PEOPLE
Arusha / Mto Wa Mbu Village / Lake Natron / Serengeti National Park / Ngorongoro Crater / Tarangire National Park
FLAGSHIP ACTIVITIES :Bathing in the Engare Sero waterfalls with the Maasai people
Meeting with artists from Mto Wa Mbu
From
$ 2370
/ PEOPLE
Manyara National Park / Ngorongoro Crater / Ndutu / Serengeti National Park / Tarangire
FLAGSHIP ACTIVITIES :Walk in Manyara National Park
Visit the village of Mto Wa Mbu
Track the big five and capture the best photo!
From
$ 2550
/ PEOPLE
Arusha / Mto Wa Mbu Village / Lake Natron / Serengeti National Park / Ngorongoro Crater / Tarangire National Park
FLAGSHIP ACTIVITIES :Bathing in the Engare Sero waterfalls with the Maasai people
Meeting with artists from Mto Wa Mbu
From
$ 2620
/ PEOPLE
Manyara National Park / Ngorongoro Crater / Ndutu / Serengeti National Park / Tarangire
FLAGSHIP ACTIVITIES :Walk in Manyara National Park
Visit the village of Mto Wa Mbu
Track the big five and capture the best photo!
From
$2890
/ PEOPLE
Manyara / Ngorongoro Crater / Ndutu / Serengeti / Tarangire / Zanzibar
FLAGSHIP ACTIVITIES :Free days in Zanzibar
Village visit
Following the Great Migration
Meeting local people
From
$3525
/ PEOPLE
Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Zanzibar
FLAGSHIP ACTIVITIES :Visit the village of Mto Wa Mbu
Track the big five and get up close to the great migration
Dive in the clear waters of Zanzibar
