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Tarangire Park

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Animal habitat
—°1
Tarangire Park (Tanzania)

Weather…

Tarangire National Park in northern Tanzania is best known for its monumental baobab trees and massive elephant herds. Covering 2,850 square kilometers, the park transforms into a vital sanctuary during the dry season, when the Tarangire River serves as the only perennial water source in the entire region. During this period, thousands of animals migrate from the surrounding parched steppes to the river, resulting in one of the highest wildlife concentrations outside the Serengeti. Established in 1970, the park's landscape is characterized by rolling hills studded with ancient baobabs and dense acacia woodlands. Beyond its estimated 3,000 elephants, Tarangire is an avian paradise with over 550 recorded bird species. Its ecological significance is defined by its role as a critical component of the larger Tarangire-Manyara ecosystem.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C232323222120202122232323
Rain mm10470104116527269389398

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The dry season from June to October is the best time to see large elephant herds in Tarangire National Park. Animals concentrate along the river, making them easy to observe.
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Best time of day
Early morning before the midday heat, elephants are most active and come to the river to drink. Late afternoon when temperatures drop they are also frequently found at waterholes.
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Etiquette
Always remain in your vehicle and keep at least 25 meters distance from elephants. Do not feed animals and avoid encircling or harassing herds.
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What to bring
Binoculars with 8-10× magnification are handy for observing elephants and other wildlife. A camera with telephoto lens (at least 200mm) and a headlamp for returning in the twilight are recommended.
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Getting there
Tarangire National Park is about 120 km southwest of Arusha and reachable via the tarmac road to Dodoma. Most visitors travel by safari vehicle, and an entry fee is usually charged.
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What to expect
Elephants are usually found in herds but can also be hidden in dense bush. Drive slowly and watch waterholes - a little patience is often rewarded with spectacular encounters.

Geography

Coordinates
-3.80000, 36.00000

Facts

  • Total area of 2,850 square kilometers
  • Established as a national park in 1970
  • Famous for ancient, massive baobab trees
  • Home to approximately 3,000 elephants
  • Tarangire River is the only permanent water
  • Hosts more than 550 species of birds

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tarangire National ParkTarangire National Park18 km · WExplore →
Lake ManyaraLake Manyara29 km · SEExplore →
Lake Manyara National ParkLake Manyara National Park33 km · SEExplore →
Mto wa MbuMto wa Mbu42 km · SEExplore →
BabatiBabati47 km · SWExplore →
MbuluMbulu52 km · SExplore →
KaratuKaratu56 km · SEExplore →
Engaruka RuinsEngaruka Ruins74 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Tarangire Park (1)

Maasai village🏛 museum

A traditional boma near Tarangire functioning as a living museum, where visitors can learn about the nomadic Maasai culture and their customs.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the highlight?
The huge elephant herds and the baobab trees.
When should I come?
Dry season, as animals move to the river.
Are paths marked?
Yes, there is a navigable road network for safari vehicles.
Are there photo bans?
No, as long as you stay in the vehicle.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes, elephants fascinate children a lot.
Tarangire Park: where is it located?
Tarangire Park is located in Tanzania.
Tarangire Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Tarangire Park: why is it worth visiting?
Tarangire National Park in northern Tanzania is best known for its monumental baobab trees and massive elephant herds.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Arusha — Tarangire Park (Tanzania)
Arusha
The gateway to the northern safari parks, located at the foot of Mount Meru.
Usa River — Tarangire Park (Tanzania)
Usa River
A charming town located between Arusha and Kilimanjaro Airport, serving as the gateway to Arusha National Park.

History & landmarks

Mlimani City Mall — Tarangire Park (Tanzania)
Mlimani City Mall
Tanzania's first and largest indoor shopping mall, a milestone in urban development.
Makumbusho Village Museum — Tarangire Park (Tanzania)
Makumbusho Village Museum
An open-air museum in Dar es Salaam presenting traditional houses of Tanzanian tribes.
PSPF Twin Towers — Tarangire Park (Tanzania)
PSPF Twin Towers
Two iconic skyscrapers in the business center of Dar es Salaam, shaping the city's skyline.
Uhuru Monument — Tarangire Park (Tanzania)
Uhuru Monument
A significant monument celebrating Tanzania's independence in the heart of Dar es Salaam.
Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium — Tarangire Park (Tanzania)
Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium
The largest stadium in Tanzania, located in Dar es Salaam.
Aga Khan Hospital — Tarangire Park (Tanzania)
Aga Khan Hospital
An ultra-modern medical facility in Dar es Salaam with impressive architecture.
Dar es Salaam Central Railway Station — Tarangire Park (Tanzania)
Dar es Salaam Central Railway Station
A colonial railway station building that is the starting point of the historic central railway line.
Azania Front Lutheran Church — Tarangire Park (Tanzania)
Azania Front Lutheran Church
A striking landmark with a red tile roof on the waterfront of Dar es Salaam.

Nature

Lake Manyara — Tarangire Park (Tanzania)
Lake Manyara
A lake in the rift valley.
Lake Eyasi — Tarangire Park (Tanzania)
Lake Eyasi
A shallow salt lake in the rift valley.
Lake Natron — Tarangire Park (Tanzania)
Lake Natron
An alkaline salt lake.

More places

Engaruka Ruins — Tarangire Park (Tanzania)
Engaruka Ruins
The fascinating remains of a complex agricultural system and Iron Age settlement in the East African Rift Valley.
Ngorongoro Crater — Tarangire Park (Tanzania)
Ngorongoro Crater
A huge volcanic crater with wildlife.
Mount Meru — Tarangire Park (Tanzania)
Mount Meru
An active volcano in Tanzania.
Olduvai Gorge — Tarangire Park (Tanzania)
Olduvai Gorge
One of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world, known as the 'Cradle of Mankind'.
Arusha Park — Tarangire Park (Tanzania)
Arusha Park
A small, green national park.
🗺️
Kilimanjaro Farmland
Coffee cultivation at the foot of the mountain.
Serengeti Plains — Tarangire Park (Tanzania)
Serengeti Plains
A vast ecosystem.
Twiga Cement Factory Dar es Salaam — Tarangire Park (Tanzania)
Twiga Cement Factory Dar es Salaam
The largest cement plant in Tanzania, producing in Dar es Salaam and significantly supporting the country's rapid construction boom.