Tarangire National Park is located in the Manyara region in the northern part of Tanzania, covering an area of 2,850 square kilometers.
The park is named after the Tarangire River that flows through it.
The Tanzania National Park also hosts a wildlife migration every year, although it may not be as spectacular as the migrations in Masai Mara and Serengeti National Parks.
Nonetheless, it provides visitors with an authentic safari in Tanzania.
This migration occurs from June to November.
Tarangire National Park is characterized by Acacia woodlands, swamps, ridges, the Rift Valley, lakes, baobab trees, and grasslands.
See our most popular Tarangire safaris here.
Wildlife Watching in Tarangire
Tarangire National Park is renowned for its large elephant populations.
Visitors can also spot a wide variety of other animals, including elands, cheetahs, lions, leopards, hyenas, wildebeests, zebras, buffalos, gazelles, hartebeests, impalas, bohor reedbucks, giraffes, greater kudu, lesser kudu, fringe-eared Oryx, gerenuk, waterbucks, dik-diks, olive baboons, velvet monkeys, banded mongoose, African wild dogs, caracals, honey badgers, and more.
The best times for game drives are during the early morning and late evening when visitors have a chance to see nocturnal animals.
One of the most authentic ways to enjoy Tarangire National Park is by taking a hot air balloon safari.
These trips are typically conducted during the early morning and evening hours, providing visitors with the opportunity to view wildlife from a different angle while enjoying breathtaking views of the park.
Night game drives are also permitted in Tarangire National Park, allowing visitors to see nocturnal animals and birds.
However, not all lodges or campsites offer night game drives, so it’s essential to stay at a lodge that allows them if you’re interested in nighttime game viewing.
Bird Watching in Tarangire
Tarangire National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, with over 500 species of birds recorded in the park.
Some of the bird species you can spot include the yellow-collared lovebird, pink-breasted lark, Von Der Decken’s hornbill, vulturine guinea fowl, slate-colored boubou, rufous-tailed weaver, pink-breasted lark, mouse-collared penduline tit, northern white-crowned shrike, ostrich, northern pied babbler, great white pelican, African grey flycatcher, ashy starling, bare-faced go-away bird, Donaldson’s nightjar, tawny eagle, African orange-billed parrot, speckle-fronted weaver, red and yellow barbet, white-headed buffalo weaver, and many others.
The best time for birding in Tarangire National Park is from November to April when migratory birds from North Africa and Europe are present.
Tarangire River
The Tarangire River serves as the primary water source for the park, especially during the dry season when thousands of wildlife species migrate to the park in search of water.
Visiting during the dry season provides visitors with the opportunity to spot a lot of wildlife at the lake shores.
Nature Guided Walks in Tarangire
Tarangire National Park offers visitors the chance to explore the park’s nature on foot.
Several walking trails are available, guided by armed rangers.
It’s important not to walk in the park alone without a guide and to follow all instructions for safety.
Cultural Encounters in Tarangire
Connecting with the local communities living around the park is one of the most exciting activities while visiting Tarangire National Park.
Visitors can learn about different ways of life in this part of the world, enjoy African traditional music and dance, and visit the local craft market to purchase souvenirs.
Where to Stay
There are several accommodation options for tourists visiting Tarangire National Park.
Some of these include Lake Burunge Tented Camp, Tarangire River Camp, Kuro Camp, Chem Chem Safari Lodge, Karatu Simba Lodge, Nimali Tarangire, Tarangire Simba Lodge, Boundary Hill Lodge, Tarangire Sopa Lodge, Sanctuary Swala Camp, Oliver’s Camp, Kichuguu Camp, Tarangire Safari Lodge, Tarangire Tree Tops Lodge, Maramboit Tented Camp, Saingwe Tented Camp, Roika Tarangire Tented Lodge, Naitolia Eco Lodge, Planet Lodge, Whistling Thorn Tented Camp, Country Lodge, and many more.
Getting There
Tarangire National Park can be reached within 2 hours from Arusha Town, and it is 70 kilometers from Lake Manyara National Park.
The park can also be accessed by air through Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Flights are available from Julius Nyerere International Airport to Kilimanjaro International Airport, and daily flights are also available to Tarangire from Serengeti.
When to Visit
Tarangire National Park is an all-year-round destination, but some months offer better wildlife viewing opportunities, especially during the dry seasons when animals migrate to the park in search of water, congregating at the Tarangire River.
The best times to visit Tarangire are from June to September and from December to February.
Birdwatchers should consider visiting the park from November to April when migratory birds from North Africa and Europe are present.
Lake Manyara National Park
Enhance your Tarangire National Park tour by including a visit to Lake Manyara National Park.
Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions, a unique sight not found anywhere else in the world except in Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.
The park is primarily dominated by the magnificent Lake Manyara, set against the backdrop of the Great African Rift Valley.
In addition to its tree-climbing lions, Lake Manyara is home to large herds of elephants and other animals, including klipspringers, Kirk’s dik-diks, leopards, warthogs, waterbucks, impalas, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, African wild dogs, gazelles, and more.
The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with over 350 species of birds, including African jacanas, silvery-cheeked hornbills, little bee-eaters, white-faced whistling ducks, Egyptian geese, red-billed teals, white-backed ducks, yellow-necked spur fowls, crested francolins, lemon doves, chestnut-bellied sandgrouse, sombre nightjars, white-rumped swifts, and many others.
Explore the diverse wildlife and birdlife of both Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks for an unforgettable safari experience.
