Tarangire National Park lies 120 km south of Arusha, along The Great North Road highway, and is very popular for day trips from the town. Tarangire offers a wide variety of wildlife in its area of 2,850 sq. km. As in all ecosystems, the vegetation and the types of animals you find are closely correlated. The principal features of the park are the flood plains and the grassland, mainly comprising of various types of acacia trees, and a few scattered baobabs, tamarind and the sausage trees.

The Tarangire River, after which the park is named, provides the only permanent water for wildlife in the area. When the Maasai Steppes dry up with the end of the long rains in June, migratory animals return to the Tarangire River, making Tarangire National Park second only to Ngorongoro in the concentration of wildlife. This period stretches between June and October and it is the best season for game viewing in Tarangire. The most common animals found in the park include zebras, wildebeest, lions, leopards, waterbucks, giraffe, elephants, gazelles, impala, gerenuk, lesser kudu and the beautiful fringe-eared oryx. You may be lucky to spot the tree-climbing python, for which the park is famous, or the greater kudu and the roan antelope which are rare species in Northern Tanzania. Over 550 bird species have been recorded in the Park.

Elephant paradise

Apart from elephants, Tarangire is a paradise for bird lovers. From parrots, hornbills, lovebirds and lilac breasted rollers to Kori bustards, eagles and vultures. The swamps in Tarangire National Park have one of the largest number of breeding bird species in the world. In the area around these swamps you can also see lions, leopards, cheetahs and even tree-climbing pythons.

Authentic atmosphere of Tarangire

Tarangire is one less known parks in Tanzania, but it still has an authentic safari atmosphere. The hilly landscape scattered with huge Baobab trees against the blue sky is breathtaking.

Check the Tanzania Safaris to see how Tarangire National Park can be incorporated into an itinerary.

Most common animals in Tarangire National Park

• Elephants (big herds)
• Giraffes
• Zebras
• Wildebeest
• Ostriches
• Leopards
• Lions
• Cheetahs
• Birds
• Pythons
• Monkeys
• Buffaloes
• groep olifanten in tarangire national park
• Tarangire Highlights

Tarangire facts

• Herds of elephants and other wildlife gather around the Tarangire River
• The park is dotted with thousands of giant Baobab trees. Some are over 300 years old
• Grassland plains also known as “Small Serengeti”
• Stunning views of Lake Burungu, important water source in the park.
• Scenic landscape
• Largest termite mounds in Tanzania

Excursions and activities in Tarangire National Park

• Walking safari (if you stay at Ang’ata Tarangire or Tarangire Safari Lodge)
• Night game drive (if you stay at Ang’ata Tarangire or Tarangire Safari Lodge)
• Visit Maasai village
• Hot air balloon safari
• Visit Hadzabe tribe
• Cultural tour Mto wa Mbu
• Mountainbike tour Lake Manyara