Tarangire National Park Tanzania

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Tarangire National Park portal is a non-commercial with all information from wildlife, attractions, Tarangire activities, to safari accommodation, when to go, how to get there, Tarangire Safaris & Tours, Cost of Tarangire Safari and a travel blog.

Ranking as the 6th largest National Park in Tanzania and covering an area of 2,600 square kilometers, The Tarangire National Park is most popular for its large elephant herds and mini-wildlife migration that takes place during the dry season which sees about 250,000 animals enter the park. See more about Tanzania safari tours.

Location Of Tarangire National Park

Slightly off the popular northern Tanzania Safari Circuit, the park lies between the meadows of Masai Steppe to the south east and the lakes of the Great Rift Valley to the north and west. Within the northern part of Tarangire is the permanent River Tarangire also known as the life-line of the park particularly in the dry season when most of the region is totally dry. This flows northwards until it exits the park in the northwestern corner to pour into Lake Burungi. There are a number of wide swamps which dry into green plains during the dry season in the south.

During you Safari in Tarangire, You are highly recommended to stay for a couple of days especially  in the south of the park which offers a less crowded safari experience and gives you the opportunity to enjoy an authentic African feel of the Tanzania’s countryside.

tarangire national park
tarangire vegetation

Tarangire Vegetation

The permanent Tarangire River is the most dominant feature here and it’s after this river that the park was named. there are a number of large swamps that feed off some of its tributaries however, these are usually dry for most of the year but get very impassable during the rains .The Tarangire park is usually very dry, in fact drier than the Serengeti, however its vegetation is much more green especially with lots of elephant grass, vast areas with mixed acacia woodlands and some of the wonderful ribbons of the aquatic forest not to forget the giant baobab tree that can live up to 600 years storing  between 300 and 900 liters of water

Tarangire Wildlife Migration

Every year during the dry season from June to November Tarangire hosts a wildlife migration which is not as dramatic as the Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti, but receives a somewhat large number of animals. As most of this part of the country is dry, the Tarangire River remains the only source of water and consequently attracts large numbers of wildebeests, elephants, gazelles, zebras and hartebeest, buffaloes plus various predators like lions that come to drink and graze around the river banks. during the rain months of November to May, The zebras as well as large herds of wildebeests move into the north-western direction towards the Rift Valley floor amongst the large numbers of animals that spread across the large open areas of the Masaai Steppe and dispersing all the way to Lake Manyara.

tarangire wildebeest safari
tarangire safari sunset

Animals Of Tarangire National Park

Tarangire and you will be able to encounter various animals. This park is home to one of the largeset elephant populations in Africa with several herds of up to 300 members per herd. In addition, there are large numbers of impalas, elands, buffaloes, giraffes, Bohor reedbuck, Coke’s hartebeest, Thompson’s gazelle, the greater and lesser kudu and on rare occasions, the unusual gerenuk and fringe –eared Oryx are also seen. A few black rhinos are also thought to be still present in this park. You will obviously see big numbers of elephants gather here as well as the wildebeests and zebras. Among the other common animals in the Tarangire are the leopards, lions, hyenas, and cheetah that seem to be popular within the southern open areas. The wild dogs are only seen once in a while

The birds within the Tarangire are also quite many, there are over 545 species that have been identified here. The stunning yellow collared lovebirds and the shy starlings are in plenty here in addition to other species.

Activities in Tarangire National Park

Game Drives and walking tours

 

The primary Tanzania safari activity in this park is game driving however if you live outside the park boundaries you might be able to enjoy walking tours. and night safaris. Currently Oliver’s Camp organizes walking tours as well as fly camping safaris.

Night Game Drives

: one would wonder, are night game drives allowed in Tarangire? Well Night Game Drives are allowed in the park however, not all accommodations offer these tours. Only those that have properly established all the requirements and regulations offered by TANAPA such as Swala and Oliver’s camp are allowed to conduct these walks.

Tarangire Balloon Safaris

: Join a hot air balloon ride over the Tarangire as you soar over the treetops of the Tarangire to enjoy an exceptional perspective of wildlife like lions and ungulates right below you

Birding in Tarangire National Park

tarangire birding

: this is another common activity within the Tarangire during which devotees will be able to spot various bird species.

 

Cost of Tarangire Safari

The overall cost of a Tarangire Safari is determined by the type of accommodation you will be staying and the activities you are going to engage in. Staying at the super luxury facilities like Chem Chem Lodge for $1,250 per person or Little Chem Chem for $1,200 per night or the Kuro Camp for $857 per night will certainly shot up your Tanzania safari cost. While mid-range facilities like Tarangire River Camp and the Maramboi tent that charges will offer you a lower safari cost. For budget travelers Lake Burunge Tented Camp will be a good option.

 

Combining Your Tarangire Safari With Other African Destinations

You can visit Ngorongoro crater, Selous game reserve, Serengeti National Park  or go for gorilla trekking

in Uganda and Rwanda as well as the Masai Mara National Park in Kenya.

Popular Tarangire Safaris & Tours

 3 Day Budget Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro  Conservation and Lake Manyara National Park

tarangire safaris tanzania

Day 1: Arrival to Tarangire

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater

Day 3: Lake Manyara NP – Departure

Safari Cost:  From $975 at budget accommodation

3 Day Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Safari

safari in tarangire national park

Day 1: Arrival to Tarangire

Day 2: Lake Manyara NP

Day 3: Ngorongoro Crater – Departure

Safari Cost: $1,185 at mid-range accommodation

3 Day Tarangire National Park Budget and Camping Safari

tarangire tours tanzania safari

Day 1: Arrival to Tarangire

Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater

Day 3: Lake Manyara NP – Departure

Safari Cost: $795 with budget camping

Tarangire National Park FAQs

It’s all about the elephants! Tarangire has the highest concentration of African elephants of any park in northern Tanzania. During the dry season, more than 300 elephants gather along the Tarangire River. The park is also known for massive ancient baobab trees, excellent birding, and some quirky animals like dwarf mongooses.

It depends on your interests! The dry season from June to October is prime for elephant and wildlife viewing as animals gather at the river. November to March is ideal for birding. The wet season’s lush greenery is beautiful too.

Most safaris include 1-3 days in Tarangire combined with other parks. But 2-3 full days just in Tarangire allows for the most exploring and avoids that rushed feeling.

Park fees are $45 per person per day for overseas visitors. You’ll also need to pay vehicle fees. Fees are valid for 24 hours from first use.

Gates open at 6:30am and close at 6:30pm, allowing for full days of game driving. Night driving isn’t permitted.

As a year-round park, Tarangire sees dry seasons from June to October with temps from 68F-86F, and wet seasons from November to May averaging 68F-75F. Rainfall averages 30 inches.

Lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffalo, warthogs, hartebeest, kudu, oryx, eland, gazelles, mongoose, pythons, and over 550 bird species including ostriches!

Pack binoculars, camera, snacks/water for long drives, sun protection, and an open adventurous spirit! Having a guide helps maximize wildlife viewing – let them know what you’re most interested in seeing. Slow down and soak in the whole experience.

The Tarangire River with its elephant herds, baobab trees, Termite mounds, Silale Swamps (seasonal), observation hills, and ranger-led walks for a close-up experience.

From budget camping to luxury lodges, options include:

  • Lemiyon Tented Camp – mid-range tented luxury
  • Olarro Lodge – high-end lodge with excellent service
  • Farmhouse Lodge – budget night stop option near the park
  • Camping – public campsites in the park like Ngoshoitong Hill
  • Budget camping safaris – $150-200 per person per day
  • Mid-range lodge/camping – $300-400 per person per day
  • Luxury lodge stay – $500-800+ per person per day

Always listen to your ranger or guide. Keep your distance from animals and don’t get out of the vehicle unless they say it’s okay. Bring insect repellent and watch for thorns on bush walks. Respect park rules for your own safety and preserving the environment.

Pack lightweight, neutral colored clothes, hiking shoes, hat, sunglasses, binoculars, camera gear, bathing suit, flashlight, bug spray, sunscreen, medication, and other safari essentials. Layers are key for chilly morning drives.

Baobabs are icons of the African landscape – some in Tarangire are over 2,000 years old! Elephants eat their bark and long tusks can damage them, but baobabs heal and regrow. Their age gives them a spiritual significance across African culture.

Use the best zoom lens you can, keep your camera handy, shoot during the golden hours of dawn/dusk, get to eye level with subjects, wait for action shots, adjust settings for wildlife, and have patience for that perfect moment!

Tarangire safari costs vary widely based on factors like:

  • Budget camping safari – $150-250 per person per day
  • Mid-range lodge/camping safari – $300-500 per person per day
  • Luxury lodge stay – $500-800+ per person per day
  • Park fees – $45 per person per day, plus vehicle fees
  • Safari length – Cost per day decreases on longer safaris

A packaged Tarangire safari typically includes:

  • Game drives and park fees
  • Accommodations (lodge, tent, etc)
  • Meals while on safari
  • Services of a driver/guide
  • Ground transport in the park

Expect to pay extra for:

  • International flights
  • Visa fees
  • Tipping guides and staff
  • Any additional activities like walking safaris
  • Souvenirs and personal shopping/spending
  • Premium drink packages

Some money-saving tips:

  • Visit in shoulder season instead of peak season
  • Book a budget camping or mid-range safari
  • Stay outside the park gates to reduce lodge costs
  • Join a group or shared safari for lower per-person rates
  • Look for deals on internal flights
  • Pack snacks instead of buying all meals in lodge

Tipping is customary in Tanzania. For a Tarangire safari, tip guides, drivers, and lodge staff $10-15 per traveler per day. Tip cooks and porters around $5-10 per traveler per day.