Destinations / Tanzania / Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
Land of Giants & Baobabs
Often overlooked and quietly spectacular, Tarangire is one of East Africa's great elephant destinations. In the dry season, hundreds of elephants gather along the Tarangire River beneath ancient baobab trees, joined by lions, leopards and great herds of zebra and wildebeest. It is wild, uncrowded and deeply atmospheric.
Northern Tanzania's Hidden Gem
Elephant Herds
Tarangire is home to one of the highest concentrations of elephants in Tanzania, with large family herds gathering along the river in the dry season.
Ancient Baobabs
Giant baobab trees, some many centuries old, rise above the savannah, creating one of Africa's most distinctive landscapes.
Uncrowded Wilderness
Covering around 1,100 square miles (2,850 km²), Tarangire sees far fewer visitors than the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, with private conservancies on its borders.
Unforgettable Experiences
Giants, baobabs and wild, open spaces.
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Game Drives
Watch herds of elephants, buffalo, zebra and other wildlife gather along the Tarangire River during the dry season.
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Walking Safaris
Explore the bush on foot in the conservancies bordering the park.
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Night Drives
Search for leopards, lions and nocturnal species after dark.
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Canoeing
Glide quietly along the waterways, taking in Tarangire's wildlife and birdlife from a different perspective.
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Community Visit
Visit a traditional Maasai boma and experience the culture and daily life of the local community.
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Bush Dinners & Sundowners
Dine by lantern light beneath a star-filled sky.
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Kids Activities
Share a traditional Maasai bush experience, learning about local culture and daily life around the campfire.
When to visit
Tarangire is at its very best in the dry season.
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The dry season draws vast numbers of elephants and other wildlife to the Tarangire River. This is peak season.
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Wildlife disperses into the surrounding plains, but the green landscape, migrant birds and fewer visitors offer a quieter experience.
Premier Stays
Set among ancient baobabs, open plains and the winding Tarangire River.
Luxury Lodges & Elevated Retreats
Distinctive architecture, spectacular settings and more expansive accommodation.
Intimate Tented Safari Camps
Smaller, more traditional bush camps with an emphasis on wilderness, guiding and authentic safari.
Exclusive Luxury Tented Camps
More refined, private and intimate camp experiences.
Pairs Perfectly with…
Because the best safaris rarely stop at one destination.
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Zanzibar
Swap safari for white sand beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters.
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Rwanda
Add an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience to your East African adventure.
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Serengeti
Cross into Tanzania to follow the herds across endless plains.
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Lake Manyara
Explore groundwater forest, soda lake and abundant birdlife.
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Ngorongoro Crater
Descend into one of Africa's densest concentrations of wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
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June to October, when elephants and other wildlife concentrate along the Tarangire River.
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It is around a two-hour drive from Arusha, or a short flight to an airstrip in or near the park.
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We recommend two nights, as part of a wider northern Tanzania safari.
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US citizens need a visa, arranged online before travel. Since October 2026, visitors also need Tanzania's inbound travel insurance. Antimalarials are recommended for most safari areas.
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Yes. Walking safaris and night drives are offered in the private conservancies bordering the park.
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Yes. Its relaxed pace and spectacular elephant viewing make it a wonderful introduction to safari.
