Tarangire National Park
Big elephant herds, giant baobab trees and a river that draws in wildlife all through the dry season. Tarangire is close to Arusha and often the first park on our safaris.
Why go to Tarangire
Tarangire National Park is named after the Tarangire River, which runs through it. In the dry season, when water elsewhere runs out, the river becomes a magnet: elephants, zebras, wildebeest, buffaloes and the lions that hunt them all come to drink.
It's one of the best places in Tanzania to see big herds of elephants, and the ancient baobab trees make it look unlike any other park. It's also a great park for birds, with hundreds of species recorded.
When to go
Tarangire is at its best from about June to October, when the animals gather along the river. In the wet season many of them spread out of the park, but it's still lovely and green, and there are far fewer vehicles.
How long to stay
Tarangire is close enough to Arusha for a day trip, but one night lets you be out for the early morning and late afternoon, when the light and the animals are best. On longer trips we often give it two.
It's an easy first stop: you land, rest in Arusha, and you're watching elephants by lunchtime the next day.
Where to stay
There's a public campsite inside the park, plus lodges and tented camps inside it and on its edge. These are the ones we work with.
Budget option: Tarangire Public Campsite.
