5 Days / 4 Nights
5 Days Safari Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara
From $1,930 per person.
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Tarangire National Park at a glance
- Size
- 2,850 km²
- Best time
- June–October (dry season); November–May for birds and green landscapes
- Getting there
- About 2 hours by road from Arusha, or a short flight to Kuro airstrip
- Park fee (non-resident adult)
- $59.00 per 24 hours in high season, $53.10 in low season
- Ideal stay
- 1–2 nights, often as the first stop of a northern circuit safari
Overview
Last updated: November 2, 2026 · By William Sanga, CEO
Tarangire National Park is a 2,850 km² park in northern Tanzania, about 2 hours' drive from Arusha. It has the largest elephant population in northern Tanzania, with herds of several hundred gathering along the Tarangire River in the dry season, as well as ancient baobab trees and more than 550 bird species. The best time to visit is June to October, when wildlife concentrates around the river.
Tarangire is famous for two things: the largest population of elephants in northern Tanzania (over 3,000 individuals) and its otherworldly baobab trees, some more than a thousand years old.
Beyond the classic big game, the park hosts over 550 bird species, tree-climbing pythons, and the localised fringe-eared oryx and gerenuk.
Why visit Tarangire
Tarangire has the largest elephant herds in northern Tanzania. In the dry season, families gather along the river in groups of several hundred, making it a memorable stop on a northern circuit safari.
Ancient baobab trees give Tarangire its distinctive landscape. Their enormous trunks and spreading branches frame game drives through woodland and open grassland.
More than 550 bird species make Tarangire a rewarding birdwatching destination. November to May brings green landscapes and seasonal visitors alongside the park's resident birds.
Tarangire offers a quieter experience than the Serengeti, with fewer vehicles. A second day lets you venture beyond the river into the southern park and Silale swamp.
Highlights
- Massive elephant herds
- Ancient baobab landscapes
- Excellent birding
- Silale Swamp game viewing
Getting There
2 hours by road from Arusha or 30 min flight to Kuro Airstrip.
Wildlife
What you'll see
ElephantLionLeopardZebraWildebeestOryxGerenukKudu
Activities
What you can do
Game drivesWalking safarisNight drives (private concessions)Cultural tours
Where to stay in Tarangire National Park
Inside the park
Guides for Tarangire National Park
Itineraries
Trips featuring Tarangire
FAQ
Tarangire National Park FAQs
Is Tarangire worth visiting?
Yes. Tarangire has the largest elephant herds in northern Tanzania, iconic baobab trees and far fewer vehicles than the Serengeti. It fits easily into a northern circuit safari, just 2 hours from Arusha.
When is the best time to visit Tarangire?
June to October, during the dry season, when the Tarangire River is the main water source and elephants, buffalo, zebra and wildebeest gather in large numbers. November to May is greener and best for birdwatching.
How many days do you need in Tarangire?
One or two nights is ideal. A full day of game drives covers the river area, and a second day lets you explore further south, including the Silale swamp.
How far is Tarangire from Arusha?
About 2 hours by road, which makes it a natural first or last stop on a northern Tanzania safari.
Can you see the Big Five in Tarangire?
Elephant, lion, leopard and buffalo live in Tarangire, but there are no rhino. Combine it with the Ngorongoro Crater for the best chance of seeing all five.
Explore more
Other Tanzania destinations
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