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Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park

Tarangire consists of mostly dry and open woodlands...

...and is partly dominated by the Tarangire River.

In the evening the park gets a wonderful atmosphere.

Large numbers of elephant herds congregate in the national park.

There are some great accommodation options located within the national park.

Tarangire National Park offers great wildlife viewings...

...game drives in open-sided vehicles...

...as well as bush walks.

You might spot some wildlife from the terrace of your accommodation...

...or elsewhere while on safari.

… the more intimate and remote Kuro Tarangire ...

...the diminutive dik dik...

...ever present impala...

Smaller predators such a serval and bat-eared fox also occur.

Tarangire River snakes its way through the park.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park

Famous for its baobabs and massive elephant herds, Tarangire shows its quieter side in the park's southern half.

Tarangire National Park covers an undulating area of 2,600km2, between the plains of the Maasai Steppe to the south-east, and the lakes of the Great Rift Valley to the north and west. The northern part of Tarangire is dominated by the perennial Tarangire River, which flows through increasingly incised ravines until it leaves the north-western corner of the park to flow into Lake Burungi. In the south are a series of vast swamps which dry into verdant plains during the dry season.

Although Tarangire is one of only four parks on Tanzania's sometimes busy 'northern circuit', it is often either missed out, or given less than 24 hours, by the many relatively cursory mini-bus tours. This means that few visitors go beyond the park's busy northern area, where the majority of camps and lodges are located.

If you decide to come to Tarangire, then we recommend spending a few days in the south of the park, which gets few visitors and retains a real air of wilderness.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park: in detail

Safaris visiting Tarangire

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

Firefinch Drive-Fly Safari

9 days • 3 locations • 1 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Enjoy a combination of privately guided and shared game drives during this good-value exploration of northern Tanzania. Explore game-dense regions from three comfortable bases which offer a variety of activities.

Visiting Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and 1 other area

US$7,440 - US$10,740 per person

Read more about the Firefinch Drive-Fly Safari

Map

Tinkerbird Fly-in Safari

8 days • 4 locations • 1 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Explore Tanzania’s famous northern circuit in Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park. Four smart sister camps offer a high level of care, first-class guiding and a wide range of activities.

Visiting Tarangire, Serengeti and 1 other area

US$10,340 - US$15,100 per person

Read more about the Tinkerbird Fly-in Safari

Map

Fringe-eared Oryx Fly-in Safari

7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Stay in three superbly positioned camps during this exploration of Tanzania’s famous northern circuit. Excellent views over the surrounding areas, relatively remote locations and game-rich habitat make for an exciting and varied safari experience.

Visiting Serengeti, Tarangire and 1 other area

US$8,400 - US$12,520 per person

Read more about the Fringe-eared Oryx Fly-in Safari

Map

Marabou Stork Fly-in Safari

13 days • 5 locations • 1 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Four luxurious camps enable exploration of Tanzania’s north and southern regions. With a range of land- and water-based activities available throughout, decidedly comfortable accommodation and applicable long-stay discounts, this adventurous safari is excellent value.

Visiting Tarangire, Serengeti and 3 other areas

US$16,050 - US$23,210 per person

Read more about the Marabou Stork Fly-in Safari

Map

Regal Sunbird Fly-in Safari

12 days • 5 locations • 2 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Experience the highlights of Tanzania with a safari in the country’s famous northern parks followed by historic Stone Town and the palm-fringed beaches of Zanzibar, staying in high-quality accommodation throughout.

Visiting Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and 3 other areas

US$9,320 - US$15,160 per person

Read more about the Regal Sunbird Fly-in Safari

Map

Hadeda Ibis Guided Safari

7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

This great-value safari, in a private 4WD with your own driver-guide, journeys through the stunning landscapes of northern Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley, focusing on its three top national parks.

Visiting Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and 1 other area

US$4,470 - US$5,650 per person

Read more about the Hadeda Ibis Guided Safari

Map

Secretary Bird Fly-in Safari

8 days • 4 locations • 1 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT

Chosen for comfort and relaxation as much as for its range of activities, this safari makes for a leisurely trip featuring stunning accommodation and swift access to many of northern Tanzania’s best wildlife regions.

Visiting Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti and 2 other areas

US$12,110 - US$16,740 per person

Read more about the Secretary Bird Fly-in Safari

Map

Dik Dik Safari

12 days • 4 locations • 2 country
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT

Combine safari with peace and relaxation on Zanzibar’s white-sand shores during this exploration of Tanzania. Stay in three high-quality sister camps within Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park before concluding with a stay on Michamvi Peninsula.

Visiting Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and 2 other areas

US$8,750 - US$14,010 per person

Read more about the Dik Dik Safari

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Our travellers’ wildlife sightings in Tarangire

This is their success for sightings in Tarangire National Park.
Click on a species for more detail. How we work this out.


Elephant

100% success

Giraffe

100% success

Lion

98% success

Zebra

98% success

Buffalo

98% success

Wildebeest

91% success

Eland

74% success

Hippo

65% success

Leopard

64% success

Spotted Hyena

58% success

Cheetah

43% success

Oryx

12% success

Striped Hyena

9% success

Wild dog

3% success

Aardvark

0% success

Pangolin

0% success

Map of Tarangire National Park

Choices for where to stay in Tarangire National Park


Reference map

Most recent reviews of our safaris to Tarangire

Click below to browse all 124 reviews from Tarangire National Park. All from our travellers; all are in full & unedited.


98%
124 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
115
Good
6
Average
1
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Puchto from Buffalo

Arrived 11 Feb 2024, 10 nights

"My Feb 2024 trip"

"Entire trip was fantastic...logistics of the trip were executed fantastically …" Read Puchto’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Brydon from UK

Arrived 17 Jan 2024, 11 nights

"My Jan 2024 trip"

"This was our 5th safari you organised for us and beyond the best. …" Read Brydon’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs E from Croydon

Arrived 16 Sep 2023, 15 nights

"My Sep 2023 trip"

"After a lot of research we chose Expert Africa and were glad that we did. …" Read Mr & Mrs E’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr C from north London

Arrived 20 Oct 2023, 15 nights

"My Oct 2023 trip"

"Our safari was wonderful, a truly memorable trip. …" Read Mr C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms T. from OC, CA

Arrived 29 Oct 2023, 13 nights

"My Nov 2023 trip"

"Honestly couldn’t have asked for anything more …" Read Ms T.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Gina Dai from NYC

Arrived 6 Oct 2023, 11 nights

"My Oct 2023 trip"

"This trip is by far my favorite trip I've ever taken! …" Read Gina Dai’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs Schwamb from USA

Arrived 25 Sep 2023, 9 nights

"My Sep 2023 trip"

"This was a trip of a lifetime! …" Read Mrs Schwamb’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs K. from Nice

Arrived 2 Sep 2023, 15 nights

"Wonderful Tanzania"

"What an amazing experience - all worked like clockwork …" Read Mrs K.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

R&G from Seattle from USA

Arrived 24 Jul 2023, 22 nights

"My Jul 2023 trip"

"This was the trip of a lifetime - Expert Africa delivered in a big way …" Read R&G from Seattle ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ali from United Kingdom

Arrived 25 Aug 2023, 11 nights

"My Aug 2023 trip"

"Loved our trip, and want to go back again asap! …" Read Ali’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Tarangire National Park reviews

When to go to Tarangire National Park

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Tarangire in Tanzania


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Tanzania in January

January usually marks the start of the short dry season, although the exact timings of this are a little unpredictable. You can expect clear blue skies and sunshine, if the short rains have stopped, and the temperatures will be building. The short dry season is a little less pronounced in Southern Tanzania, and so it can still be wet in these areas. It is an interesting time for avians as resident birds go into breeding plumage and migrant species can be present.

Once the New Year busy period has quietened down, January can offer great value and quieter parks, although the weather can be variable, and in the Selous and Ruaha the wildlife is more dispersed.

  • Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
  • Occasional thunderstorms may occur.
  • A good time of year for birding as and many migrant species are around
  • The wildebeest migration is gathering in the southern Serengeti.
  • Busy in early January, quietening down through the month.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in January

Tanzania in February

February is during the short dry season and is one of the hottest months in Tanzania, with temperatures reaching around 33°Celsius. This can be a good time to visit, as some areas of the Northern Circuit are comparatively quieter than during the European summer months, and lodge rates are also a little lower.

The wildebeest will typically be on the southern plains of the Serengeti for their calving season, which tends to occur in a 2-3 week window in early-mid February – although this does vary year on year. This is also a particularly rewarding time for birdlife, as northern hemisphere migrants join the resident species.

  • Hot and dry weather.
  • Wildebeest migration calving on Serengeti’s southern plains.
  • Ngorongoro Crater and southern Serengeti busy for the migration.
  • Selous and Ruaha are typically quiet at this time.
  • The parks are likely to be lush and green, leading to pretty landscape

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in February

Tanzania in March

The heavier ‘long rains’ start in earnest in March although exactly when varies year on year. With no need to stay close to permanent water sources, migratory wildlife disperses, and so game viewing starts to become more challenging. This is most prominently seen in Tarangire National Park. The wildebeest migration may still be calving, or have moved on into the central regions of the Serengeti.

Many of the camps in the southern parks close mid March and mobile tented camps in the Serengeti will wind down towards the end of the month in order to move location or carry out refurbishments, ready for the new tourist season.

  • Hot with building humidity, before the rains begin at some point.
  • Wildlife viewing is variable depending on the start of the rains.
  • Parks are quiet and rates are low.
  • Not great for southern or western Tanzania.
  • March can be a good time for birding, with many migrant species.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Tanzania in April

April is in the middle of the long rainy season and is the wettest month, with on average 250mm of rain. Temperatures are fairly high and humid in comparison to the rest of the year. Expect the bush to be lush and flowering, and alive with insects, birds and smaller animals. It is however also dense, allowing wildlife to hide, which in turn makes game viewing harder. This is a very quiet time in terms of visitor numbers.

Many of the tented camps are closed in April, however the larger lodges remain open. The rates are significantly cheaper, and so if you are willing to work harder to spot the bigger game, some accommodation bargains can be had.

  • Heavy rain expected, with impressive thunderstorms and lightning.
  • Many camps closed and roads impassable due to ground conditions.
  • Rates are at their lowest all year round, with very few other tourists
  • Places that are open are green and vibrant, wildlife more dispersed.

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in April

Tanzania in May

As Tanzania is close to the equator there is no dramatic difference in climate throughout the year, but temperatures do start to drop a little in May. The rains are likely to still be present, although potentially clearing towards the end of the month. Visitor numbers and lodge rates are still low. The wildebeest migration is making its way through the western regions of the Serengeti, crossing the Grumeti River.

Virtually all camps in southern Tanzania remain closed, and many of the roads and tracks in the Selous become impassable.

  • Heavy rains and storms are likely, this can create some dramatic skies
  • Blissfully quiet in northern Tanzania, and a good time to avoid crowds
  • The parks are likely to look lush and green, with long grass.
  • Wildlife is likely to be more dispersed, with fewer sightings.
  • The low prices make safaris much more affordable at this time.

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in May

Tanzania in June

The rains come to an end at some point during the month and migratory wildlife begins to be drawn back to perennial water sources as the land starts to dry up. It’s likely that the parks will still be quite green and the grass high though, so walking and fly-camping may be unlikely. This marks the start of the season with camps reopening, but prices are still more affordable than the subsequent months.

The migration may still be in the Western Corridor, or on the move northwards towards the Mara River. Western Tanzania presents more challenging conditions for chimpanzee trekking in Mahale National Park, as the chimps are higher in the mountains.

  • Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
  • A transitory time for the migration – moving from west to north.
  • The parks may still be quite green, and grasses high.
  • Wildlife may be dispersed still.
  • Relatively low visitor numbers and good value, shoulder season prices.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

Tanzania in July

July is considered to be the start of the peak season, with no rainfall expected and pleasant daytime temperatures. As the parks dry, the wildlife congregates in fewer areas, grass is eaten and trampled by the migration, and game viewing gets better and better. The wildebeest are typically arriving in the northern Serengeti, ready to begin their period of crossings of the Mara River.

In the Selous and Ruaha wildlife sightings can be fantastic, with animals gathering around the lakes and rivers. Great conditions and school holidays mean the parks are at their busiest, with Ngorongoro and the Serengeti particularly crowded.

  • Dry and warm daytimes, chilly and windy in the mornings and evenings.
  • Great wildlife viewing, as water sources diminish.
  • The most popular time of year with very high visitor numbers.
  • Prices are at their highest due to the great conditions on the ground.
  • To avoid the crowds consider Tanzania’s southern parks.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in July

Tanzania in August

August is the middle of the long dry season, with clear skies and sunny weather. You can expect some cooler weather at night and first thing in the morning. Remember to pack layered clothing, so you can wrap up warm on your early morning game drives, but remain comfortable as it heats up throughout the day.

August is a very popular time to visit, so accommodation prices are at their highest and advanced booking is necessary. It can get noticeably busier in some of the northern parks – in particular the Ngorongoro Crater and northern Serengeti, as visitors flock to the area in hope of witnessing an exciting migration river crossing.

  • Dry and warm daytimes, chilly in the early mornings and evenings.
  • General wildlife viewing should be excellent.
  • An exciting time of year for the wildebeest migration.
  • Certain areas will be very busy and camps fill up fast.
  • Great wildlife sightings in the Selous and Ruaha, and fewer people.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Tanzania in September

September can be an excellent time of year to visit Tanzania. As the parks continue to dry up the wildlife becomes increasingly reliant on the remaining water sources, leading to high densities of animals. Whilst early September can be busy, with fewer families traveling at this time the parks typically become quieter as the month goes on.

You are still likely to see the wildebeest migration in the northern Serengeti, with river crossings occurring on a regular basis. Tanzania’s southern parks are also fantastic at this time of year, generally receiving far fewer visitors than the north, and wildlife sightings can be great. Prices remain high and the weather generally remains good.

  • Wildlife viewing in September can be fantastic.
  • Whilst still fairly busy, often the parks are typically a little quiet
  • The parks will start to become very dry, with little new vegetation
  • Cooler mornings and evenings, warming up during the day.
  • Prices remain high.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Tanzania in October

At the tail end of the dry season, the wildlife should be the easiest to spot, although photographers should be aware that it can be a bit dusty at this time of year, as there has been no rain for several months. Great general wildlife viewing throughout as animals are attracted to remaining sources of water. Elephant numbers are particularly high at this time in Tarangire, and Mahale and Katavi are especially rewarding with frequent wildlife sightings close to camp.

There is a chance of rainfall towards the end of the month, if the short rains commence. While prices remain high, visitors numbers are significantly lower than in July-August.

  • Mostly dry and temperatures comfortably warm, with the chance of storm
  • Great game viewing although the landscape can be a bit barren.
  • Much lower visitor numbers than the earlier months.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Tanzania in November

In November you can expect the start of the short rains, although the start date varies every year. The rains are highly localised, and are much lighter and more unpredictable than the long rains that occur earlier in the year. These should not really interfere with your safari – as the game viewing at this time is still good - but you should pack a waterproof jacket and be prepared for some short rain showers!

The majority of tented camps remain open, but some of the mobile camps in Northern Tanzania will close for the latter half on the month. Given the seasonality, camps are charging shoulder season rates so there are often some bargains to be had. Early November can offer great value for money and the weather conditions are likely to be comparable to late October.

  • Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
  • Parks are comparatively quiet and prices at the lower end.
  • Some camps will close towards the end of the month for maintenance.
  • Good wildlife sightings, but animals will disperse when rain starts
  • The wildebeest migration is on the move and the location unpredictable

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Tanzania in December

December is also during the short rainy period, but this does not stop Tanzania being a popular destination to spend the festive period. Be aware that many of the lodges book up early, and charge peak rates over this time. Advanced booking is essential over this period, especially if travelling in larger family groups.

Travelling in December outside of the festive period allows travellers to make use of excellent shoulder season rates. Temperatures are pleasant with the averages of 27Celsius, although there is the chance of intermittent thunderstorms.

  • Variable weather:clear & dry or cloudy with some rain and thunderstorm
  • Good general game viewing in parks with low seasonality - Serengeti.
  • Very quiet early in the month, becoming exceptionally busy.
  • Prices reflect this – great value rising to the highest they are.
  • The wildlife in southern Tanzania is more dispersed.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

Tanzania fact file

Useful information and advice to help you prepare for a trip including Tarangire National Park.


ANGAMA MARA in MAASAI MARA

Excursions in Tarangire National Park

Optional extra day-drips and excursions possible whilst your staying within Tarangire National Park. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.


Lake Manyara Safari

Lake Manyara Safari

Half-day or full-day

Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park makes a great safari destination. Here, along with elephant herds and plains game, you’ll find jungle-like forests that are home to blue monkeys, a soda lake tinged pink by flamingos and some of Tanzania’s best birding.

More about Lake Manyara Safari
85% (48 reviews)
Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway

Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway

Usually one hour

Experience the forest of Lake Manyara National Park from a whole new perspective – high up in the trees. The first suspended walkway in Tanzania, it stretches underneath the canopy for 370m between the mahogany and fig trees, giving intrepid visitors a unique view of the surrounding flora and fauna.

More about Manyara Treetop Walk
75% (4 reviews)

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