National park · Northern Circuit
Tarangire National Park
Famous for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees.
Last updated
- Circuit
- Northern Circuit
- Type
- National park
- Best time
- June to October
- Location
- 4.02° S, 36.02° E
- Safaris
- 5 trips visit
Overview
About Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is Tanzania's best-kept secret - a 2,850 km² wilderness that offers some of the most underrated wildlife viewing in East Africa. Named after the Tarangire River that flows through it, this park becomes a magnet for wildlife during the dry season when animals from the surrounding Maasai Steppe congregate around the permanent water source.
The park is famous for its elephants. During peak dry season (July-October), Tarangire hosts the largest elephant population in Tanzania - sometimes over 3,000 individuals in massive herds. Watching these gentle giants navigate through the iconic baobab trees that dot the landscape is an unforgettable experience.
Beyond elephants, Tarangire is a predator paradise. Lions are common, leopards hide in the dense vegetation, and this is one of the best parks in Tanzania to see the endangered African wild dog. The park also hosts large populations of zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, and unusual species like oryx, gerenuk, and lesser kudu that are rare elsewhere in northern Tanzania.
- Elephant Herds
- Baobab Trees
- Tarangire River
- Bird Life
On the ground
What you can see and do
Wildlife you may see
- Elephant
- Lion
- Leopard
- Buffalo
- Giraffe
- Python
- Wild Dog
Things to do
- Game Drives
- Walking Safaris
- Night Drives
- Bird Watching
Where to stay
Lodges and camps
Tented camp · Mid-range
Tarangire Safari Lodge
Location
Where Tarangire is
4.02° S, 36.02° E in the Northern Circuit. See it with every other park.
“Traveling with kids ages 8 and 11, we were nervous about a safari. Bald Eagle created a family-friendly itinerary that kept everyone engaged. The kids are still talking about the baby elephants in Tarangire!”
Trips
Safaris that visit Tarangire
- 7 days · Wildlife7-Day Classic Tanzania SafariOur most popular Tanzania safari takes you through the legendary Serengeti, the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, and elephant-rich Tarangire. Perfect for first-time visitors wanting to experience the best of Tanzania in one week.Price on requestView itinerary
- 8 days · Family8-Day Family Safari AdventureCreate unforgettable family memories on this kid-friendly Tanzania safari. Designed for families with children ages 5+, this adventure features shorter drives, family-friendly lodges with swimming pools, and special activities that keep young explorers engaged.Price on requestView itinerary
- 10 days · Photography10-Day Wildlife Photography SafariDesigned for serious photographers, this safari features optimal timing for golden hour, extended time at key locations, and a vehicle configured for photography with bean bags, extra space, and charging stations.Price on requestView itinerary
- 12 days · Adventure12-Day Kilimanjaro Climb & SafariThe ultimate Tanzania adventure: climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Machame Route, then recover with a 4-day safari through Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro. Two bucket-list experiences in one incredible trip.Price on requestView itinerary
- 4 days · Wildlife4-Day Essential Tanzania SafariOnly have a few days? This compact safari hits the highlights of Tanzania's Northern Circuit: Tarangire's elephants, Lake Manyara's tree-climbing lions, and the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater - all in 4 action-packed days.Price on requestView itinerary
Nearby
More in the Northern Circuit
- Mountain
Kilimanjaro National Park
Africa's highest peak and the world's tallest free-standing mountain - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Uhuru Peak Summit · Five Climate Zones · Glaciers3.08° S, 37.35° EDestination guide - Conservation area
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the world's largest intact volcanic caldera.Crater Floor · Big Five · Maasai Culture3.17° S, 35.58° EDestination guide - National park
Serengeti National Park
Tanzania's most famous park, home to the Great Migration and endless plains teeming with wildlife.Great Migration · Big Five · Endless Plains2.33° S, 34.83° EDestination guide - Town
Arusha
The safari capital of Tanzania and gateway to the Northern Circuit parks.Safari Gateway · Mount Meru · Coffee Tours3.39° S, 36.68° EDestination guide
