Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is a stunning wildlife reserve in northern Tanzania, often called the "Home of Elephants" and known for its ancient baobab trees that dot the landscape like upside-down giants. Covering about 2,850 square kilometers (1,100 square miles), it's the sixth-largest national park in Tanzania and part of the northern safari circuit, located southwest of Arusha and near Lake Manyara.

Established in 1970, the park is named after the Tarangire River, its lifeline that flows year-round and attracts massive wildlife concentrations, especially during the dry season.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Tarangire boasts Tanzania’s highest concentration of elephants—herds of up to 300 gather along the river during the dry season (June-October), making it one of the best places in Africa to see them up close.

Other highlights include:

Large prides of lions (often tree-climbing), leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas.
Massive herds of zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, and giraffes.
Rare species like fringe-eared oryx, gerenuk, and lesser kudu.
Over 550 bird species, a paradise for birdwatchers with giants like ostriches, kestrels, and colorful bee-eaters.

During the dry season, it rivals Serengeti for wildlife density as animals migrate here from surrounding areas. Predators thrive on the concentrated prey.

Geography and Map

The park features open acacia woodlands, grasslands, swamps, and the iconic baobab-studded plains. Silale Swamp in the center is a key water source.

Visiting Tarangire

Best time: Dry season (June-October) for peak wildlife around the river; wet season (November-May) for lush greenery, fewer crowds, and bird migration. It’s less crowded than Serengeti or Ngorongoro, offering a more intimate safari experience. Activities include game drives, walking safaris, and night drives in some areas.

Often combined with nearby parks like Ngorongoro, Serengeti, or Lake Manyara for a complete northern Tanzania circuit.

Tarangire delivers dramatic landscapes, massive elephant herds, and ancient baobabs—a hidden gem of Tanzania’s wilderness with raw, untamed beauty.