Tarangire River
The dry-season heart of the park and the best elephant viewing.
Tanzania
Tarangire
Ancient baobabs, dry-season elephant herds and a river that draws in wildlife from across the ecosystem — Tarangire is northern Tanzania's quiet giant.
Elephant country beneath the baobabs
Tarangire National Park follows the course of the Tarangire River through baobab-studded savannah and seasonal swamps. In the dry months the river becomes the only reliable water for miles, concentrating some of the largest elephant herds in East Africa alongside buffalo, eland, oryx and the lion prides that follow them.
Tarangire at a glance
- Destination
- Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
- Size
- 2,850 sq. km
- Ideal for
- Elephant lovers, birders, quieter northern circuits
- Wildlife focus
- Elephant, lion, buffalo, dry-country antelope, birding
- Activities
- Game drives, walking safaris in adjacent concessions, night drives
- Child policy
- All ages welcome
- Best time
- June to October for the dry-season concentrations
Tarangire at a glance
The dry season river
From June the Tarangire River becomes the ecosystem's lifeline. Hundreds of elephant move down to drink each day, followed by buffalo, zebra and the predators that shadow them.
Travelling within Tarangire
Key regions
The beauty of Tarangire lies in its seasonal flexibility. These are the key areas that shape the experience through the year.
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Silale Swamp
Green year round, drawing buffalo herds and big-bodied lion.
Northern woodland
Baobab and acacia country with giraffe, impala and lesser kudu.
Lake Manyara
A short drive away — groundwater forest, hippo pools and tree-climbing lion.
Things to do
Tarangire experiences
Tarangire rewards patience. Sit with a herd at the river through the middle of the day, walk in the boundary concessions at dawn, and end with a night drive looking for genet, civet and leopard.
Game drives
Long, unhurried days along the river valley when the elephant herds come down to drink.
Walking safaris
Guided walks in private concessions on the park boundary, tracking on foot at first light.
Night drives
Spotlit drives outside the park, revealing the nocturnal cast that daytime safaris miss.
Travel with us
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FAQ
Where is Tarangire National Park?
Tarangire lies about two hours' drive south-west of Arusha in northern Tanzania, and is usually the first or last park on the northern circuit.
When is the best time to visit?
June to October. As the surrounding land dries out, wildlife concentrates along the Tarangire River in extraordinary numbers.
How many nights should I stay?
Two nights is enough to see the river country properly; three lets you add walking and night drives in the boundary concessions.
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