"Named after the perennial river that lies at the heart of its seasonal ecosystem, Tarangire National Park protects a vast tract of semi-arid acacia savanna studded with contorted baobab trees and spectacular termite mounds sculpted from the red earth. The park is famed above all for its dense elephant population, but it also supports healthy numbers of lion and leopard, and a checklist of 500 bird species makes it a favourite with birdwatchers.”
- Philip Briggs
Tarangire National Park
Only an hour’s drive on asphalt from Arusha, Tarangire National Park is an excellent option for those with limited time in Tanzania, and it also forms a popular first stop on longer safaris. Year-round, it offers the most reliable close-up elephant viewing in northern Tanzania – indeed, on a good day, you might encounter more than a dozen herds in the course of one game drive.
A profusion of ancient baobabs – extraordinary trees whose bulbous pulpy trunks are topped by a crown of bare root-like branches – gives the park a distinctive scenic quality. Ecologically, however, it is dominated by the Tarangire River, which forms the only reliable freshwater source for miles around over the dry season (July to November).
Elephants aside, the river attracts large herds of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, giraffe, impala and warthog at this time of year, and these provide rich pickings to the resident lions and leopards.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
A brief dry interlude before the long rains arrive in late March.
After the short rains, wildlife tends to be less concentrated, while vegetation is lush and thick, a combination that makes game-viewing more difficult. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insects draws in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
DRY SEASON
A brief dry interlude before the long rains arrive in late March.
After the short rains, wildlife tends to be less concentrated, while vegetation is lush and thick, a combination that makes game-viewing more difficult. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insects draws in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. Travel to and from lodges is potentially difficult at times. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Wildlife is at its most dispersed by this stage, and the vegetation will be thick and high throughout the park. Travellers looking to experience a ‘classic’ safari should avoid this time of year, however if you are seeking great birding, these months deliver exactly what you are looking for.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. Travel to and from lodges is potentially difficult at times. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Wildlife is at its most dispersed by this stage, and the vegetation will be thick and high throughout the park. Travellers looking to experience a ‘classic’ safari should avoid this time of year, however if you are seeking great birding, these months deliver exactly what you are looking for.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
The beginning and end of the rains varies each year, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. Travel to and from lodges is potentially difficult at times. This wet season is often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain.
Wildlife is at its most dispersed by this stage, and the vegetation will be thick and high throughout the park. Travellers looking to experience a ‘classic’ safari should avoid this time of year, however if you are seeking great birding, these months deliver exactly what you are looking for.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the land gradually dries up following the long rains. As this happens, wildlife migrates back to the park. This increase in wildlife density combined with thinning vegetation makes this the perfect time to visit Tarangire.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the land gradually dries up following the long rains. As this happens, wildlife migrates back to the park. This increase in wildlife density combined with thinning vegetation makes this the perfect time to visit Tarangire.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the land gradually dries up following the long rains. As this happens, wildlife migrates back to the park. This increase in wildlife density combined with thinning vegetation makes this the perfect time to visit Tarangire.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the land gradually dries up following the long rains. As this happens, wildlife migrates back to the park. This increase in wildlife density combined with thinning vegetation makes this the perfect time to visit Tarangire.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
DRY SEASON
This is a more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. During this period the land gradually dries up following the long rains. As this happens, wildlife migrates back to the park. This increase in wildlife density combined with thinning vegetation makes this the perfect time to visit Tarangire.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with occasional heavy showers or thunderstorms interspersing the sunny spells. Though technically the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains, making it a good time to visit Tarangire.
Tarangire is a seasonal park; when the rain arrives it disperses the wildlife, making the dry season far preferable. These wet months can be good too, provided rainfall totals are not too high, and the added bonus is that migratory birds will be present within the park.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
This is a rather unpredictable time of the year, with occasional heavy showers or thunderstorms interspersing the sunny spells. Though technically the wet season, the rains are not as intense during this period as during the long rains, making it a good time to visit Tarangire.
Tarangire is a seasonal park; when the rain arrives it disperses the wildlife, making the dry season far preferable. These wet months can be good too, provided rainfall totals are not too high, and the added bonus is that migratory birds will be present within the park.
Its proximity to the equator means that Tarangire National Park has very consistent temperatures throughout the year. While the high altitude (985 to 1,528m/3,232 to 5,013ft) moderates these to an average midday high of 26°C/79°F to 29°C/84°F throughout the year, the mornings can be a little chilly, so be sure to bring a light fleece!
There are two wet seasons in Tanzania. The first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the milder short rains take place between November and December.
Tarangire is a park that comes into its own during the drier times of the year, when animals migrate into the park from the surrounding areas. During the wetter months (December – May), wildlife is less concentrated and vegetation is much thicker, reducing game viewing opportunities.
Explore Tarangire National Park Properties
-
Honeyguide Camp Tarangire
Honeyguide Camp Tarangire
Honeyguide Camp Tarangire, managed by Albatros Travel, is a testament to the evolution of safari experiences over the decades. From the humble beginnings of primitive safaris, as recounted by founder Soren Rasmussen, to the ..
-
Kuro Tarangire
Kuro Tarangire
Kuro Tarangire, this intimate camp embodies understated elegance, with discreetly luxurious rooms that blend seamlessly with the landscape. With great food, service and safari guides, there is no doubt that guests at Kuro ..
-
Little Chem Chem
Little Chem Chem
Little Chem Chem, with its extremely high standards of facilities, service and guiding in an ideal natural location, this near-faultless little camp may be one of Africa’s great camps. Little Chem Chem offers a huge amount for ..
-
Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp
Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp
Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp is a luxury lodge overlooking the Tarangire River just outside Tarangire National Park. Blending into a forest of Baobab and acacia trees with verandas overlooking the riverbed, sit back with views ..
-
Sanctuary Swala Camp
Sanctuary Swala Camp
Sanctuary Swala Camp, a truly beautiful camp set in an isolated portion of Tarangire National Park, this is arguably the most luxurious camp within the park, and currently our favourite Sanctuary property in Tanzania.
-
Tarangire Treetops
Tarangire Treetops
Tarangire Treetops, this unforgettable property borders the Tarangire National Park, and has a highly distinctive structure. As the name suggests, this lodge invites you to delve into the bush canopy, where its treehouse rooms are ..
What People Say
-
The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
-
We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
-
Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
-
Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
-
Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
-
Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
-
Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
-
We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
-
Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
