"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

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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

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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

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