Northern circuit

Park history

Tarangire National Park is the sixth largest national park in Tanzania, it is located in Manyara Region. The name of the park originates from the Tarangire river that crosses the park. The Tarangire River is the primary source of fresh water for wild animals in the Tarangire ecosystem during the annual dry season. The Tarangire Ecosystem is defined by the long-distance migration of wildebeast and zebras. During the dry season thousands of animals concentrate in Tarangire National Park from the surrounding wet-season dispersal and calving areas.

It covers an area of approximately 2,850 square kilometers (1,100 square miles.) The landscape is composed of granitic ridges, river valley, and swamps. Vegetation is a mix of Acacia woodland,Commiphora-Combretum woodland, seasonally flooded grassland, and Baobab trees.

Tarangire National Park has some of the highest population density of elephants as compared to anywhere in Tanzania which makes it a beautiful and distinctive location to visit.

Located just a few hours drive from the town of Arusha, Tarangire is a popular stop for people travelling through the northern safari circuit on their way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. The park extends into two game controlled areas and the wildlife is allowed to move freely throughout.

How to get there

Tarangire National Park can be reached via paved road south from Arusha in under two hours. It can also be accessed by a plane as they can fly straight in to the park.

Activities

Game viewing: Between June and October which is the dry season, there are unimaginable herds of animals that are attracted to the Tarangire River. The elephant numbers at this time are amazing. Endeavour to make this park part of your safari in northern Tanzania. The dry months of June to October bring about large gatherings of elephants. After the game migrates from the Masaai Mara, it gathers around the river.

Birding: Enjoy spotting a large batch of colorful and exclusive bird species. Over 550 different bird species are housed with the swamps that are spread all over Tarangire. For bird lovers, who find themselves taken up for a long period of time, this makes Tarangire a famous safari destination for you.

Walking safari: There are a number of chances to explore the region on walk safaris even if the park is hidden and relatively unknown. Walking safaris give you a more learning experience about the smaller animals within the bush land and a better way of spotting the animals at close range without disturbing them.

Cultural village visits: Experience a better different world by taking a trip to a Masaai or Barabaig village with numerous ancient paintings, in neighborhood with Kolo on Dodoma road.

Best time to visit

Between June and October which is the dry season, there are unimaginable herds of animals that are attracted to the Tarangire River. The elephant numbers at this time are amazing. Endeavour to make this park part of your safari in northern Tanzania. The dry months of June to October bring about large gatherings of elephants. After the game migrates from the Masaai Mara, it gathers around the river.

Accomodation

There’s a wide variety of accommodation available, both inside and outside from luxury lodges to budget mobile camps.

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