Tarangire National Park

THE PARADISE OF ELEPHANTS

Tarangire National Park is part of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit that also includes Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. Tanzania’s sixth largest park, Tarangire has excellent wildlife densities and great accommodation options.

Tarangire, at a glance

Tarangire National Park boasts some of the highest animal densities and most stunning landscapes in Tanzania. Its proximity to Arusha makes it easily accessible, and it’s often combined with the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, completing Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Tarangire is the sixth biggest park in Tanzania at 2,850 km². It takes its name – as well as its game wealth – from the Tarangire River which flows through the park, attracting elephants and many other animals

Wildlife of Tarangire National Park

Large populations of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, giraffe, eland, impala and warthog all go in search of water. Lion and hyena follow accordingly. Perhaps most impressive are the large herds of elephant that congregate along the riverbanks — it is sometimes possible to see over 500 in a day.

best time to visit Tarangire?

The best time to visit Tarangire National Park is during the dry season from June to October. These are the best months for wildlife due to migratory patterns, and the short grasses make game viewing even easier. The animals flock towards the Tarangire river for water, allowing for easy sightings.

In order to see the big herds of elephants, we recommend visiting towards the latter period of the dry season (September/October). November can be especially cheap, as it is out of peak season but tends to still be quite dry before the short rains hit. The low season, from late November to May, is great for bird watching as the area is wet, green and luscious.

JAN

VISITING TANZANIA IN JANUARY

There is a chance of rain, the temperature is getting higher and the humidity is building. It’s still a good time to go as rates are lower and safari is excellent. At this time of year, the migration herds are in the southeast of the Serengeti for calving season, so the Ndutu Plains are busy but it is amazing to see so many animals in one place.

Events & Festivals

Green Season (November to March): Tanzania’s Green Season offers superb birdwatching opportunities, with migratory birds arriving in their thousands. Read more

FEB

VISITING TANZANIA IN FEBRUARY

Temperatures continue rising, and the migration is still on the Ndutu Plains. February is one of the optimal months for trekking Kilimanjaro, for safaris in the northern and southern parks, and for visiting Zanzibar for a beach holiday. Like January, there is still a chance of short rains, but they also usually occur at night.

Events & Festivals

Green Season (November to March): Tanzania’s Green Season offers superb birdwatching opportunities, with migratory birds arriving in their thousands.

MAR

VISITING TANZANIA IN MARCH

As the migration starts heading west towards the Grumeti River, the temperatures are still very hot. The beginning of the month is still great for trekking, safaris and beach trips. However, towards the end of the month, there is a higher chance of rain as Tanzania moves into the long rainy season.

Events & Festivals

Green Season (November to March): Tanzania’s Green Season offers superb birdwatching opportunities, with migratory birds arriving in their thousands.

APR - MAY

VISITING TANZANIA IN APRIL – MAY

As the migration starts heading west towards the Grumeti River, the temperatures are still very hot.

The beginning of the month is still great for trekking, safaris and beach trips. However, towards the end of the month, there is a higher chance of rain as Tanzania moves into the long rainy season.

In April, the long rainy season is in full swing. Traveling in this period is not advised, as torrential rains can affect planned excursions.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is more dangerous during this season. Many lodges are also closed.

JUN

VISITING TANZANIA IN JUNE

This is the green season, bringing lush grasses and bush that can make spotting game more difficult. However, this is still a wonderful time to travel — particularly for bird watchers as parks are full of migratory birds; especially in the south. Migration should be in the Grumeti area of the Serengeti heading north.

JUL

VISITING TANZANIA IN JULY

This is the start of the peak season. The Migration is in the north of the Serengeti moving toward Kenya, and elephant start to gather in Tarangire. The land is getting drier and spotting game is becoming easier. Temperatures are in the 80°Fs and the humidity is low.

Events & Festivals

The Great Migration river crossings (July to September): This is your best chance to observe herds of animals in their hundreds as they cross Tanzania’s rivers on their epic migration across the continent.

AUG

VISITING TANZANIA IN AUGUST

Peak season. Migration is still in the north. As the land becomes more parched, the animals’ behavior becomes more predictable. The dense bush in Ruaha is drying out so game spotting here becomes much easier.

Events & Festivals

The Great Migration river crossings (July to September): This is your best chance to observe herds of animals in their hundreds as they cross Tanzania’s rivers on their epic migration across the continent.

SEP

VISITING TANZANIA IN SEPTEMBER

Peak season. The end of the migration is still in the north, with herds on both sides of the Kenya and Tanzania borders and high numbers of elephant in Tarangire. The northern circuit can be very busy, but it is less busy in the south, so for those who want to avoid crowds it’s best to visit the southern parks.

Events & Festivals

The Great Migration river crossings (July to September): This is your best chance to observe herds of animals in their hundreds as they cross Tanzania’s rivers on their epic migration across the continent.

OCT

VISITING TANZANIA IN OCTOBER

Although it is not peak season any more, October is still quite dry and a good time for trekking, safari, or enjoying Tanzania’s beaches.

The migration is now in Kenya, but there are still plenty of animals to see. Southern parks are particularly rewarding at this time of year.

The short rainy season sometimes starts by the end of October, so the start of the month is better for travelling.

NOV

VISITING TANZANIA IN NOVEMBER

Short rains. This is a great time to take advantage of low season rates and is still a popular time to travel. The rains tend to be overnight, but there is a risk of rain during the day as well. Migrating herds are starting to travel south from Kenya, so crossings can be seen in the north of the Serengeti.

Events & Festivals

Green Season (November to March): Tanzania’s Green Season offers superb birdwatching opportunities, with migratory birds arriving in their thousands.

DEC

VISITING TANZANIA IN DECEMBER

There is a chance of rain, but this is generally overnight. Temperatures and humidity start to build. Safari is good, with migrating herds in the north traveling south to Ndutu. The festive season can be very busy and needs to be planned well in advance to ensure availability.

Events & Festivals

Green Season (November to March): Tanzania’s Green Season offers superb birdwatching opportunities, with migratory birds arriving in their thousands.

Wildlife in Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is famous for the thousands of elephants that come down to the park during the dry season in search of water, but there are also plenty of wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, buffalo and hippos.

Lions are often sighted, and you might see leopards and cheetahs patrolling the grasslands, or perched in a tree. Wild dogs have been spotted before, but you have to get lucky to find them.

The park is also a great birding destination, with over 500 species living in Tarangire.
Tarangire has some of the highest elephant populations in the country. During peak migration from July to October, around 5,000 of these gentle giants will migrate to Tarangire – you can sometimes see groups of 300 elephants at once.

It’s not just elephants that migrate across these plains. You’ll also find plenty of other mammals including lions, zebras and antelopes.

The vast grasslands and Baobab trees create a rugged, ‘Out of Africa’ feel that’s quite distinct amongst Tanzania’s national parks.

Wildlife Safari

On this safari package Kili Africa Tours allows you to explore all major of the popular Northern Circuit game parks.

4 Days Camping Safari Itinerary

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Wildlife Safari

This 4 Days Tanzania Camping Safari tour goes to Serengeti national park, Ngorongoro crater and one of Tarangire national park

Serengeti National Park

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THE PARADISE OF ELEPHANTS

Tarangire, at a glance

best time to visit Tarangire?

Wildlife in Tarangire National Park

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