Tarangire is a northern Tanzanian park of baobab and acacia country cut by the Tarangire River. It is at its best in the dry season, when wildlife concentrates along the river.
- Country
- Tanzania
- Type
- National park
- Approx. area
- 2,850 km²
- Best time
- July to October
- Suggested stay
- 1–2 days
- Main gateway airport
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Big Five
- Not all five
- Malaria
- Malaria area: see a travel doctor
Why go to Tarangire
- Large dry-season elephant concentrations
- Ancient baobab trees
- The Tarangire River and Silale swamps
- Guided walks and night drives in designated areas
- Close to Arusha and Ngorongoro
Best time to visit Tarangire
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Tarangire is July to October.
Height of the dry season; the Tarangire River becomes the main water source and draws large numbers of elephants and other animals.
Wet season; much of the wildlife disperses beyond the park, while birding is at its best.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17–29 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| February | 17–30 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| March | 18–29 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| April | 18–27 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| May | 17–26 | some rain | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| June | 15–25 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 14–25 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| August | 14–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
| September | 15–28 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| October | 16–29 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| November | 17–29 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| December | 17–28 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Tarangire includes lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, oryx, kudu, eland, gazelles, ostriches and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
South-west of Arusha on a paved road, about 2-3 hours' drive; there are light-aircraft airstrips inside the park.
Trips to Tarangire
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Tarangire for families
- Tarangire for a honeymoon
- Tarangire for photographers
- Tarangire for a first safari
- Tarangire on a budget
- Tarangire for luxury travel
Compare with
- Tarangire vs Serengeti
- Tarangire vs Nyerere
- Tarangire vs Ruaha
- Tarangire vs Lake Manyara
- Tarangire vs Ngorongoro
- Tarangire vs Akagera
Travelling to Tarangire from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Tarangire?
Generally July to October. Height of the dry season; the Tarangire River becomes the main water source and draws large numbers of elephants and other animals.
How many days do I need in Tarangire?
Most visitors spend 1 to 2 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Tarangire?
South-west of Arusha on a paved road, about 2-3 hours' drive; there are light-aircraft airstrips inside the park.
Is there malaria in Tarangire?
Yes, it is in a malaria-risk area. See a doctor or travel clinic well before your trip.
Sources: TANAPA - Tarangire National Park · SafariBookings - Tarangire climate · Weather Spark - Mto wa Mbu (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.