Tarangire National Park

Tanzania Safaris Destination

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park: The park that has it all

A large herd of buffaloes make their way to the shallow waters of the Tarangire River as elephants scratch their backs on the iconic Baobab trees and a lioness stretches sitting on an Acacia tree, letting her gaze wander across the swamps. Diverse and scenic landscapes, a high density of wildlife, yet still one of the lesser-known national parks in Tanzania – that’s Tarangire National Park.

Tarangire is conveniently situated along the way to the more famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. But it is a popular park and excellent safari destination in its own right – and so much more than just a stopover to break up the journey!

The vegetation within the park is extremely diversified and includes open grasslands, savannah, Baobab trees and thick acacia bush as well as palm trees and swamps full of tall elephant grass in the south

What to expect

Most visitors enter from the north and spend an afternoon exploring the area around the Tarangire River, the lifeline and main source of drinking water in the park. Elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and zebras greet travellers and offer a classic safari experience.

To those who stay more than just one night, Tarangire invites you to the more remote Southern section of the park: The Silale Swamp is one of the main features here, stretching across 70 square kilometres (3,044 square miles). It is not only a favourite for elephants, munching on the lush greens, but also big cats. With a bit of luck, you can observe tree-climbing lions on a Tarangire safari, snoozing in the cool shade while keeping a close eye on antelopes and zebras trot by.

A few selected accommodations in the Southern section of the park even offer walking safaris. An exciting activity, exploring the home of the wild on foot. Walking safaris are permitted only in a few specific areas in Tanzania’s national parks.

Which animals can you see in Tarangire National Park?

Tarangire National Park has a healthy population of creatures both big and small. The park has plenty of resident animals although some tend to migrate depending on the time of year. The most commonly seen animals on a Tarangire safari are elephants, giraffes, impalas, warthogs, zebras, wildebeests, dwarf mongoose and ostriches. However, lions can also be seen, as well as leopards and on some rare occasions even wild hunting dogs have been spotted. The park is also home to 550 species of birds, the greater and lesser Kudus as well as oryx antelopes.

During the months of June to September the park witnesses a small migration during which thousands of wildebeests and zebras head to the park for better grazing grounds. Elephants and other animals follow suit to gather along the Tarangire River, the only permanent water source in the park. It has been claimed, that up to 2000 elephants reside in the park during these months with some coming as far as from Amboseli National Park in Kenya.

Predators

Cats are also very much present in the park and lions can be found soaking up the sun on the riverbanks, whereas leopards are sometimes spotted resting in the baobab trees. Cheetahs are around but usually like to stay hidden from unsuspecting prey.

African wild dogs have been seen towards the southern part of the park and seeing that the numbers of these efficient hunters are dropping, spotting them can be a real treat.

Birds

But it is not only mammals you need to look out for while in Tarangire National Park as the park also boasts with 550 different bird species. The most commonly seen birds include yellow collared lovebirds, red billed hornbills, southern ground hornbills, lilac breasted rollers, ostriches, many kinds of raptors as well as several kinds of water birds just to name a few.

Vegetation and landscapes

Tarangire National Park with its baobab crested landscape is scenically one of the most beautiful parks in Tanzania. Baobab trees tower above the savannah. These age-old trees play a vital role in the ecosystem as they act as homes for bees, birds and bats. In addition, they provide nourishing fruit and supply animals such elephants with indirect water especially during the drier months.

Until the mid-1990s, one of these ancient trees was used as hiding place by illegal poachers. The hollow inside of the giant tree served as the perfect cover from rangers on patrol. Once inside, they were nowhere to be seen. Here, they would dry and store illegally hunted wildebeest, buffalo and zebra meat. Luckily, the rangers eventually put an end to their illegal activities. Today, you can visit the Poachers Hide and step inside the Baobab tree.

Tarangire River

The Tarangire River flows all year round and is an important lifeline for many of its residents, especially during the dry season. The river flows into Lake Burunge situated in the northwest. On the other hand, the south of the park is dominated by marsh land, which is impassable in the wet season but tends to dry out completely in the dry season.

When to go

Best time to go to Tarangire National Park

Tarangire looks distinctly different in the rainy and in the dry season. During the rainy season the grass is tall, the river is flowing, and the vegetation is fresh; wildlife disperse throughout the park as there are many sources of water to sustain them. This, coupled with dense vegetation, means wildlife sightings are not always easy, but bird lovers will enjoy the sight of many migratory birds in the park. The peak of the rainy season is usually between March and May.

The best time to visit Tarangire National Park is arguably the dry season between June to October and early November. Wildlife density is high since many animals from surrounding areas migrate to the area’s main water source, the Tarangire River. Scarce vegetation means, wildlife can easily be spotted. As a general rule of thumb, rates are lower in the rainy season and availability at accommodations may be a challenge for short-notice bookings during the dry season.

Dry Season

June to early November & December to February Best for wildlife sightings along Tarangire River, high wildlife density.

Green Season

March to May & November Best for migratory bird watching, but other wildlife is more difficult to spot.

Why book with us

Experienced Guides

With years of safari guiding across Tanzania, our team ensures every moment is rich with discovery, comfort, and local connection.

Experienced Guides

With years of safari guiding across Tanzania, our team ensures every moment is rich with discovery, comfort, and local connection.

Experienced Guides

With years of safari guiding across Tanzania, our team ensures every moment is rich with discovery, comfort, and local connection.

What Our Travelers Say

Nothing speaks louder than the voices of travelers who have explored Tanzania with us. Whether it’s a first-time safari or a return journey, our guests consistently highlight our expert guides, seamless organization, and the unforgettable moments we create together.

    
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Christian R 
 
 
 
 Verified Excellent experience, we happily recommend Jema Safaris.
Our Tanzania safari was a special trip, beautifully organized by Jema Safaris & Tours from start to finish, and we are delighted that we decided to go on a 3-day, 2-night group safari. Traveling with others turned out to be one of the most enjoyable aspects of the experience. We peacefully explored the famous Serengeti and the legendary Ngorongoro Crater. Our driver guide was very helpful and provided necessary information throughout the trip. As a short safari, our itinerary struck a wonderful balance between wildlife and adventure.
  
 
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   Davide B 
 
 
 
 Verified Great five days Safari in Tanzania
We just came back from an amazing 5-day safari in Tanzania, and it was the best trip ever. On our first day, we went to Tarangire National Park. It was so beautiful, with really big trees and lots of elephants right next to our jeep. For the second and third days, we visited the Serengeti. Having two full days there was great. The wide open spaces were beautiful, and we saw so many animals, including lions and leopards. On day four, we went to the Ngorongoro Crater. It felt like a completely different world, and there were so many animals living close together down there. Finally, on the fifth day, we finished our trip at Lake Manyara. It is a very green park with a big lake, lots of monkeys, and beautiful birds. It was a nice change from the other parks. The animals were great, but our guide, Allan, made the trip really special. He was fantastic! Allan knew so much and explained everything about the animals and nature to us in a simple way. He was always ready to help with anything we needed. The best part was that he was so friendly. During the long drives in the car or when we were just waiting, we could talk and joke with him easily. It felt like traveling with a good friend. If you want to go on a safari in Tanzania, this plan is perfect, and you should definitely ask for Allan to be your guide!
  
 
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   Elke 
 
 
 
 Verified Great experience in Tanzania with Tanzanians
My 12 year old daughter and me went on a 4-day safari with Jema Safaris & Tours. After our whole family had done already a safari in Tanzania with one of the big providers in 2023, we aimed for a truly local one this time. Jema Safaris & Tours turned to be a very good choice. Starting with an easy, but professional booking procedure, we felt comfortable and safe all the time. While aligning itineraries all our wishes were considered, response time was very quick and payment procedure was reliable and fair. The suggested accommodations were close to the parks we wanted to visit and thus helped to start game drives early in the morning without long transfers. Especially Osupuko Tarangire Lodge was amazing, with nice views from the dining area and swimming pool. On safari we focused on Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, which is a true paradise on earth. We had incredible wildlife encounters and even got to see 4 rhinos very close. Our guide, Allan K. contributed a lot to this unforgettable experience. He turned out to be a very knowledgeable, thus funny guide, excellent driver and most of all took great care of us and made us feel welcome and safe. Apart from all the information about wildlife and nature he shared insights about life and people in Tanzania, which we appreciated a lot. We can definitely recommend Jema Safaris & Tours. They provide very good service and are a truly local company run by experienced, dedicated and reliable people.
  
 
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   steve 
 
 
 
 Verified Great Day
Today was a great day!! The guide picked me up at the hotel and we started our journey through the towns. Eddie provided lots of great information along the way. Once we got to the village we were joined by a local guide who knew everyone and lead us to the waterfall. The views along the way were amazing. What really made the trip was the time we spent talking and even after many hours the guide wanted to show the city of Arusha with bustling farmer district and shops. It true the guide can make it a good trip or a great one. Thank you for the memories!!
  
 
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   Mirian G 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing safari!
We were so lucky to have Dickson as our Spanish-speaking guide! He spoke the language very well, and was incredibly attentive, friendly, respectful, and responsible. He went above and beyond on the safari to make sure we had a fantastic time! He was very considerate of our personal wish to see big cats. He's also an excellent driver. We would choose him again without hesitation!
  
 
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   lauram06082026 
 
 
 
 Verified A Life Changing Safari with Jema
Jema Safaris provided us with an experience that went beyond our wildest expectations. We decided to book our safari ourselves and Jema worked with us from afar to customize our trip with attention to our budget and our interests. Our guide, Hassan, has proved invaluable: he is steady, thoughtful, good humored, well informed, and an excellent driver. It is a pleasure to spend a week with him. He has taught us so much both about nature and culture in Tanzania. We will certainly travel with Jema when we come back! Jema was fantastic from start to finish.
  
 
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   Harry M 
 
 
 
 Verified Coffee, culture, and the falls, the combination of all of this was truly a special experience for us.
Our visit to Materuni Waterfall and Coffee Tour in Tanzania was one of the most beautiful experiences The one that will be remembered for a lifetime. We began with a scenic walk through lush coffee farms and tiny villages, where everyone greeted us with smiles. Eddy was a perfect and professional as our tour companion. we joined the locals for a traditional coffee-making session, such a joyful and real experience. The aroma of the coffee was heavenly, and tasting our own cup felt so rewarding. Appreciate Jema Safaris and Tours for their hospitable service and to give the gift of an exciting, romantic trip.
  
 
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   Maraus 
 
 
 
 Verified The journey was truly special for us ❤️
We definitely respect Jema Safaris and Tours for their commitment. They have provided good service out of their sense of responsibility. Our day trip at Ngorongoro Crater was amazed by the sheer density of wildlife. Zebras grazed alongside wildebeests, buffalo roamed freely. Everything felt untouched, pristine, and perfectly balanced. George was a fantastic guide. He always laughed with us and explained to us about the animals. We kept thinking about how rare it is to see such harmony in the natural world. The Ngorongoro Crater a reminder of the rawness and beauty of nature.
  
 
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   Jhon Max 
 
 
 
 Verified Our day trip at Zanzibar & we felt pure paradise.
With Jema Safaris was the best journeys in our life. Zanzibar is a perfect blend of culture, nature, and pure beauty. We explored Stone Town's winding alleys, discovering hidden cafe and colorful markets. The local food was delicious 😋. And we tasted some traditional dishes. The beaches wast awesome, white sand, turquoise water, and gentle waves. Walking along Nungwi at sunset felt like a dream. It was a cultural journey that leaves we inspired.
  
 
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   Mcknig 
 
 
 
 Verified We enjoyed the wildlife and natural beauty of Tanzania.
Our family's trip to Tanzania was very peaceful. We connected with Said Hasan at Jema Safaris and Tours and after discussing the safari with him, we finalized the decision for 5 days. We 5 days exploring Tarangire, Serengeti, Lake Mayrana and the Ngorongoro Crater, and every day felt like a new adventure. Our guide ( Eddy and Kareem ) were very helpful and much explained about wildlife and culture. Tarangire was full of elephants and those amazing baobab trees that looked straight out of a movie. In the Serengeti, The most incredible moment was watching hundreds of zebras crossing the Mara River, absolutely breathtaking. We also explored the peaceful lake mayrana. And lastly explored Ngorongoro Crater we felt completely another hidden world. Jema Safaris team made this journey one of the best experiences of our lives.

Tanzania Safaris Destination