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Tarangire National Park, in northern Tanzania, is a wildlife gem with abundance of greenery and wildlife. You find the sheer number of elephants moving around, striking baobab trees and charming nature, exclusively here. With a total area of 2,850 km square, Tarangire is home to many animals of various species, such as giraffes, lions and over 550 bird species. If you enjoy photography, Tarangire National Park provides a chance to get up close with nature and capture its beauty.
Quick Facts About Tarangire National Park
Location: Northern Tanzania, Manyara Region
Timings: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Entry Fee: $50 / ₹4,300 for adults and $25 / ₹2,200 for children (non-resident)
How To Reach: Accessible by road, air or rail
Nearest Airport: Kilimanjaro International Airport ( 170 km ), Arusha Airport ( 102 km )
Nearest Railway Station: Moshi Railway Station ( 200 km )
Best Time To Visit: June to October
Location
Photo: Christoph Strässler / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the Manyara Region of northern Tanzania, Tarangire National Park is a popular safari destination. Tarangire has one main entrance located off the Babati-Kondoa Road, seven kilometres from the Tarangire River. This site is only a few hour’s access from Arusha, a major Tanzanian town. Landmarks in the vicinity are the Makuyuni junction on the main road, as well as the local village of Mto wa Mbu. You get to see life outside the usual tourist places, making this trip even more rewarding.
Suggested Read: Best National Parks In Tanzania
How To Reach
Photo: Yoni Lerner / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: Take a flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport, which is 170 km from the park. You can also reach Arusha Airport, 102 km away and take a taxi or a shuttle straight to the park.
By Rail: The closest railway station is in Moshi, about 200 km away. From Moshi, you can come by hired car or be a part of a group tour to the park.
By Road: Tarangire National Park is a two-hour drive away from Arusha via Arusha-Dodoma Road, which is paved across. The route is served by public buses, but guided tours or private vehicles are highly recommended.
Things To Do In Tarangire National Park
Here are the best activities to indulge in the Tarangire National Park during your trip:
1. Experience Guided Game Drives
Photo: Gary Bembridge / Wikimedia Commons
Experience the excitement of game driving in Tarangire National Park with the most concentrated wildlife. Morning drives are conducted as early as 6:30 AM, offering a great chance to see predators like lions and leopards. On the other hand, sunset drives reveal nocturnal animals, porcupines and genets in the park. Hire a professional guide to enhance your experience with animal behaviour insights. Make sure your camera is ready to capture those stunning herds of elephants grazing close to the iconic Tarangire River. Game drives last for three to four hours and should be booked in advance.
Suggested Read: Explore Kilimanjaro National Park
2. Embark On Bird-Watching Safaris
Photo: Gary Bembridge / Wikimedia Commons
For those who are passionate about bird watching, Tarangire has more than 550 bird species. This includes the beautiful Kori bustard as well as the yellow-billed storks. During the wet season, which runs from November to April, people travel to these areas to observe the migratory birds. Some of these are flamingos, passing by the swampy areas. Take binoculars and a good field guide with you to separate the species residing in the area. There are various birding tours specially designed by professionals to guide you in finding rare species.
3. Enjoy Walking Safaris
Photo: John Mackenzie Burke / Wikimedia Commons
Take a guided walking safari for a close-up look at Tarangire’s flora and fauna, including its thousands-of-year-old baobab trees. For safety, walking safaris are guided by armed rangers. They offer the chance to learn about animal tracks and medicinal plants. The trails along the Tarangire River, where you can watch elephants and zebras at a distance, are especially popular. To book, you can either reserve a two-hour morning or evening slot. These walks are limited to small groups, ensuring minimal disruption to the wildlife.
Suggested Read: Explore Ruaha National Park Tanzania
Places To Visit Near Tarangire National Park
Following are the places to visit near Tarangire National Park to complete your adventurous Tanzania journey:
1. Lake Manyara National Park
Photo: John Mackenzie Burke / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Manyara National Park is an exciting spot located in Tanzania. This place is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with lions climbing trees and the potential to see a lot of flamingos. This place is visited because the alkaline lake attracts thousands of pink flamingos during the wet season, a sight to behold. The park is also a haven for elephants, hippos and baboons. Additionally, the presence of acacia woodlands and the dense groundwater forest on the wetland can be studied. A must-see treasure of the park is the local volcanic Maji Moto springs to bask in a quietly beautiful landscape.
Timings: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Distance: 70 km from Tarangire
2. Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Photo: Zenith4237 / Wikimedia Commons
Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, formed thousands of years ago by a collapsed volcano. This natural wonder stretches over 260 sq km yet has an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five. You can go down into the crater to spend the day on safari and have close encounters with these animals. Olduvai Gorge is within the conservation area and another very important archaeological site where fossils of early humans were found. You can visit the Olduvai Museum here and learn through guided tours and displays.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Distance: 100 km from Tarangire
Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit In Tanzania
3. Mto Wa Mbu Village
Photo: Tanzania / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Through village excursions, you can engage with the locals and learn about their customs of preparing meals and adorning food in Tanzanian fashion, as well as Falcon High. Moreover, locals have their banana wine and cocoa plantations are thriving as well. The villagers’ main income comes from tourism, farming and selling crafts to tourists. After touring various locations, such as farms, markets and pot huts, you can see firsthand how heavily the local ecosystem depends on tourism.
Timings: Open all day
Distance: 60 km from Tarangire
4. Tarangire Treetops Lodge
Photo: Zenith4237 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A luxury lodge with treetop lodges and beautiful views of the Tarangire National Park, Tarangire Treetops Lodge provides an adventure-filled experience. Each loft is set on high and has a secluded balcony with an all-natural experience of sitting and watching animals like elephants and antelopes. You can taste gourmet food served in an open-air restaurant and watch sunsets. The hotel also offers contemporary safaris with a qualified guide as one of its activities. Campfires create a special and unforgettable nighttime camping experience and enable you to appreciate the beauty.
Distance: 37 km from Tarangire
Suggested Read: Tarangire National Park
5. Babati Town
Photo: Daniel Thomas, Salisbury, NC, USA / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Lake Babati is the perfect escape and also offers activities like canoeing to see the hippos closely. The lake’s calm ambience is simply perfect for relaxing and reconnecting with Mother Nature. Customised bird-watching tours are arranged by local guides. These are culturally significant with visits to areas inhabited by tribes like the Barabaig. Learn about traditional ways, tribal arts and crafts and agriculture methods. Sunsets over the lake provide a chance to unwind after a long day. Canoeing excursions are organised along routes that travel through remote locations, perfect for picnics and photography.
Timings: Open all day
Distance: 70 km from Tarangire
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
It’s during the wet season (November to May) to have the best opportunity for bird watching because the foliage is denser and the water sources are abundant. The dry season (June to October) is the time when a good number of animals gather near water sources. During the dry months, the vegetation is thin, which makes it easy to spot the animals.
Average Cost Of The Trip
Expect to spend around $200 – $500 / ₹17,200 – ₹43,000 daily in the park, including entrance fees, guided tours and mid-range accommodations. Luxury options like lodges can exceed $800 / ₹69,000 per day. Budget travellers can find inexpensive campsites and group tours at rates as low as $100 / ₹8,600 per day. Meals and additional activities, such as walking safaris, are not included in this rate.
Tips For Travellers
- Change to neutral clothing on game drives to fit in with the environment.
- Carry sunscreen, insect repellent and a water bottle that you can refill many times.
- Get lodging and book tours way ahead, particularly during high demands in peak seasons.
- Strictly adhere to park rules to maintain your safety and to help the park in its conservation efforts.
Suggested Read: Selous National Park Tanzania
With large herds of elephants and a diverse array of bird species, Tarangire National Park provides an unparalleled, memorable safari experience. Whether you visit the park on a walking tour, game drive or bird-watching safari, the sights stay with you forever. Want to embark on your journey to Tanzania now? Discover the raw beauty of Tarangire National Park by planning your tour with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
