Located just a few hours’ drive southwest of Arusha, Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s most underrated gems — a wildlife paradise known for its majestic baobab trees, massive elephant herds, and authentic safari atmosphere. Covering around 2,850 square kilometers, Tarangire is part of the larger Manyara ecosystem, and its landscapes are defined by rolling savannahs, riverine woodlands, and seasonal swamps.
This park may be less famous than Serengeti or Ngorongoro, but its charm lies in its tranquility, scenic beauty, and incredible concentration of animals, especially during the dry season.
Wildlife and Landscape
The lifeblood of the park is the Tarangire River, which flows year-round and draws countless animals during the dry months (June–October). It’s here that you can witness one of the highest concentrations of wildlife outside the Serengeti.
Tarangire is home to huge elephant herds, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, as well as buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, giraffes, and elands. Predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs are also frequently sighted.
The park is a haven for bird lovers, boasting over 550 bird species, including yellow-collared lovebirds, hornbills, and the rare Kori bustard. The ancient baobab trees, dotting the landscape like giant sentinels, add a dramatic backdrop to every game drive.
