How to Get to Tarangire National Park – By Car, Flights, and More
Tarangire National Park, nestled in northern Tanzania, is one of the hidden gems of the African wilderness. Famous for its dense elephant population, ancient baobab trees, and stunning landscapes, Tarangire offers a unique and serene safari experience. Whether you’re embarking on your first African adventure or are a seasoned traveler, knowing how to get to Tarangire National Park is essential.Flying at Kilimanjaro International Airport is the best option to get to Tarangire. This is located, 46 kilometers (29 Miles) from Arusha. Another possibility is to fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport which is near Dar es Salaam and then arrange for a domestic flight at Arusha Airport. Below, we’ve outlined the best routes and methods to ensure your journey is as smooth as possible.
Getting to Tarangire National Park by Car
Driving from Arusha: Arusha, the gateway to the northern safari circuit, is the most common starting point for those traveling to Tarangire National Park. The park is approximately 120 kilometers southwest of Arusha, and the drive takes around two hours.
Route: From Arusha, take the Dodoma Road (A104). Which is well-paved and marked, making it easy to navigate. You’ll pass through the town of Makuyuni before turning south towards the park entrance. Along the way, you’ll be treated to views of the Maasai steppe and glimpses of local wildlife
Vehicle Recommendation: A 4×4 vehicle is recommended. Especially during the rainy season when some sections of the road can become muddy and challenging. If you’re not comfortable driving in such conditions, consider hiring a driver or joining a guided safari.
Driving from Kilimanjaro International Airport
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is another entry point for visitors heading to Tarangire. Located about 190 kilometers from the park, the drive takes roughly three hours.
Route: From the airport, head west towards Arusha on the A23 highway. Once you reach Arusha, follow the directions mentioned above. Alternatively, you can bypass Arusha by taking the Moshi-Arusha bypass road, which connects directly to the Dodoma Road.
Scenic Stops: Along the way, consider stopping at the bustling town of Moshi or the small villages dotting the road, where you can experience authentic Tanzanian culture.
Flying to Tarangire National Park
Domestic Flights to Tarangire: For those short on time or preferring a more comfortable travel option, flying directly to Tarangire National Park is a viable option. Several airstrips serve the park, with Kuro Airstrip being the most popular.
Airlines: Local airlines such as Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Air Excel operate daily flights from major cities like Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar to Kuro Airstrip. These flights provide a quick and scenic route, often flying over the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara. Domestic and charter flights between parks are usually booked by tour operators as part of the tour package. Domestic flights can be booked with several local carriers:
Coastal Aviation (Flies to Tarangire, Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro Airport)
Air Excel (Flies to Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro Airport)
Regional Air (Flies to Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro Airport)
Safari Air Link (Flies to Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro Airport)
Auric Air (Flies to Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro Airport)
Air Tanzania (Flies to Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro Airport)
Precision Air (Flies to Arusha Airport and Kilimanjaro Airport)
ZanAir (Flies to Arusha Airport)
As Salaam Air (Flies to Arusha Airport)
Flight Duration: Flights from Arusha to Kuro Airstrip take about 30-45 minutes. From Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, the flight is longer, typically around 2 hours.
Transfers: Upon landing, most lodges and camps provide transfers from the airstrip to your accommodation. The drives are short, allowing you to start your safari adventure almost immediately.
Charter Flights
For a more exclusive experience, charter flights can be arranged. This option is ideal for private groups or those wishing to avoid the crowds of scheduled flights. Charter flights offer flexibility in terms of departure times and can often land at airstrips closer to your chosen accommodation.
Booking a Charter: Many tour operators can arrange charter flights as part of a custom safari package. This can be a more cost-effective option if traveling with a group.
Public Transport to Tarangire National Park
Buses and Shuttles: While less common, it is possible to reach Tarangire National Park using public transport. Buses and shuttles operate from Arusha to the nearby town of Makuyuni. From there, you would need to hire a taxi or arrange a pick-up with your lodge.
Buses: Several bus companies run daily services from Arusha to Makuyuni. The journey takes about 2-3 hours, depending on the number of stops. The buses typically crowded, ride can be bumpy, but it’s authentic way to experience local life.
Shuttles: Private shuttle services offer a more comfortable alternative to public buses. These shuttles air-conditioned and provide a direct route to the park entrance. While more expensive than buses, they offer a quicker and more pleasant journey.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing
Once you reach Makuyuni, taxis are available to take you to the park entrance. Negotiate the fare beforehand, as prices can vary. For those staying at a lodge outside the park, it’s often best to arrange a pick-up in advance.
Ride-Sharing: While services like Uber are not available in rural Tanzania, some local ride-sharing apps are emerging. However, availability is limited, and it’s best to have a backup plan.
What to Expect on Arrival
Entrance Gates
Tarangire National Park has several entrance gates, with the main gate located near the northern boundary. This gate is the most accessible and popular entry point for visitors. Upon arrival, you’ll need to pay the park entry fees. Which done in cash (Tanzanian shillings) or by credit card.
Gate Hours: The park is open from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM daily. It’s advisable to arrive early to make the most of your day, especially if you’re planning a self-drive safari.
Accommodation Transfers
If you’ve booked a stay at one of the lodges or camps within the park, most offer pick-up services from the entrance gates. The lodges scattered throughout the park, with some located deep within the wilderness, offering a truly immersive experience.
Guided Safaris: Upon arrival, you can also arrange for guided game drives. These highly recommended, as the local guides have extensive knowledge of the park’s terrain and wildlife.
Best Time to Visit Tarangire National Park
While Tarangire is a year-round destination, the best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to October. During this period, the wildlife congregates around the Tarangire River, providing spectacular game-viewing opportunities.
Dry Season: The roads are more accessible, and the weather is generally sunny and dry, making it ideal for both driving and flying.
Rainy Season: The park is lush and green, but some roads may become impassable due to mud. However, this is also the low season, meaning fewer crowds and lower prices.
Tarangire National Park is a must-visit for any safari enthusiast. Whether you choose to drive, fly, or take public transport, getting to this iconic park is an adventure in itself. With careful planning and consideration of the options outlined above, your journey to Tarangire will be as memorable as the destination itself..
Want To Visit Tarangire NP?
- 2,904 Tarangire Safaris
- Tarangire Safaris & Tours
- Tarangire Budget Safaris
- Tour Operators for Tarangire
- Family Safari in Tarangire
- Honeymoon Safari in Tarangire National park
- Tarangire luxury Safaris
- Mid range Safaris in Tarangire National park
- Tarangire wildlife Safari tour packages
Getting from Kilimanjaro airport to Tarangire
To get from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Tarangire National Park, you can take a private transfer or a taxi, with the journey taking around 3 to 4 hours by road. The scenic drive passes through Arusha and continues southwest, offering glimpses of local villages and landscapes. Alternatively, you can arrange a charter flight to a nearby airstrip, followed by a short drive to the park.
