Tarangire National Park Facts
By the Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris team
Our Arusha-based guides and safari planners know Tarangire National Park first-hand, and write this guide from experience on the ground.
Tarangire National Park is a protected wildlife area of about 2,850 square kilometers in northern Tanzania, roughly a two-hour drive south-west of Arusha. Established in 1970 and managed by Tanzania National Parks, it takes its name from the Tarangire River, the park's lifeline in the dry season. Tarangire is famous for large elephant herds, ancient baobab trees and more than 500 bird species. From about June to October, wildlife concentrates along the river and Silale Swamp, making it one of Tanzania's best dry-season parks on a private safari.
Tarangire National Park: Key Facts
Twelve essential facts to know before your private safari.
Named After a River
The park takes its name from the Tarangire River, which flows through it and holds water through the dry season.
Established 1970
Managed by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) as part of Tanzania's northern safari circuit.
About 2,850 km²
Roughly 1,100 square miles of river valleys, swamps, savanna and acacia woodland.
Elephant Stronghold
One of northern Tanzania's highest dry-season concentrations of elephants gathers along the river.
Ancient Baobabs
Giant baobab trees, many centuries old, give the park its distinctive and much-photographed landscape.
500+ Bird Species
Includes the yellow-collared lovebird and ashy starling, both endemic to Tanzania, plus large birds such as kori bustards.
Dry-Season Refuge
From about June to October, wildlife moves in from surrounding areas to drink from the river and swamps.
Silale Swamp
A large seasonal swamp in the central park that attracts elephants, buffalo and abundant birdlife.
Unusual Antelopes
Fringe-eared oryx, gerenuk and lesser kudu occur here, species rarely seen elsewhere on the northern circuit.
Big Cats Present
Lions are seen regularly, while leopards and cheetahs are present but less often encountered.
Wider Ecosystem
Linked to the Simanjiro plains and neighboring Wildlife Management Areas, where wildlife disperses in the wet season.
Near Arusha
Roughly a two-hour drive from Arusha, making it an easy first or last stop on a northern safari.
Tarangire Safari Packages with Transfers Included
Hand-picked Northern Circuit itineraries that include Tarangire National Park, tailored privately by Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris.
6-Day Serengeti and Ngorongoro Family Safaris
A six-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro combination built for multi-generation travelers.
View Package →
8-Day Northern Tanzania Safaris
An eight-day tour across Tanzania's top northern circuit parks.
View Package →
9-Day Private Northern Tanzania Safari
A nine-day fully private safari through Tanzania's northern circuit highlights.
View Package →
10-Day Amazing Northern Tanzania Safari
A ten-day journey across Tanzania's most celebrated northern parks.
View Package →
10-Day Best of Northern Tanzania Safari
Ten days combining the very best of the northern safari circuit.
View Package →
10-Day Ultra-Luxury Tanzania Lodge Safari
Ten days of ultra-luxury lodges across Tanzania's premier parks.
View Package →
8-Day Tanzania Big Five Luxury Safari
An eight-day luxury safari focused on spotting Africa's Big Five.
View Package →
7-Day Best of Serengeti Safari
A seven-day safari highlighting the very best of the Serengeti ecosystem.
View Package →Tarangire Safari Planning Guides
Tarangire National Park Facts: Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Tarangire National Park?
Tarangire National Park covers about 2,850 square kilometers, or roughly 1,100 square miles, making it one of the larger parks on Tanzania's northern safari circuit. It forms the core of the wider Tarangire ecosystem, which includes neighboring Wildlife Management Areas and the Simanjiro plains, where many animals disperse during the rains. Most visitors explore the northern section around the Tarangire River and the central Silale Swamp, while the remote southern swamps reward travelers with more time and a taste for solitude.
When was Tarangire National Park established?
Tarangire National Park was established in 1970, after earlier protection of the area as a game reserve. Today it is managed by Tanzania National Parks, known as TANAPA, which oversees conservation, ranger patrols, roads and visitor services. The park was created largely to protect the dry-season refuge of the Tarangire River, which draws wildlife from a much larger surrounding landscape. Its protection remains closely linked to cooperation with neighboring communities and Wildlife Management Areas that help keep traditional wildlife corridors open beyond the park.
Why is Tarangire famous for elephants?
Tarangire is famous for elephants because the park holds one of the highest dry-season concentrations of elephants in northern Tanzania. As waterholes across the region dry up, herds gather along the Tarangire River and around Silale Swamp, where water and green vegetation remain. It is common to watch elephant families digging for water in the riverbed, bathing or feeding beneath baobab trees. Elephant numbers peak from about June to October, which is also the most popular time for a Tarangire safari.
What animals can you see in Tarangire National Park?
Tarangire National Park supports a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, impala, waterbuck and warthogs. Predators include lions, leopards, cheetahs and spotted hyenas, and the park is also known for species less common in other northern parks, such as fringe-eared oryx, gerenuk and lesser kudu. Rhinos are not normally seen here. Birdlife is outstanding, with more than 500 recorded species, and sightings vary with the season and the particular area of the park your private guide explores.
What is the best time to visit Tarangire National Park?
The best time to visit Tarangire National Park is the dry season from about June to October, when wildlife concentrates along the Tarangire River and around the swamps. Vegetation thins out, making animals easier to spot, and elephant herds are at their largest. The green season from about November to May brings lush scenery, newborn animals and excellent birding, although many large mammals disperse beyond the park. Tarangire combines well with Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti on a private tailor-made itinerary.
Plan Further: Tarangire National Park Guides & Resources
Explore Tarangire National Park
- Tarangire National Park Overview
- Tarangire National Park Map
- Tarangire National Park Wildlife
- Tarangire National Park Birds
- Best Time to Visit Tarangire National Park
- Tarangire National Park Weather & Climate
- How to get to Tarangire National Park
- Tarangire National Park Fees
- Tarangire National Park Malaria & Safety
- Tarangire National Park Photos
- Tarangire National Park Reviews
- Tarangire National Park Safari Tours
Plan Your Tarangire Safari
Tell us your dates, style, and preferred parks, and we will build the perfect itinerary around you.
Book Now Online →What Our Travelers Say
Real 5-star reviews from guests who traveled with us