Tarangire National Park Map

This illustrative map helps you picture how Tarangire fits together, from the river valley near the Main Gate to the quiet swamps of the far south. Select any numbered pin, or use the list beside the map, to learn what each area offers and when it is usually at its best. The map is not to scale and is designed for planning rather than navigation, which your private guide handles for you. Use it to understand distances, choose areas that match your interests and see why longer stays let you explore beyond the busy northern circuit of the park.

Tarangire is often described in five main areas, each with its own scenery, wildlife and atmosphere. The northern river valley is the classic dry-season elephant area, Lemiyon and Matete offer baobabs and plains game, Silale Swamp draws buffalo and birds, Burungi and Kuro bring quieter woodland loops, and the southern swamps feel truly remote. Select an area below to learn more about it and the best way to enjoy it on a private safari. Your private guide chooses where to drive each day based on season, water and recent sightings, so you see the very best of the park.

Reaching Tarangire National Park is simple, and most private safaris follow a short, scenic road from Arusha. The route heads west to the small town of Makuyuni, then turns south along the access road to the Main Gate, where your guide completes park formalities. From the gate, game drives usually begin along the river valley before continuing to Lemiyon, Matete or Silale Swamp. Follow the route below to see each stage of a typical first day in the park. Your guide adapts the plan to the season, your arrival time and your interests, from elephants to birds and photography.

Knowing the main gates, airstrips and other access points helps you understand how your private safari moves in and out of Tarangire. Most road safaris use the Main Gate in the north, while fly-in guests land at Kuro airstrip in the centre of the park. Several lodges and camps lie outside the boundary in neighbouring Wildlife Management Areas, where different rules and fees apply. The table below summarises each main access point and what it is best for. Your safari planner handles permits and timings for you, so all arrivals and departures run smoothly and without any stress.

Every private Tarangire safari can be shaped around your time, interests and onward plans. A single full day covers the northern river valley, while one or two nights allow early and late game drives and visits to quieter areas such as Silale Swamp. Travellers with more time can explore the remote south or stay in a neighbouring Wildlife Management Area. Select a route idea below to see exactly how different itineraries work in practice. Your safari planner then combines the best areas with lodges and onward parks, creating a route that feels relaxed, rewarding and truly personal to you.