Tarangire National Park: Land of Giants and Endless Adventure

Discover Tarangire National Park, a stunning sanctuary just outside the Serengeti. Known as the “kingdom of elephants,” this park is a haven for wildlife, ancient baobabs, and spectacular birdlife. Experience Tanzania's unique ecosystems and witness unforgettable scenes in every season!

10/31/20241 min read

Tarangire National Park is not only a thrilling wildlife wonderland but also one of the largest ecosystem in northern Tanzania, just a three-hour drive from Arusha! Known as the “Land of Giants,” this park boasts enormous elephant herds, towering baobab trees, and giant termite mounds that will amaze you. Imagine spotting up to 300 elephants in a single game drive! In the dry season, they dig into riverbeds to find hidden water.

Besides elephants, you’ll see a wide range of animals, like wildebeest, buffalo, impala, zebra, and hartebeest, especially as ponds start to dry up. Tarangire is also one of the few places to spot rare dry-country animals, like the fringe-eared oryx and long-necked gerenuk.

When water is scarce, animals flock to the Tarangire River, creating one of the densest wildlife gatherings outside the Serengeti. During the rainy season, they wander far and wide until the rivers run dry again, pulling them back to the park.

Tarangire’s birdlife is just as impressive! The green swamps stay lush year-round, drawing over 550 bird species—more than any other single spot! Birdwatchers can see colorful flocks of yellow-collared lovebirds, ashy starlings, and rufous-tailed weavers that only live in this part of Tanzania.

Throughout the park, look for tall termite mounds, home to creatures like dwarf mongoose and red-and-yellow barbets. And don’t miss Tarangire’s tree-loving residents! Pythons, leopards, and even lions often rest in tree branches, blending in with the sausage tree’s unusual fruit.

Highlights of Tarangire

- Largest concentration of wildlife outside Serengeti

- Easy year-round sightings of large elephant herds

- Diverse wildlife including zebras, wildebeest, and unique dry-country antelope

Activities to Enjoy

- Game drives

- Guided nature walks

- Day trips to Maasai and Barabaig villages

- Visits to ancient rock paintings at Kolo

Best Time to Visit

All year round, with the dry season (June to September) offering the highest wildlife numbers.

In Tarangire, every visit brings something memorable!