This park is the Northern Circuit’s best kept secret. It is often overshadowed by neighbouring Lake Manyara National Park. Tarangire, however, offers a unique and diverse landscape compared to any park in the Northern Circuit. The presence of a permanent source of water makes Tarangire especially good during the dry season (June-Oct, Dec-Feb) as plenty of wild animals migrate here. Tarangire is best known for its baobab trees, large concentrations of big mammals, including leopards and other carnivores. The park covers an area of 2,850 sq km.
How to get to Tarangire: It is about 2 hour (120km) drive from Arusha in the northeast direction.
What to do: Daytime game drives (or night drives in close proximity to the park), walking safaris, bird watching, balloon safaris.
When to go: Year around except during the wet season (April-May). Due to the nature of soil and vegetation it becomes difficult to enjoy game drive during this period.
Where to stay: There are a number of options in the area to suit almost any budget. We recommend the following:
1. Inside the park
- TarangireSopa Lodge: www.sopalodges.com
- Tarangire Safari Lodge: www.tarangiresafarilodge.com
- TarangireSwala Camp: www.sanctuaryretreats.com
2. Outside the park
- Kikoti Safari Camp: www.africanconservancycompany.com
- Tarangire River Camp: www.mbalimbali.com
- Maramboi Tented Camp: www.tanganyikawildernesscamps.com
- Buruge Tented camp: www.tanganyikawildernesscamps.com
- Olivers Camp: www.asiliaafrica.com
- Tarangire Tree Tops: www.elewana.com
Experiencing Tarangire National Park: We recommend 2 days in this park due to its size and diversity. It can be planned at the start or towards the end of your Northern Circuit itinerary. It is also possible to arrange day visits to this park from Arusha. Ask us for ideas and an itinerary.
