Tarangire is one of northern Tanzania’s most rewarding parks, and it is often overlooked in favour of the Serengeti. It is known for two things above all: elephants and baobab trees.
Where it is and how big it is
Tarangire National Park is in Tanzania’s Manyara Region. It covers about 2,850 square kilometres and takes its name from the Tarangire River, which flows through the park.
Why the river matters
The Tarangire River is the main water source for wildlife in the dry season. Thousands of zebra, wildebeest and Cape buffalo gather here, which makes this the best time for game viewing.
Elephants and baobabs
Tarangire has a high density of elephants and is famous for its baobab trees. Read elephant behaviour on safari to understand what you are watching.
Best time to visit
June to November, the dry season, is the best time, when wildlife concentrates near the river.
Birds
More than 550 bird species have been recorded, so bring binoculars. See birds of prey for the sort of raptors you may see in East Africa.
Combine it with Lake Manyara
Tarangire pairs naturally with Lake Manyara National Park on a northern Tanzania circuit. We plan Kenya and Tanzania trips together, so tell us what you want and we will build the route.
How the ecosystem works
The park was established in 1970. The Tarangire ecosystem is defined by the long-distance migration of wildebeest and zebra. In the dry season thousands of animals gather in the park from the surrounding wet-season areas, drawn by the river. The landscape is a mix of seasonally flooded grassland, swamps, acacia woodland and baobabs.
Who lives here
Besides elephants, residents include waterbuck, giraffe, impala and eland, along with the zebra, wildebeest and buffalo that arrive in the dry season.
Getting there
The park can be reached by paved road south from Arusha in under two hours. Lake Manyara National Park is about 70 kilometres away by road, so the two are easy to combine.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Tarangire National Park?
In Tanzania’s Manyara Region.
How big is it?
About 2,850 square kilometres.
When is the best time to visit?
June to November, the dry season, when wildlife gathers at the Tarangire River.
What is it known for?
A high density of elephants and its baobab trees.
When was Tarangire established?
In 1970.
How far is Tarangire from Arusha?
It can be reached by paved road south from Arusha in under two hours.
How far is Tarangire from Lake Manyara?
About 70 kilometres by road.
Want help planning? Talk to our team and tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you would like to see.
Facts checked on 5 November 2026 from Wikipedia’s Tarangire National Park entry (secondary source).
