Tanzania
Tarangire National Park
Although great to visit all year round, during the dry months of July through to October in particular, an enormous amount of wildlife is drawn inside Tarangire to access the water from the Tarangire River and the Silale Swamps, allowing for very rewarding game viewing experiences. The park is home to some of the largest elephant herds of East Africa, and the scenery is particularly popular for the wide open, Serengeti-like plains, decorated with enormous and commanding Baobab trees. Being only an hour and a half's drive from Arusha, Tarangire is easily accessible.
Explore Tarangire National Park
Things to See & Do
Highlights and experiences in Tarangire National Park
Tarangire is one of the few national parks in Tanzania which allows night game drives, and these are a recent addition to the available activities. Only offered by certain camps, these give you a great chance to see some of the nocturnal species and behaviour of African animals. Being out at night in the African bush can be a spine-tingling and enthralling experience, as it is usually at this time that predators are at their most active. You can sense the anxiety of the potential prey!
Along with night game drives, the Tarangire National Park also allows guided walking safaris; again only from certain camps and in certain areas. These guided walking safaris offer a great alternative to the usual game drives, and give you a chance to see the smaller things in nature which are often missed from the vehicle. You will be taught about tracking skills, interesting facts about the local fauna, and also have the excitement of viewing big game while on foot, giving you a very different perspective on the African bush.
Tarangire National Park is home to some of the largest elephant herds in East Africa, and there will be many an occasion when your vehicle will be surrounded by these beautiful beasts. Elephants are some of the most intelligent and sensitive creatures around, and it is easy to grow very fond of these herds as you drive amongst them and witness their characters and emotions.
Tarangire is one of the most scenic parks you can visit, with enormous golden plains like the Serengeti, but with the legendary Baobab trees, which grow to enormous sizes and remarkable old age, especially along the banks of the Tarangire River. Baobab trees have played a role in African folklore for centuries and are a vital source of survival for many animals.
Best Time to Visit Tarangire National Park
Month-by-month travel guide with weather, highlights, and expert recommendations.
Compare with other destinationsTarangire National Park in May
Weather
May sees the rains begin to subside, with temperatures around 22-28°C. Showers become less frequent and shorter, and the landscape remains green.
Highlights
Wildlife starts to concentrate more as water sources become less ubiquitous. The dramatic green scenery persists, offering beautiful photographic backdrops.
Best Areas
The central areas of the park and along the Tarangire River become more productive as the ground dries.
Pros
Beautiful green landscapes, fewer tourists, good value for money, wildlife is becoming easier to find.
Cons
Some roads may still be muddy, occasional rain can occur, wildlife is not yet at its highest concentration.