Tarangire Safari: What To Expect

Imagine waking up to the gentle calls of exotic birds, the distant roar of lions, and the picturesque sight of towering baobab trees silhouetted against a golden sunrise. This is the essence of a Tarangire Safari!

Find out what to expect from a safari adventure in the Tarangire National Park, Tanzania - and what you need to know before booking.

Cheetah Tanzania — A cheetah resting in Tarangire National Park

Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Tanzania

From $667 pp

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Tarangire National Park

The Tarangire National Park is found in the northern region of Tanzania, near the Kenyan border. It covers a landmass of approximately 2 850 square kilometres, making it the sixth-largest national park in Tanzania, but what makes this park special is the Tarangire River.

This river is the primary water source for the wildlife, which is why many species can be seen near the river during the dry season. The park is home to approximately 2 500 elephants, in herds of up to 600 members. These massive herds provide an extraordinary site when they migrate towards to river in the dry seasons.

A Tarangire safari will also provide opportunity to spot lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, and various antelope species, as well as over 500 bird species. Any passionate birdwatcher will be happy here, and may even spot one of the three endangered bird species: the Rufous-tailed weaver, Ashy starling or Yellow-collared Lovebird.

While the wildlife is an obvious attraction of this park, the Tarangire is widely known for its centuries-old baobab trees. This iconic 'Tree of Life' is visually striking and plays a crucial role in the ecosystem. The baobab is also of cultural and medicinal importance to the indigenous tribes of Tanzania.

Tarangire elephant. — Visit Tarangire at the right time to meet the park's elephants

Best Time for a Tarangire Safari

Tarangire experiences a dry climate with two distinct seasons.

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Discover once in a lifetime adventures, made possible by local guides.

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The Dry Season

(June to October)

Ideal for wildlife viewing as animals gather around the Tarangire River for water.
The weather is usually dry and sunny, with less risk of malaria as there are fewer mosquitoes.
Days are warm, while nights can be cool, so it's advisable to bring some warm clothing.
While birdwatching is excellent year-round, migratory birds are generally absent during this period.

The wet season (November to May)

Lush greenery and a quieter park experience.
Stunning photographic opportunities with wildflowers and dramatic skies.
This season is perfect for birdwatching as migratory birds arrive, adding to the impressive resident population.
Even outside the peak dry season, Tarangire offers substantial wildlife viewing opportunities, as it's less crowded than more famous parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

For more details: check out the best time to do a safari in Tanzania.

Ol Pejeta Safari

Kenya

From $545 pp

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Tips for A Successful Tarangire Safari

Here are 5 bonus tips to make your Tangarire safari better:

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip cancellation or interruption.
Drink bottled or treated water. Be cautious with fresh fruits and vegetables unless cooked or washed in clean water.
The Tanzanian Shilling is the local currency, so carry some. However, US Dollars are also widely accepted.
Tipping is customary for guides, drivers, and lodge staff. Budget for this and carry some cash in smaller denominations for convenience.
Read up on what to pack for safari in Tanzania.

Conclusion

A Tarangire safari in Tanzania is great way to spend any holiday, but don't forget about the other nearby attractions: the Ngorongoro Crater conservation area is an equally unmissable location. Luckily, Skyhook offers a 2-day safari that covers both the Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater, as well as a full 7-day Tanzania Safari experience.