What You Need to Know: Tarangire National Park is about 81 miles (130 km), 2.5 hours, from Arusha and is the park to choose for elephants: in the dry season from June to October large herds gather along the Tarangire River, among huge baobab trees. It is good for lions and excellent for birds. Non-residents pay about US$59 per 24 hours. A full day is enough for most travelers; we run day trips from US$332 and include it on most longer safaris.
Why Visit Tarangire?
For elephants. In the dry months Tarangire has some of the largest elephant herds in northern Tanzania, gathered along the river.
The park also has a different landscape from the Serengeti and Ngorongoro: rolling country with baobabs, acacia woodland and swamps, and tall termite mounds scattered across the grassland. It is also very good for birds, with several hundred species recorded.
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Elephants | Large herds along the Tarangire River, especially June to October |
| Baobab trees | Huge old trees throughout the park |
| Predators | Lions are common; leopards are seen in the woodland |
| Birds | One of the best parks on the circuit for birding |
It is the best first-day park on a northern safari, close to Arusha and full of elephants.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Tarangire?
June to October, the dry season, when wildlife concentrates along the river.
From November to May the rains fill the pools across the wider area and many animals spread out of the park. The park is greener and quieter then, and the birding is at its best.
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| June – October | Dry; large elephant herds at the river; best game viewing |
| November – March | Green season; animals more spread out; excellent birds |
| April – May | Heaviest rain; some tracks muddy; very few visitors |
Tarangire is good all year, and at its best in the dry season.
How Long Should You Spend in Tarangire?
A full day is enough for most travelers. Stay overnight inside the park if you want an early-morning or evening drive.
On our safaris you usually spend a full day of game drives in Tarangire, with a picnic lunch, before driving on to Karatu or Mto wa Mbu. A night inside the park gives you the quiet hours after the day visitors leave.
| Plan | Good for |
|---|---|
| Day trip from Arusha | Elephants before or after a climb |
| First day of a safari | Most guests |
| A night inside the park | Photographers, and dawn and dusk drives |
Want to stay inside? See the camps below.
Where to Stay in and Around Tarangire
Inside the park we use tented camps such as Tarangire Katikati, Baobab Tented Camp and Burunge Tented Lodge. Outside, Maasai Eco Lodge is a lower-cost option.
Most of our safaris stay in Karatu or Mto wa Mbu after Tarangire, which is closer to Ngorongoro and Manyara. Nights inside the park carry a concession fee, which is included in our prices.
| Level | Examples we book |
|---|---|
| Budget | Maasai Eco Lodge (outside), Sangaiwe Tented Camp |
| Mid-range | Tarangire Katikati Camp, Baobab Tented Camp, Burunge Tented Lodge, Ang'ata Tarangire |
| Luxury | Maramboi Tented Lodge, Elephant Springs, Lake Burunge Baobab Tented Lodge |
A sunrise balloon flight over Tarangire can be added for US$460 per person.
These are lodges we book, or similar: we aren't limited to them and can arrange other lodges to suit your priorities. Inside Tarangire, Elephant Springs by Karibu Camps and Lake Burunge Baobab Tented Lodge are our luxury choices; Tarangire Katikati Camp, Baobab Tented Camp, Burunge Tented Lodge and Ang'ata Tarangire Kuro our mid-range ones.
Tarangire Safaris and Prices
A Tarangire day trip from Arusha costs from US$332 per person for 2. Longer safaris combine it with Ngorongoro, Manyara and the Serengeti.
All prices are per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level, with a private vehicle and guide.
Tarangire Day Trip
Elephants and baobabs, a day from Arusha
2-Day Tarangire and Ngorongoro
Tarangire game drive, night in Karatu, crater morning
3-Day Tarangire, Manyara and Ngorongoro
Three parks close to Arusha, no long drives
4-Day Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
Three parks in four days
6-Day Northern Circuit Safari
Tarangire, Manyara, two Serengeti nights and the crater
Prices are per person, 2 people sharing.
See all trips on the northern Tanzania safaris page.
Tarangire Park Fees in 2026
Tarangire charges non-resident adults about US$59 per 24 hours, with reduced fees for children aged 5 to 15 and free entry for under-5s. Nights inside the park add a concession fee. All park fees are included in our prices.
A Day in Tarangire with Us
We collect you in Arusha after breakfast and reach the gate in about 2.5 hours. You spend the day on game drives in a private Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, with a lunch box prepared to your dietary needs eaten at a picnic site. Our driver-guides graduated from the College of African Wildlife Management at Mweka and have five years of safari guiding. They speak English, and we can arrange French, Spanish, German or Chinese-speaking guides.
Tarangire is the most common first day on our safaris: see the 2-day Tarangire and Ngorongoro safari, the 3-day Tarangire, Manyara and Ngorongoro and the 4-day Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Tarangire Questions Our Guests Ask
How far is Tarangire from Arusha?
About 81 miles (130 km), around 2.5 hours by road.
Is Tarangire worth visiting?
Yes, especially from June to October for its elephant herds and baobab landscapes.
Tarangire or Lake Manyara?
Tarangire for elephants and a bigger park. Lake Manyara for forest, the lake shore and birdlife. Many safaris include both.
How much does it cost to enter Tarangire?
About US$59 per non-resident adult per 24 hours in 2026, included in our prices.
Can you do a balloon flight over Tarangire?
Yes, a sunrise balloon flight can be added for US$460 per person.