Tarangire National Park
Tarangire is known for large elephant herds, baobabs said to be over 8,000 years old, and dry-season wildlife around its river.
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Tarangire National Park lies in Tanzania's Manyara Region, in the north of the country, and covers about 2,850 square kilometers (about 1,100 square miles). The park takes its name from the Tarangire River, which runs through it and is the main fresh water source for wildlife in the dry season. Visitors come for the elephants, which gather in very large herds, with more than 500 sometimes seen together in one sighting. The park is also known for its baobab trees, some said to be more than 8,000 years old. Granite ridges, river valleys and swamps sit alongside Acacia and Combretum woodland.
The dry season, from June to November, is when herds of thousands of zebra, wildebeest and Cape buffalo gather around the water. Lions, leopards and cheetahs are among the predators here, and more than 550 bird species draw birdwatchers. A paved road reaches the park from Arusha in under two hours. Lake Manyara National Park is about 70 km (43 miles) away by road.
Tarangire National Park in five
- Book a game drive with a named operatorBook your game drive with a named operator and confirm the vehicle and driver-guide before you travel.Tours and tickets
- Check TANAPA park fees before you travelPark fees differ for residents and non-residents, and TANAPA sets them. Rates change, so check the current schedule before you book.
- Time the trip for June to NovemberThat is the dry season, when herds of thousands of zebra, wildebeest and Cape buffalo gather near the Tarangire River, the main fresh water for wildlife in those months.
- Get your visa or eVisa sorted earlyMost passports need a visa or eVisa for Tanzania. Check the rule for your passport before you book flights.Visas and entry
- Stay in the vehicle on game drivesLion, leopard and African wild dog live in the park. Unless your guide says otherwise, stay seated and do not follow animals off the road.
Things to do in Tarangire National Park
See all attractions in Tarangire National Park
Need to know
- Currency
- Tanzanian shilling (TZS)
- Entry
- eVisa or visa for most passports; check yours before you travel
- Emergency
- 112 general emergency; ask your lodge or operator for the nearest hospital
- Tipping
- Customary for guides and drivers
- Time
- UTC+3, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryWet season
- FebruaryWet season
- MarchLong rains
- AprilLong rains
- MayWet season
- JuneDry season starts
- JulyPeak herds
- AugustPeak herds
- SeptemberDry, herds gather
- OctoberDry, late season
- NovemberDry season ends
- DecemberShort rains
Right now in Tarangire National Park
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
23
- Feels like
- 25°
- Humidity
- 68%
- Wind
- 1 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 81%
Tarangire National Park
12:16 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today32°19°81%Tuesday: Rain. High 32°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 81%.
- Wed32°19°59%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 59%.
- Thu33°20°16%Thursday: Drizzle. High 33°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 16%.
- Fri33°18°2%Friday: Cloudy. High 33°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Sat32°18°22%Saturday: Cloudy. High 32°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 22%.
- Sun32°21°75%Sunday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 75%.
Updated 10:54 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 2,635 TZS
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Before you go to Tarangire National Park
Rules for Tarangire National Park, checked
- Park fees are set by TANAPA and differ for residents and non-residents; check the current schedule on the TANAPA site.Source
- Stay in the vehicle on game drives, and do not feed or approach wildlife, including the elephants that gather at the river.
- Keep to the park's roads and tracks; do not drive off-road to reach animals.
Plan around Tarangire National Park
Entry, money and the wider safari route
Read the guideGetting around TanzaniaRoad transfers from Arusha to the park
Read the guideWhere to stayLodges and camps for a park trip
Read the guideTours and ticketsPark fees and booking a game drive
Read the guideMoney and costsShillings, cards and tipping guides
Read the guideAfrica destinationsOther parks and countries on the continent
Read the guideTarangire National Park FAQ
When is the best time to visit Tarangire?
June to November is the dry season, when large herds gather around the Tarangire River. The months from July to September are marked as the peak for herds.
How far is Tarangire from Arusha?
About 200 km. A paved road makes the trip from Arusha in under two hours.
Can I combine Tarangire with Lake Manyara?
Yes. Lake Manyara National Park is about 70 km (43 miles) by road from Tarangire.
Why are there so many elephants in Tarangire?
The park has a high density of elephants, and herds of more than 500 can sometimes be seen together in a single sighting.
Can I see lions and leopards in Tarangire?
Lion, leopard, cheetah and African wild dog are all on the park's predator list. Sightings depend on the day and are not guaranteed.