Tarangire National Park — Simba Pride Safaris

Overview

Named for the river that keeps it alive in the dry season, when elephant herds a hundred strong come down to drink beneath giant baobabs. Quieter than the Serengeti, and only two hours from Arusha.

Wildlife highlights

Elephant
Lion
Leopard
Giraffe
Lovebird
Python
Oryx
Kudu

Elephants

The best herds in the north

In the dry season the river draws thousands of elephants into a park the size of Luxembourg.

Baobabs

A landscape like nowhere else

Ancient trees, some over a thousand years old, scattered across golden grass.

Walking & night

Things the Serengeti can't offer

Walking safaris and night drives from the camps on the park's private concessions.

Season calendar

What happens when. Use it to pick your month, then ask us to confirm conditions before you book.

Elephant herds at the riverJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Migratory birdsJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Fewest visitorsJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Walking & night drivesJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Areas & highlights

Tarangire River

The spine of the park and where everything comes to drink in the dry months.

Best: Jul to Oct

Silale Swamp

Elephant, buffalo and pythons in the fig trees. Superb birding.

Best: Jun to Oct

Southern wilderness

Remote camps, walking and night drives, few other vehicles.

Best: Jun to Nov

Lake Burunge

Just outside the park, lodges with lake views and lower fees.

Best: any month

Things to do

Game drivesElephant herds along the Tarangire River, especially Jul to Oct.
Night drivesAvailable from camps in the private concessions bordering the park.
Walking safariArmed-ranger walks among baobabs, from most camps.
BirdingOver 550 species, including yellow-collared lovebirds found almost nowhere else.
Cultural visitMaasai and Barabaig villages on the park's eastern edge.

Where to stay

BudgetPublic campsite inside the park or camps on the edge. From US$35 p.p.

Mid-rangeTented lodges on the ridge above the river. US$200 to 350 p.p.

LuxurySmall camps in the southern wilderness with walking and night drives. US$500 and up.

By area

Inside the park: camps on the ridge above the river, closest to the action.
Park edge: more choice and lower fees, 20 minutes to the gate.
South: exclusive camps with walking and night drives.

Indicative per-person high-season rates. We hold provisional space at a shortlist of lodges in each tier and book the one that fits your route.

Getting there & around

By road

2 hours from Arusha on tarmac, the easiest first stop on any safari.

By air

Kuro airstrip in the centre of the park, 25 minutes from Arusha.

Tip

Skip it in the green season if elephants are your priority, they spread out.

Trips that include Tarangire

7 days · 7 daysThe Great Migration ClassicFrom $1,890 p.p.

4 days · 4 daysBig Five ExpressFrom $1,150 p.p.

5 days · 5 daysElephants & CraterFrom $1,450 p.p.

8 days · 8 daysNorthern Circuit CompleteFrom $2,350 p.p.

Best time to visit

Best months

JFMAMJJASOND

Jul to OctPeak season. The river is the only water for miles and the game is dense.

Nov to FebGreen, warm, full of birds. Elephants spread out but are still around.

Mar to MayLong rains, some roads muddy, lowest prices, big skies.

JunGrass drying, herds returning. A quiet sweet spot.

Practical notes

Tsetse flies: present in the woodland. Neutral colours, long sleeves in the afternoon.
Fees: about US$59 per adult per 24 hours plus tax, included in our prices.
Heat: hotter than the crater. Midday siestas are normal.
Baobab lodges: some have the trees inside camp. Ask us.
Combine: it pairs with Manyara and the crater on a natural loop.

Tarangire questions

Is Tarangire worth it?

Yes, especially in the dry season. It is quieter than the Serengeti with the best elephant viewing in the north.

Are there tsetse flies?

In pockets. Wear neutral colours and avoid dark blue and black.

How long?

One night is enough for a taste, two for the southern half.

Why do people skip Tarangire?

Because the Serengeti gets the fame. In the dry season Tarangire's elephant viewing is better, and it is on the way.

Is one night enough?

One night gives you an afternoon and a morning drive, which is plenty for the river. Two if you want the south.

elephants amongthe baobabs