Wildlife in the Tarangire
Tarangire is second only to the Serengeti for the concentration of game. It's an area of big breeding herds of elephant and buffalo. Huge baobabs provide shade for sleeping lion and night drives give the opportunity to see elusive leopard on the prowl.
Area
Serengeti and northern Tanzania
Type
Wildlife & Nature
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Leisurely
Duration
1-2 Hours
The Tarangire provides a fantastic launch-pad at the beginning of a safari in Tanzania's famous north. Less well known than the neighbouring Serengeti, this park is home to an incredible volume of migrant wildlife. Buffalo herds in their hundreds and big breeding groups of elephant move between the Sllale Swamp and the Tarangire River, the plains game is diverse and the habitat provides a great range of environments for a healthy predator population. The birdlife is also incredible with 550 species having been recorded in the park.
This area really only works as a safari area in the dry season, camps in the park only open for the season in June, and close when the rains return. The water of the swamps and rivers of the Tarangire suck wildlife in from the arid surrounding areas. Approximately 250,000 animals move into the park during these dry months, and the diversity is incredible.
The Tarangire gives visitors a raw safari experience, easy to get to but notably unpopulated by tourists. This is a place to view dramatic wildlife interaction in a natural and undisturbed wilderness area.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
-
View AccommodationElewana Arusha Coffee Lodge
Arusha Coffee Lodge lies cradled in the endless verdant acres of Tanzania’s largest coffee plantation, amongst the rolling foothills of Mount Meru. This exclusive, boutique hotel spreads through the grounds around the farm's original plantation house.
-
View AccommodationNyikani Central
Nyikani Central is a luxurious bush camp in the heart of the Serengeti surrounded by open plains which offer spectacular game viewing year round. This is the perfect option for those looking for an authentic safari experience at a reasonable price.
-
View AccommodationChem Chem
Chem Chem is a chic and contemporary lodge offering guests an incredible relaxing slow safari experience. With a unique surrounding ecosystem and strong cultural elements, Chem Chem provides a unique departure from the standard safari experience.
-
View AccommodationEntamanu Ngorongoro
Entamanu Ngorongoro is a stylish and comfortable tented camp offering unrivalled views of both the Ngorongoro crater and Serengeti. An intimate and consciously constructed camp, Entamanu Ngorongoro is perched on the north western edge of the crater.
-
View AccommodationKuro Tarangire
Kuro Tarangire is an eco-friendly dry seasonal camp, set in a grove of acacia trees, in the central part of Tarangire National Park, Tanzania, within easy reach of the main river and Silale and Gursi Swamps.
-
View AccommodationOliver's Camp
Oliver's Camp and Little Oliver's found in a wild corner of Tarangire National Park and with ten and five tented rooms they offer a wonderful bush experience. The Tarangire has fantastic game viewing in particular chances to see herds of elephant.
-
View AccommodationGibb's Farm
Gibb's Farm is an old 1920s coffee plantation with terraced gardens on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands and Rift Valley Escarpment. Gibb's Farm is a remarkable hideaway between the National Parks and conservation areas.
-
View AccommodationLamai Serengeti
Lamai Serengeti sits tucked amongst the rocks of Kogakuria Kopje with panoramic views in a remote corner of the northern Serengeti, just a few miles from where the wildebeest cross the Mara River, usually between late July and October.
-
View Accommodation&Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is tree house luxury in the heart of Lake Manyara and the only lodge in this small yet diverse national park. The ten tree houses are crafted from local materials and set in the boughs of ancient mahogany trees.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
-
View ExperienceWalking safari from Lamai
Lamai is one of very few camps in the Serengeti which is permitted to offer walking safaris. This is a superb way to explore this rugged area, setting off on foot from the camp in the morning light.
-
View ExperienceVisit to the Shanga workshop
Pay a visit to the Shanga workshop in Arusha, a local, socially-conscious, company which employs people with disabilities to create stunning hand-made jewellery and glassware. Admire the beautiful creations while contributing to the local community.
-
View ExperienceGame drive in Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara is a tiny gem of a national park in Northern Tanzania, famed in particular for its flamingos. Go on game drives here in search of tree-climbing lions, elephants, waterbuck and hippos.
-
View ExperienceHot air ballooning over the Serengeti
Soar over the Serengeti's savannah plains in a hot air balloon at dawn, watching wildlife beneath you & finishing with a champagne bush breakfast.
-
View ExperienceNight Drives in the Tarangire
Night drives are an experience which is not permitted in many of the national parks of Tanzania. In the Tarangire, however, you can head out with your guide, searching the inky dark with a spotlight. This is when the drama ramps up in the African bush.
-
View ExperienceWalk to the Ngorongoro Crater Rim
Head off on an adventurous walk to the Ngorongoro Crater Rim guided by a naturalist and rangers from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
-
View ExperienceSearch for the migration herds
One of Africa's most iconic moments - the migration of two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles around the Serengeti-Maasai Mara ecosystem.
-
View ExperienceNgorongoro Crater game drive
Explore the dormant volcanic caldera of the Ngorongoro Crater in a safari vehicle - this is a unique location for a game drive and the dramatic scenery really adds to the magic.
-
View ExperienceFlamingo Watching on Lake Manyara
Harder to predict than the Great Migration, the Flamingo migration is equally incredible to witness as they descend on Lake Manyara in their thousands. An amazing photo opportunity or simply the chance to witness these spectacular birds in their element.
Call us on 020 8682 5068 to start planning