National park · Tanzania
Tarangire National Park
Spend a half‑day game drive (≈75 TZS per person) in the dry season (June–Oct) for elephant viewing, or a full‑day drive (≈150 TZS) for broader wildlife; avoid the long‑rain months March–May.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
2,850 km² (1,100 sq mi)1,100 sq mi (2,850 km²)
approximate
Established
1970
Best months
Jun–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 12Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…Carry the yellow fever certificate on every leg of a mult…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- East Africa ↗Carry the yellow fever certificate on every leg of a multi-country trip: Uganda and Burundi check it for all arrivals, and a stop in Kenya or Ethiopia makes the next border ask for it.
- East Africa ↗Advice for Ethiopia, Somaliland, Eritrea, Somalia, South Sudan and the Congo border areas can change within days; read your government's page the week you fly and before every regional flight.
- East Africa ↗Price park, reserve and permit fees before comparing lodges: they are charged per person per day, often with VAT, and are fixed whatever bed you choose.
- Tanzania ↗Apply for the Tanzania e-visa only on the official immigration portal; Zanzibar and, from 1 October 2026, mainland Tanzania each require their own US$44 inbound insurance bought from the state insurer's site.
- Tanzania ↗Carry a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from or connect through a risk country such as Kenya or Ethiopia; see a travel clinic about malaria several weeks ahead.
- Tanzania ↗Plastic carrier bags are banned; leave shop and duty-free plastic bags behind before you arrive.
- Tanzania ↗Light aircraft between parks and to Zanzibar have strict baggage limits, usually soft-sided bags only and a low total weight (often around 15 kg); confirm the limit with your operator.
- Northeast Tanzania ↗Tanzania e-visa before arrival; from 1 October 2026 the inbound insurance (US$44) is mandatory — check the current rule.
- Northeast Tanzania ↗Carry TZS cash for park gates, fuel stops and village guesthouses; cards work in Arusha and Moshi hotels, rarely in Lushoto.
- Northeast Tanzania ↗Left-hand driving; tarmac on the Arusha–Moshi–Dar corridor, rough gravel on the Lake Natron and Usambara side roads.
At a glance
- Country
- Tanzania
- Area
- 2,850 km² (1,100 sq mi)1,100 sq mi (2,850 km²)
- Approximately 2,850 km² (1,100 sq mi); figures vary slightly by source.
- Established
- 1970
- Best months
- Jun–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Arusha
Tarangire National Park is a key stop on Tanzania's northern safari circuit, known for its large elephant herds, iconic baobab trees, and over 500 bird species. The Tarangire River is the main water source during the dry season (June–October), drawing thousands of animals. The park covers 2,850 km² of acacia and baobab woodland, seasonally flooded grassland, and granitic ridges. It was established as a game reserve in 1957 and upgraded to a national park in 1970. The park is part of the larger Tarangire Ecosystem, which supports long-distance migrations of wildebeest and zebras. Conservation efforts focus on protecting migration corridors connecting to surrounding wildlife management areas. The park is best explored by 4×4 safari vehicle, with game drives as the primary activity. Walking safaris are available only with a permit in designated concession zones. The dry season offers the best wildlife viewing, while the long rains (March–May) can make roads impassable. Nearby attractions include Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1970.
Size and age
2,850 km² (1,100 sq mi)1,100 sq mi (2,850 km²) · national park since 1970
Approximately 2,850 km² (1,100 sq mi); figures vary slightly by source.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Arusha.
Why go
- Large elephant herds gather at the river in the dry season.
- Baobab‑lined savanna offers iconic landscape photography.
- Over 500 bird species make it a top spot for birdwatching.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarCaution
- AprCaution
- MayCaution
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanCool, dry; wildlife spread out.
- FebCool, dry; good birding.
- MarStart of long rains; roads may get muddy.
- AprLong rains, some tracks impassable.
- MayRainy, road conditions poor.
- JunDry, elephants concentrate at river.
- JulDry, excellent wildlife viewing.
- AugDry, peak elephant activity.
- SepDry, good game drives.
- OctDry, still good before rains.
- NovTransition to short rains, still viewable.
- DecCool, dry; fewer crowds.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| African bush elephantJun–Oct · Large herds gather at the river in dry months. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Baobab treesAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Birds (e.g., lilac‑breasted rollers, hornbills)All year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Lion, leopard, cheetah, hyenaAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Arusha
Paved road south; 1.5–2 h drive in a 4×4.
1.5–2 h
Open the page →
From Lake Manyara National Park
70 km (43 mi) road east; about 1 h drive.43 mi (70 km) road east; about 1 h drive.
≈1 h
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Main gate (Tarangire River) | Entry point, ticket office, basic shop. | Open with entry ticket. |
| River valley | Core wildlife area; elephants, baobabs, birding spots. | Game drives; guided walks on permit. |
| Baobab woodland | Scenic area with large baobabs and termite mounds. | Open to vehicles on park roads. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from official park site; approximate centre of the park.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (per person) | TZS 75,000 | person | 2026 estimate; official fee may vary (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Walking
- Only allowed with a park‑issued walking‑safari permit; otherwise prohibited.
- Vehicle
- 4×4 recommended year‑round; unpaved roads may be impassable in long rains.
- Cycling & motorbikes
- Not allowed inside the park.
- Firearms
- Only authorized rangers may carry weapons.
- Litter
- Carry out all rubbish; no open fires.
Where to stay
In the park
Tarangire Treetops (Elewana)
Tree‑house suites on a baobab; private waterhole view.
In the park
Kuro Tented Camp
Stylish tented camp near the river; good for night drives.
In the park
Tarangire Safari Lodge
Classic lodge with river views and pool.
Near the park
Mto wa Mbu
Town with budget lodges and market tours, 30 km (19 mi) south.Town with budget lodges and market tours, 19 mi (30 km) south.
Safety
Heat & dehydration medium
Elephant road crossing medium
Malaria medium
Road conditions in long rains high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Main gate and main roads reachable by standard 4×4; no wheelchair‑friendly trails.
- Game drives are seated; walking safaris not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Buy crafts from lodge shops that support local Maasai communities.
- Choose operators that follow the park’s permitted river routes.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Tarangire National Park?
The entry fee is about 75 000 TZS per adult (≈$30 in 2026). Children pay a reduced rate; check the latest fee at the gate.
What are the best hikes in Tarangire National Park?
Guided walking safaris are offered in a few concession zones; the most popular is a 2–3 hour walk along the riverbank near Kuro camp (permit required).
When is the best time to visit Tarangire National Park?
June to October is the dry season when elephants gather at the river and roads are firm; avoid March–May long‑rain period.
Can I drive my own 4×4 into Tarangire?
Yes, self‑driving is allowed but a park entry ticket is required; a 4×4 is strongly recommended year‑round.
Are there any wildlife viewing restrictions?
Walking is only allowed with a permit; stay inside vehicles on game drives and keep a safe distance from large animals.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Tarangire National Park
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