Tarangire National Park Tanzania is home to some of the most amazing wildlife, birdlife, and plant life of Africa. A safari here, is a trip of a lifetime.
How To Get To Tarangire National Park Tanzania
Tarangire National Park is located in the north of Tanzania, in the Manyara Region.
The park can be reached via paved road from Arusha in under two hours, which is also the closest domestic airport.
Kilimanjaro is the closest international airport, and is a 4 hour drive from Tarangire.
Transport to Tarangire National Park will be included in your safari, so just be sure to let your chosen safari company know which accommodation you’re staying at in advance.
Who To Book Your Tarangire National Park Safari With
For our first ever African Safari, we chose to go with Shadows of Africa and here’s why we highly recommend them.
Over a 5 day period, we explored Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, visited local Maasai and Hadzabe tribes, plus stayed at some unbelievable accommodations.
Seeing the animals up close and personally was obviously incredible, but the organisation and service by the whole team was definitely the cherry on top of the whole experience.
Shadows Of Africa was born in 2010 and consists of a team of like-minded people, who have spent an extensive amount of time living and traveling around Africa.
The guides at Shadows of Africa were our eyes and ears of the experience, and our main driver Moody was such a knowledgeable and likeable guy.
All of the guides speak fluent English and have a real passion for the wildlife of Africa. They were happy to answer any questions we had, and made the trip a memorable one for sure.
Tarangire National Park Safari Fee
All safari prices differ depending on whether you choose to customise your package or what type of experience you’re looking for.
We opted for the Four Day Tanzania Express Safari where we visited Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, a local Maasai Tribe and the Hadzabe Tribe. As well some insane accommodations!
This tour is priced at roughly $2,275 USD per person based on a two person group and we cannot recommend it enough!
However, you can send Shadows Of Africa a free enquiry, as well as check out the vast range of fully customisable safari packages they offer.
What’s Included In The Safari?
Below, you will be able to see what exactly is included in a typical Shadows of Africa safari:
- All meals on the safari – When staying at lodges, you will be on full board basis so when you’re budget camping then the accompanying chef will prepare delicious warm meals.
- All park entrance fees & taxes.
- Flying Doctors rescue insurance for the time of the tour with Shadows of Africa.
- Hotel/lodge/camp accommodation for the duration of the safari.
- Private 4×4 wheel drive vehicle with a roof hatch and sliding windows. This allows a 360 degree view of the wildlife surrounding you.
- First aid kit – Every safari vehicle comes standard with a fully stocked first aid kit. Shadows of Africa guides are all trained in providing basic first aid.
- Spare tyres – For any unforeseen issues that may arise in the bumpy African outback
- Charging station – Each car includes a charging station so you can charge your phone, camera battery, or laptop while on the road.
- WIFI – The Tanzanian vehicles come standard with WiFi so that you can stay connected while on the road.
- Tea & Coffee – Every safari departs with a box, including coffee and tea that can be enjoyed at any point during your safari.
- Binoculars – 1 pair per car.
- Professional English speaking safari and tour guide/driver.
- Unlimited drinking water.
Best Times To Visit Tarangire National Park Tanzania
BEST:
June, July, August, September, October, November
GOOD:
December, January, February, March
OK:
April, May
In terms of value for money, the periods just on the edge of peak season and low season are when you can get the best deals.
Travelling around November is a great time to go, because all the accommodations drop their rates as of the 1st November.
Between June and October, which is the solid dry season in Tanzania, is when the animals are easiest to spot. But wildlife can be spotted all year round. Most camps and lodges are open all year round too.
Which Animals Will You See?
Common:
Elephants, Zebra, Lion, Giraffe, Wildebeest, Hippo, Cape Buffalo, Waterbuck, Dik Dik, Impala, Eland, Grant’s Gazelle, Vervet Monkey, Banded Mongoose, Olive Baboon, Caracal, and Honey Badger.
Rare:
Leopard, Cheetah, Hyena, and African Wild Dog.
None:
Rhinos.
Unfortunately, due to there being no rhino in Tarangire, it is not possible to find the Big Five. The big five being, rhino, elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard. However, Tarangire National Park is still one of the most famous parks in Africa.
The Elephants
Expect to see a lot of elephants at Tarangire National Park Tanzania! The park is famous for its high density of elephants and baobab trees.
The name ‘Tarangire’ originates from the river that crosses the park, so the is a crucial watering hole for the elephants, as well as plenty of other African wildlife.
Tarangire National Park is known as the quiet gem of the northern safari circuit. This is because compared to Serengeti, Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater, they have fewer vehicles, even in the dry season. Making it a favourite amongst Tanzania’s guides due to a migration of approximately 3,000 elephant that peaks from July to November.
The Lions, Buffalo, Giraffes, Zebras & More
Buffalo and lions are also common, but trying to find a leopard may be tricky. If you experience a three-day safari, obviously your chances are much higher, but it can’t be guaranteed.
FUN FACT: If you didn’t already know, ‘Simba’ means ‘Lion’ in Swahili (a language spoken throughout many countries in Africa). So be sure to keep your eye out for some Simba’s along the trail!
Also, if you’re a lover of the Lion King then you’ll definitely know Zazu. He’s a red-billed hornbill who plays the the flying wise mentor to Mufasa and Simba. His species of bird can be found at Tarangire National Park, Tanzania.
The Birds & Trees
Tarangire is a great bird-watching site with more than 500 species recorded. The swamps have the most breeding species in one habitat anywhere in the world. Migratory birds are also present from November to April.
During your visit to Tanzania, you are also bound to spot the famous Baobab Tree. The baobab tree is an icon of the African savannah, also known as the African ‘tree of life’.
Tanzania Safari Packing List
We’ve put together a simple check list of items you will probably want to pack, prior to your Tarangire National Park Safari.
Bags:
Suitcase/Backpack
Day Bag (For Cameras & Personal Items)
Clothing:
T-Shirts
Long Sleeve Shirts
Long Pants
Lightweight Rain Jacket
Comfortable Shoes/Walking Boots
Sweatshirt/Fleece
Sweatpants (for wearing around camp)
Sandals/Flip Flops (for wearing around camp)
Dress/Jeans (For evening dinners)
Swimsuit
Pyjamas
Weather Dependant:
Thermals/Leggings (for layering if it’s cold)
Snood
Beanie Hat
Sun Protection:
Sunglasses
Hat
Sunblock
Safety/First Aid:
Hand Sanitiser
Deet (Mosquito Repellant)
Anti Malaria Tablets
First Aid Kit
Tech Gear/Accessories:
Camera
Spare Battery
Zoom Lens
Portable Powerbank
Binoculars
Money Belt
Kindle
Headphones
US Dollars (for local markets/tips)
Travel Insurance
Where To Stay In Tarangire National Park
Luxury – Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp
Mbali Mbali is a collection of five stunning lodges in one of Africa’s ultimate natural treasures; Tanzania.
Each location takes you to some of Tanzania’s most untouched and unique National Parks.
Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp provides accommodation, a restaurant, a bar, a shared lounge as well as a garden. There is also a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries.
The lodge offers a sun terrace too. Tarangire National Park is 7.5 miles from Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp.
Mid-Budget – Baobab Tented Camp
Baobab Tented Camp features accommodation with a restaurant, bar and room service for your convenience.
Each guest tent has an en suite bathroom with a shower, dressing table and flushable toilets.
The lodge includes WiFi as well as private parking that is free of charge.
Guests at Baobab Tented Camp can also enjoy a continental breakfast.
Budget – Asmorein Hotel
Asmorein Hotel is situated in Babati, only 3.1 miles from Lake Babati.
The accommodation features a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge.
The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk as well as room service and currency exchange for guests.
The rooms come with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, free toiletries and last but not least, a wardrobe. The rooms at the hotel also boast a garden view.
For more Tarangire National Park Lodges, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
More Tanzania Blogs
5 Day Tanzania Safari Itinerary – The Ultimate Guide
What To Wear On Safari – A Complete Safari Packing List
The Ultimate Ngorongoro Safari Guide – All You Need To Know
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