Strategically located in Tanzania’s Manyara region, the Park is among the country’s most favorites and it derived its name from Tarangire River that crosses through it.
The River is the chief source of fresh water for wildlife in the Tarangire Ecosystem in the course of the annual dry season. Tarangire Ecosystem is precisely marked by the long-distance migration of millions of wildebeest and zebras, among other animals.
During the dry season, thousands of animals concentrate in Tarangire National Park from the surrounding wet-season dispersal and calving areas. The Park sheathes an area of roughly 2,850 square kilometers (1,100 square miles).
The landscape comprises of granitic ridges, river valley, and swamps. Vegetation is a blend of Acacia woodland, Combretum woodland, seasonally flooded grassland, and baobab trees.
How to access the Park
Tarangire National Park can be best accessed when you fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport or Julius Nyerere International Airport but you can also access the Park through a private vehicle hired from a sanctioned car hire agency in Tanzania or any other East African country.
By a private hired vehicle, the Park can be reached via a paved road south from Arusha town in not more than two hours.
The Park is so close to Tanzania’s major protected areas like Serengeti National Park and the famous Ngorongoro Crater and it is also situated just 70 kilometers from Lake Manyara National Park.
Attractions in Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park can be visited all-year-round but it is more fascinating when you visit it in the dry months of June to October when animals throng Tarangire River for drinking water, elephants are the most sighted during this time.
The tree climbing African pythons also give wonderful sightings to see, thus making Tarangire a popular safari destination. The other major animals to spot in the Park also include; zebras, wildebeests and cape buffaloes.
Other common resident animals include waterbucks, giraffes, hartebeests, dik diks, impalas, long necked gerenuks, fringe eared oryx, elands, Grant’s gazelles, vervet monkeys, banded mongooses, and olive baboons.
While in the Tarangire National Park, you will also view many predators, such as; lions, leopards, cheetahs, caracals, honey badgers, and African wild dogs.
Besides a variety wildlife species, the Park is also a habitat to more than 550 bird species, thus being a haven for bird aficionados too. The park is also famous for the termite mounds that dot the landscape.
Those that have been abandoned are often home to dwarf mongoose. As of 2015, an unusual white giraffe due to leucism was also spotted in the park. The huge baobab trees that are scattered around in huge numbers also make your trip an unforgettable one.
Putting game viewing and birding aside, the Park has very many other mesmerizing activities that a tourist will wallow in, such as; walking safaris, visiting a Masai or Barabaig village with several ancient paintings, in neighborhood with Kolo on Dodoma road.
Accommodations in Tarangire National Park
Just like any other place that attracts a mammoth number of tourists, Tarangire boasts a variety of accommodations and among them include:
Tarangire Simba Lodge
Tarangire Simba Lodge is situated in a wildlife-rich area with unhampered views to beautiful Lake Burunge, bordered by the park and a Wildlife Management Area. The setting is stunning; with a giant old Baobab tree anchoring one corner and a permeating feeling of real Africa.
The lodge opened in mid 2015 (July) and has sixteen classic tents under thatch. Resident wildlife includes lion, zebra, bushbuck, impala, porcupine, monkeys, warthog, mongoose and more. Elephant, buffalo, ostrich and giraffe frequently pass through while the birdlife is prolific and vibrant.
Areas surrounding national parks are critical for conservation. The location of Tarangire Simba Lodge creates a buffer between the park and the nearby village areas, which, although currently sparse in population, are under cultivation and could be subject to human/wildlife conflict. The Park works closely with the rangers at the nearby station to ensure that the wildlife is not compromised.
During the dry season groups of elephant, giraffe, water-buck, zebra and more come to a small waterhole located in front of the lodge.
Lucky guests can watch wildlife right from their rooms or the elevated viewing platform near the pool. Guests are able to enter, exit and re-enter from the Sangaiwe gate of Tarangire National Park with ease.
The rooms are really fantastic – and huge! Really impeccable, with very well thought out details like the international adaptors and flashlights. To take note of the, this lodge is not suitable for guests with ambulatory issues or in wheelchairs; there is no wheelchair access.
Children aged six-plus are most welcome at the lodge and must be under parent’s supervision at all times. Children under the age of thirteen must share a room with an adult (17 or older).
The lodge boasts extraordinary facilities; the common area of the lodge includes a dedicated reception area and separate lounge and dining room—all constructed out of canvas on raised platforms—created with relaxation and enjoyment in mind.
Common areas are connected with wooden walkways and there is a deck for outdoor dining adjacent to the dining tent. Free Wi-Fi is available in the common area of the lodge.
In addition to a large swimming pool, there is a ‘tree-top’ viewing platform built in a stately acacia tree to facilitate wildlife watching and star gazing.
At Tarangire Lodge service is the main focus. On arrival guests receive a warm welcome from the lodge staff, a refreshing drink and a towel to rinse away the journey’s dust. Afternoon tea is on hand from 3:30 pm and there is a fully stocked bar with wine list featuring South African wines.
Sangaiwe Tented Lodge
Sangaiwe Tented Lodge is situated across forty acres of hillside wooded with beautiful trees, including indigenous African hardwoods. The local villagers, who have entrusted the land to the lodge, have kept it untouched for posterity.
Building was done in a fashion to minimize disruption to the environment. The sun heats the hot water for the entire lodge and its landscape consists of mostly indigenous plants to minimize water usage.
On arrival you will be met at the lodge’s “Boma” where you can re-group with a welcome drink and refreshing towel before walking up the hill to reception. The lodge’s large common area comprises of a reception, bar, dining, free Wi-Fi, lounge and large outdoor viewing patio.
Take a dip in the beautiful swimming pool with stunning views. Wildlife wanders in and out of the lodge grounds and it is possible to climb the hill behind the lodge or take a guided nature walk.
The attentive staff is always on hand to assist. The Sangaiwe Gate to Tarangire National Park is less than a kilometer down the road.
Accommodation is in beautifully constructed tented rooms set on wooden platforms with a solid attached bath, toilet and dressing area.
Currently, the lodge boasts sixteen (16) luxury en-suite tents, and each elevated tent has twin or double beds, a writing desk, ample places for luggage and indoor and outdoor seating.
Decks all have stunning views to Lake Burunge and the Rift Valley. Additionally there is two-bedroom family cottages with one twin room and a double room, both en-suite and joined by a common sitting area. Each room has its own veranda.
Lake Burunge Tented Lodge
From the elegant wooden central platform where the Lake Burunge Tented Lodge restaurant stands it’s possible to watch the lakeshore waiting for the animals that always go there to drink water.
Because the property is strategically located in the natural corridor between Manyara and Tarangire, so the spectacle of the migration is guaranteed. The property is just a 10 minutes’ drive from the entrance to the park known as Sangaiwe.
The property is the perfect place to relax in comfort after a day of game drives in Tarangire, simply carried away by the breeze and the colors of the African sunset from your private terrace.
It comprises of 20 tents built on wide wood platforms and 10 bungalows. It boasts double rooms with a double bed, with two and three beds. They have a private bathroom, private terrace.
They also have solar electricity 24 hrs. Each tent is built over a wood platform with a terrace where the guests can enjoy the splendid views of Lake Burunge, Tarangire National Park and Mountain Meru – on clear days.
Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp
If you are looking for an authentic safari experience under traditional canvas showcasing spacious views and enriching culture, Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp is the perfect choice – boasting 20 safari tents.
Set within a 25,000-hectare concession area, Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp is located 3.5 kilometers from the main entrance of the Tarangire National Park, overlooking a branch of the Tarangire River itself. Nestled between the Maasai Steppe and the Great Rift Valley, Tarangire features the greatest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti.
It is the distinct animal life of the park’s river that serves as the primary attraction. During the dry season, elephant dig deep into the riverbed while antelope congregate around shrinking water holes, closely followed by predatory animals like lion and leopard. Tarangire is also the country’s bird and baobab paradise.
Tarangire Osupuko Lodge
Tarangire Osupuko Lodge is set commanding stunning views to the famous Tarangire National Park, which is crossed by the wildlife-attracting Tarangire River.
The gently rolling landscape is sprinkled with Baobab trees and towering termite mounds, dense African bush and sweeping grasses. The park is especially noted for its diverse birds and large numbers of elephants, among other big game.
Eight spacious, en suite bungalows have been designed to bring the park’s beauty indoors. These refined Masai huts have large windows so guests can always see the grazing wildlife.
Other features are a huge veranda for sunrises, a comfy couch for sunsets and inside and outside showers that offer views across the sweeping Great Rift Valley.
A restaurant, lounge, well-stocked bar, pool, library, array of games and spectacular game-viewing verandas are all available from the comfort of the lodge.
Excursions like night game drives, biking through Kakoi village, early morning footprint walks, bush lunches, game drives and nature walks are offered. Visit a Masai village and see dancing and wedding arrangements, learn bead making and taste goat BBQ.
Elewana Tarangire Treetops
As you arrive at the Lodge, you are immediately greeted by a blaze of colour and a host of smiles all of which belong to the local Masai tribesmen who have become part of the enchanting story that is Tarangire Treetops.
Centered about a Main Lodge – which itself encases a thousand year-old baobab tree, Tarangire Treetops comprises of 20 rooms all of which are elevated above the ground affording views over the tops of surrounding marula and baobab trees.
Each Treetops Room boasts one of the largest bedrooms to be found in any camp or lodge in East Africa – with a floor space of 65 square meters – and all with an exotic double shower en suite bathroom.
With furnishings that create warmth and demonstrate a commitment to local craftsmanship, the ‘up-in-the-air’ experience is completed by the open-fronted room design affording views across the Tarangire plains from an expansive but private balcony.
Dining at Treetops sustains the momentum of undeniably memorable moments. Whether enjoying a lantern-lit dinner in a traditional Boma echoing to the sounds of Masai chants, or eating poolside by candlelight whilst a wealth of wildlife comes to drink at the lodge water hole, Treetops creates memories by the minute and in so many differing ways.
However it is the pure delight and sheer pleasure of Tarangire Treetops that will remain with you for years to come, and will keep you returning, if only in spirit, to this delightfully dreamlike lodge.
Kichuguu Camp
Kichuguu Camp was inaugurated in 2017 and it is conveniently nestled close to the Tarangire Gate, about a 45 minutes’ drive away, and just 5 minutes’ drive from Kuru Airport – and of course is within the immediate range of wildlife.
It is a thematic representation of the termite mounds that decorate the Tarangire landscapes. These residences are remarkably strong and efficient, with cascading layers of hidden details and patterns.
Their color tones and mud textures informed its design process and consequently appear in the furnishings and decor throughout the camp. With eleven boutique-styled tents, Kichuguu Camp is an ideal selection for travelers who value distinction and privacy. It prides itself to offer tailored options for celebrating special events or for family and group atmospheres.
Forest Chem Chem
Spend time with those you love in the heart of wild Tanzania. Dappled shade from the towering trees above creates a peaceful atmosphere during the day. A roaring fire at night sets the scene for telling stories of the day’s adventures and dreaming of days to come.
Freedom and connection are the foundations of Forest Chem Chem where you will find 3 vintage-style tents and a family suite. Only available as a private camp, Forest Chem Chem is ideal for those travelling together looking for space to explore.
Each large, double tent offers a king-size bed (which can be converted to twins) and the double-sized family tent offers both a king and a twin bedroom. Each en-suite bathroom includes an indoor and outdoor shower as well as a vanity, toilet and dressing area.
Enjoy a hot cup of coffee in the mornings on your private patio before joining the rest for breakfast in the main dining area. At night, enjoy the sound of the wind in trees and the grass before awakening at dawn to begin the new day’s adventures and to enjoy the lifestyle of Chem Chem.
Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge
Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge sits on top of an escarpment with sweeping views across the perennial Tarangire River and valley below, and will match the same outstanding standards of comfort and service as the other properties in Lemala’s collection.
Being the sixth largest national park in Tanzania, Tarangire remains slightly off the main safari circuit but is a terrifically scenic park featuring classic African savannah, green hills, woodlands and rivers and is especially famous for its large herds of elephants, superb birdlife and giant baobab trees.
Guests at Lemala Mpingo Ridge will enjoy a real sense of wilderness and excellent game viewing, and it’s both a relaxing standalone destination and a great place to start a safari that also combines Lemala properties in the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti.
The lodge comprises of 15 spacious tented suites and all of them have been carefully positioned to maximize not only the sensational views over Tarangire but to also take advantage of cooling breezes during hot weather.
They feature en-suite bathrooms, private decks, sunken outside lounges that convert to afternoon siesta beds and one of the suites has two bedrooms. A special feature is the private outside bathtub—perfect for soothing the soul and washing away the African dust after a day on safari.
The elevated main lodge has a large lounge and bar, indoor and outdoor dining areas, a spa and swimming pool.
Sundowners, early morning walks and game drives in new custom-designed vehicles accompanied by Lemala’s highly-knowledgeable and experienced guides are some of the activities guests can look forward to during their stay.
Baobab Tented Camp
Baobab Tented Camp is located in a secluded area of Tarangire National Park- arguably one of Tanzania’s best national Parks. Tarangire is famed for its massive herds of elephants, true sense of wilderness, and a gentle backdrop of baobab.
The tented camp boasts 30 rooms, all of which offer balconies or patios, room service, and premium bedding. Safes, showers, and free toiletries are among the other amenities that guests will find.
The camp has accommodations with a restaurant, a bar and room service for your convenience. The lodge features both Wi-Fi and private parking free of charge.
There is a fully equipped private bathroom with shower and free toiletries. Guests at Baobab Tented Camp can enjoy a continental breakfast.
Nimali Tarangire Camp
Nimali literally refers to wealth, often used to describe a plentiful supply of a desirable thing. It is by no doubt that nature is Africa’s greatest wealth and Nimali has that in abundance, ready to share with its guests in its collection of boutique camps and lodges throughout Tanzania.
The camp will share its passion for preserving and protecting the land, wildlife and the people that surround it through its exceptional and authentic safari experiences.
Nimali Tarangire is a hidden gem. Small and intimate, the tented camp nestles under the shade of acacia trees overlooking a pretty dry riverbed bordered by huge and dramatic granite boulders. Nimali Tarangire sits contentedly in its own private concession, bordering Tarangire National Park.
The concession, together with the surrounding Wildlife Management Area, is simply an extension of the Park and offers exclusive game viewing far from the crowds. There are no fences between the private concession and the surrounding Wildlife Management Area or the National Park’s animals wander freely between these areas.
Roika Tarangire Tented Camp
Roika Tented Camp is nestled outside Tarangire National Park, only 5 kilometers from the main gate to the park, and about 125 kilometers from Arusha town.
Roika Tarangire consists of 21 individually decorated luxury guest tents on raised platform and thatched roof, all with en suite bathroom (bathtub & shower), a private balcony, coffee & tea making machine.
Other facilities include; a restaurant and bar with a raised wooden deck, a swimming pool, laundry, curio / gift shop, internet café, a conference room, night game drives, and guided nature walks.
Each one of the 21 luxury en-suite tents has a unique theme with beautifully handcrafted furniture and uniquely built animal shaped baths as well as showers.
Every tent has got coffee making facilities for self preparation of a cup whenever you desire and of course a private balcony that affords you a relaxed view of Tarangire’s Wilderness.
Tarangire Balloon Camp
Tarangire Balloon Camp is a boutique property with 16 super luxury safari tents. The camp is located close to Boundary Hill with spectacular views of Tarangire National Park.
The tents come with king sized four poster beds and large verandas from which to enjoy Tarangire’s famously spectacular sunsets. Among the camp’s facilities include; two swimming pools, curio shop, beach and pool bar, free massage activities (on request), conference rooms, and table tennis.
