Tailor-made Tarangire National Park Safaris
Exploring the magic of Tarangire National Park safaris is a thrilling experience, especially during the dry season (June to October)!
From the moment you set foot in Tarangire National Park, a sense of serenity overcomes you – thanks to the open spaces, strewn with baobab and acacia trees, set against the breathtaking views of the Maasai Steppe and the southern mountains. On your game drives in Tarangire National Park, you will see the greatest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti, and your game-viewing experience will be one-of-a-kind.
Wildlife & Landscape of Tarangire National Park
Getting its name from the Tarangire River, which flows through it, Tarangire National Park is the sixth-largest national park in Tanzania. It is situated in the Manyara Region and covers 2,850 square kilometers (1,100 square miles). At Tarangire National Park, you will see a network of swamps that provides an essential water body and sanctuary for a diversity of wild animals such as buffalo, giraffe, elephant, African wild dog, Thompson’s gazelle, greater and lesser kudu, eland, leopard and cheetah.
The two main seasons in Tarangire
Before the rains, hordes of gazelles, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, impala and buffalo migrate to Tarangire National Park’s scrub plains to graze and drink from the shrinking lagoons. It also boasts one of the highest population densities of elephants in the whole of Tanzania. When the rains come, the migratory visitors scatter more widely, but herds of up to 300 elephants are hard to miss in any season! Moreover, if you look closely into the trees, you might spot a python or lion, even a leopard lounging in the branches. Both seasons result in incredible experiences for visitors on our Tarangire National Park safaris.
Birds of Tarangire National Park
The green-tinged swamps are home to 550 bird varieties: the most breeding species in a single habitat anywhere in the world. On drier ground, you can also see the kori bustard (Africa’s heaviest flying bird) and the stocking-thighed ostrich (the world’s largest, flightless bird).
Ready to start planning a tailor-made Tarangire safari? Our experts make planning your Tanzania safari experience a walk in the park. To help you with trip planning, browse our travel guide to find expert advice on safari in Tarangire. Get inspired with our sample itineraries and let our Wito experts customize a dream trip just for you!
Want to visit Tarangire National Park for a wildlife safari? Here are the best months to go.
While you can visit Tarangire National Park all year round, the best to enjoy maximum game viewing is during the dry season, from June through October, when animals gather around the primary water source in the area, the Tarangire River. You will find that many animals migrate out of the park in the rainy season (April/May) due to the black cotton soil that is bad for their hoofs.
With a population of more than 1,600 elephants, Tarangire National Park is one of the best places in Africa to see vast herds of elephants walking in lines with the babies! Being so close to Lake Manyara National Park, the two parks share an annual, short migration of wildebeest and zebra. You can see amazing creatures that roam the park in search of green pasture and water. You will be able to see waterbuck, giraffe, zebra, warthog, wildebeest, oryx, and buffalo, as well as some apex predators such as the legendary African lion, leopard, and cheetah.
This is what your typical safari in Tarangire National Park would look like:
In the early morning, you will enjoy private game driving with your professional safari guide and vehicle. Our game drives are flexible depending on your preferences, so feel free to start your daily safari anytime you want.
Choose to roam Africa’s wide-open wilderness from dawn to dusk on a full-day game drive or enjoy a daily dose of morning and afternoon game drives, followed by a delicious hot lunch and a lion-like siesta! If you prefer to do a full-day game drive, we will provide you with a packed lunch so you can break whenever you would like to enjoy a classic safari picnic lunch made with locally sourced, fresh ingredients.
After a full-day safari in Tarangire National Park, you will be taken to your handpicked safari camp or lodge, where you will unwind and savour some delicious food and sundowners. Finally, to enhance your tailor-made Tarangire National Park safaris, you will have the option to experience a unique night game drive in which you will get to see some unusual nocturnal wildlife under the blanket of a million stars and magical moonlight.
Ready to start planning? Select your preferred time to travel, then let a Wito Africa safari expert create an itinerary that meets your needs for a safari and incorporates the highlights of that season. We can save you time, money, headaches and heartache by helping you plan your dream safari. To start planning your Tarangire safari, please call us at 1-315.805.4040 or send our safari experts a message via email.
How to Plan Your Tarangire Safari Like a Pro
There are many factors to consider when planning a Tarangire safari in Tanzania. Deciding which reliable tour operator (s) to use for your dream African safari experience is not an easy task. With a sea of general online tour operators, it is hard to find the ONE that truly speaks to your discerning tastes and genuinely understands your travel needs and expectations.
Start by gathering enough information to help you decide on the best destination. Depending on your itinerary, you can start your Tarangire National Park safari from Arusha or Kilimanjaro. During the dry season, Tarangire has so much to offer. We suggest you spend at least two days in this lovely park.
Similarly to many other national parks in Tanzania, Tarangire National Park offers a unique setting for safari-goers to stay inside the park. You will be staying in some of the most charming safari camps and lodges, where you will unwind and enjoy delicious food and sundowners.
With several accommodation options to choose from, we can guarantee that your safari experience will be meticulously created just for you with your specific interests, travel style and schedule. Everything will be tailored to your preference, allowing you to enjoy a perfect balance of comfort, adventure and maximum wildlife viewing. We will only recommend the places we have stayed in and inspected thoroughly, and we can guarantee you will be safe.
If you choose to explore the beauty of Tarangire National Park on game drives, we highly recommend using qualified local safari guides. With our personalized trips, you will have control over your experience and enjoy all the flexibility you need to plan your daily game drives with your private safari guide.
You can decide when to start your trip and how long your daily game drives should last, as long as it is within the time set by the national park authorities (the park gates usually open at 06h00 and close at 18h30). Ultimately, you will have an opportunity to choose what you would like to do, when you would like to start your private safari trip, and where you would like to go.
At Wito Africa, we do not limit game drives by restricting drivers on the mileage they can travel per day. Therefore, we are happy to offer you an extensive all-day private game drive with a picnic lunch break between your game drives.
As a standard offering for all our experiences, we provide all meals, bottled drinking water, tea/coffee and juices at breakfast for the duration of your safari. We can accommodate all kinds of dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, halal, and kosher to pescatarian.
Moreover, bottled drinking water and soft drinks will be readily available throughout your safari experience with us. We have a stocked mini-fridge in the vehicle that will cool drinks whilst you enjoy your uninterrupted wildlife viewing from the comfort of your customized safari jeep.
Our unique approach to offering a stress-free safari experience starts with ensuring that you are well-informed about the specific requirements of the country you visit so you know exactly what to expect. Understanding how a safari operates, what is involved before and during, and what key points to consider when booking ensures an unforgettable safari adventure. Topics like when to visit, how to get there, and what to pack are addressed by safari experts.
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You're Unique. Create a Tailor made Experience Just for YOU!
Let our experts help you create the perfect African safari experience just for you.
Your dream trip created your way – tell us:
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Ultimately, you will choose exactly what you’d like to do, when you would like to start your private safari trip, and where you’d like to go.
Join a small group of like-minded guests - just like YOU!
Everything was specifically designed for you by our experts. All you need to do is pack your suitcase and GO!
- Fixed itineraries.
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Our guaranteed trips are packed with wildlife encounters, sightseeing, and activities that all reflect your group’s focus and interests. Most importantly, you will make life-long friends and memories you will never forget!
WHY TRAVELERS CHOOSE US
At Wito Africa Safaris, giving our customers unbiased advice and exceptional safari experiences is what we live and breathe. Our Africa safari experts are well-traveled and have in-depth first-hand knowledge of the places they suggest. To make sure these offerings live up to the expectations of our guests, the experts at Wito Africa routinely inspect new lodges, experiences, and activities. Nothing beats current, pertinent travel advice obtained directly from a local expert. The Wito Africa 'dream team' will be there for you every step of the way to ensure that even your smallest needs are met and no detail is overlooked, so you can embrace your experience with complete peace of mind.
Expert Safari Knowledge
Our expertise is unique as we grew up in the safari industry in Africa, we know our home like the back of our hands. We can't wait to share it with you!
Stress-Free Travel
With our 24/7 reliable logistical support on the ground in Africa, your experience with us (from start to finish) will always be worry-free!
Travel with Confidence
You will never have to worry about what to pack for your African safari, how to obtain your visa and which flight route is the best - we’ll take care of everything for you!
Want to focus on your wildlife photography & filmmaking?
Get the best shots of your life with the help of our experienced wildlife photographers. Whether you are just getting started with photography, a wildlife enthusiast, or a professional photographer seeking new adventures, our tailor-made Africa photo safaris are suitable for all levels of photographic experience. Hosted by professional wildlife photographers from start to finish, we will take you on a journey to some of Africa’s most prolific wildlife areas.
WHERE TO STAY IN TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Just for you, we have hunted out the very best lodges, villas, camps and even treehouses in Tanzania to suit every budget, itinerary and personal preference. Trust us – you’re going to be spoilt for choice! An awe-inspiring setting is just the beginning… Every one of our recommended accommodation options will blow you away with personal service, attention to detail and various levels of luxury.
Kuro Tarangire
An ideal choice for a stylish yet secluded retreat, Kuro is situated away from the busy north of Tarangire National Park and is surrounded by some excellent game-viewing spots. This is a small and simple camp, making it a more cost-effective option for many of our clients, while still offering all the comfort and facilities you need. The light and airy safari tents have their own verandahs, as well as en suite bucket showers and flush eco-toilets, so you don’t have to sacrifice amenities and privacy for this bush experience.
We’ve found that this is another good option for families as there is a larger family tent that includes two bathrooms and a connected seating area.
Chem Chem Safari Tarangire
Chem Chem is one of our top picks if your priority is relaxation in a remote location. We like the vintage feel of these stylish tents, and the fact that they are at least 80 meters apart, so you can enjoy stunning views in peace and privacy. Ideal for couples and honeymooners, there’s a secluded pool, a gym, and even a spa.
When you’re feeling more active, it’s a good base for setting out on walking safaris, visits to Maasai villages, and a romantic moonlit dinner. We love recommending Chem Chem because the bespoke experience of this intimate safari lodge complements our personal approach to every client.
Sanctuary Swala Camp Tarangire
What we love about this camp is its total seclusion. It’s perfect for a personal retreat or a romantic getaway, and makes an absolutely idyllic honeymoon destination. Sanctuary Swala Camp is the only camp in this corner of the Tarangire National Park, shaded by giant acacia trees and offering unbroken views to the vast savannah. You will sleep under canvas but enjoy the luxury and service of a five-star hotel, including an en suite bathroom and a personal attendant.
You can order in the cocktails and enjoy the view, with waterbucks, lions, and numerous elephants regularly dropping in to the local waterhole. For newlyweds that want to kick off their marriage in unforgettable style, this is one of our absolute favorites.
Lolkisale Camp
Tucked away in a secluded corner of the Tarangire National Park, Lolkisale Camp is a stylish brand new property that is surrounded by some excellent game-viewing spots. Lolkisale Camp is situated right in the heart of the park, on the edge of an open wetland. Here, you’ll have the unique experience of watching the drama of nature unfold while sipping a coffee or wine on your front porch. In these wetlands, the view changes each day as different herds pass by in search of water, and after them, the big cats that inevitably follow. And, since this camp is so well situated within the park, your adventure begins at first light. There’s no waiting at the gate to get in.
Lolkisale boutique camp is composed of nine, custom-designed luxury safari tents with attention paid to every detail. Everything from the soothing colour palette, to locally-woven rugs, to the soft touch of your sheets at night was selected to bring luxury and local flavour to this secluded corner of Tanzania’s most beautiful national park. We highly recommend Lolkisale because the bespoke experience of this intimate safari camp complements our personal approach to every guest.
Maramboi Tented Camp
For those interested in archaeology, evolution and the origins of mankind, Maramboi Tented Camp is in a prime location. This is a permanent camp between Tarangire and Manyara Lake and is a great base for exploring the Rift Valley, as well as safari walks and game drives.
This large camp also makes plenty of room for families with children, offering interconnected suite rooms.
Elewana Tarangire Treetops
For those clients that are looking for something completely unique and a little more adventurous, we recommend the “treehouse” suites of Elewana. We’ve found them to be surprisingly spacious and elegantly furnished for something that calls itself a “treehouse”!
Wrapped around a baobab tree, the impressive dining room, reception and lounge give you front row seats to a popular waterhole, and the site itself is on the path of an annual elephant migration, so you can spot wildlife from the comfort of your luxury vantage point. This is also a great base for guided walking safaris, day or night time game drives, and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of bush dining.
Lemala Mpingo Ridge
Lemala Mpingo Ridge sits on top of an escarpment with sweeping views across the perennial Tarangire River and valley below and matches the same outstanding standards of comfort and service as the other properties in Lemala’s collection. Each of the 15 spacious tented suites have been carefully positioned to maximize not only the sensational views over the Tarangire valley but also to take advantage of cooling breezes during warm weather.
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 the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti.
Details and Amenities
- The 15 tented suites feature en-suite bathrooms, private decks, sunken outside lounges that convert to afternoon siesta beds
- One of the suites has two bedrooms, especially designed for friends and family traveling together.
- 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 (and very special night time game drives)
Nyikani Camp Tarangire
Nyikani Camp Tarangire offers an extraordinarily comfortable and intimate atmosphere in the middle of Tanzania’s wilderness! A 45-minute drive from the main gate, this camp is located in a less crowded area of the park with excellent access to the river, swamp and other regions.
Opened in 2017 – Nyikani Camp Tarangire is located in Tarangire National Park. The camp’s design has a termite mound theme with organic features and structures found throughout the campsite. Enjoy gourmet Swahili cuisine from our highly trained chefs!
