Famous for its enormous elephant herds and ancient baobab trees, Tarangire sees a fraction of the visitors that Serengeti and Ngorongoro do — a good option if you want big game without the crowds.
Known For
Some of the largest elephant herds in Tanzania, and centuries-old baobab trees.
The Tarangire River
A dry-season lifeline that draws wildlife from a wide area when other water sources dry up.
Birdlife
One of Tanzania's richest parks for birdwatching, with a huge variety of species.
What Makes Tarangire Different
Tarangire is quieter than the Serengeti-Ngorongoro circuit, but no less rewarding — it is particularly known for its elephants, with family herds that can number in the dozens, and for the huge, centuries-old baobab trees scattered across the landscape. In the dry season, the Tarangire River becomes the park’s main draw, pulling in wildlife from the surrounding plains when other water sources have disappeared.
It is often paired with Lake Manyara as part of a wider northern-circuit itinerary, either at the start or end of a Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari.