Overview
Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s most iconic parks, known for its stunning landscapes, high concentration of elephants, and the beautiful Tarangire River. It's a fantastic destination for a safari experience, offering a mix of wildlife sightings, scenic landscapes, and incredible photographic opportunities.
Day Trip Itinerary
6:00 AM – Pick-Up from Your Accommodation
- Departure: Early morning pick-up from your accommodation in Arusha or another nearby area. Your guide or driver will collect you, and the journey to Tarangire National Park will begin.
- Travel: The drive takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, covering a distance of around 120-130 km. On the way, you’ll pass through the Tanzanian countryside, enjoying views of local farms and villages.
- Refreshments: Depending on the operator, you might stop for a brief break or coffee along the way.
8:30 AM – Arrive at Tarangire National Park
- Park Entrance: Upon arrival at the park gate, you’ll go through registration and pay the park entrance fees.
- Briefing: Your guide will give a short introduction to the park, covering safety guidelines and the planned activities for the day. Then, you'll begin your game drive in the park.
9:00 AM – Morning Game Drive
- Start the Safari: Begin your morning game drive, where you'll explore Tarangire's diverse ecosystems, including its famous baobab trees, savannahs, riverine woodlands, and swamps.
- Wildlife Sightings: Tarangire is famous for its large herds of elephants. You’ll also see giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, impalas, waterbucks, and even lions or cheetahs if you're lucky. The park is also known for birdlife, so keep an eye out for species like tawny eagles, hornbills, and weavers.
- Scenic Views: The unique baobab trees dotting the landscape provide stunning photographic opportunities and are a highlight of the park.
Visit the Tarangire River
- Stop at the Tarangire River: The Tarangire River is the lifeblood of the park, especially during the dry season when animals congregate around it for water. You might encounter elephants, buffaloes, and other species coming to drink.
- Wildlife Watching: This area is also great for birdwatching, with the river attracting a variety of waterfowl and raptors.
- Photo Opportunity: The river setting, with animals drinking and surrounding landscapes, offers perfect opportunities for stunning photos.
Picnic Lunch at a Designated Spot
- Lunch: After a thrilling morning of game viewing, enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the park's designated picnic areas. Many tour operators provide a packed lunch, including sandwiches, fruit, and drinks, but you can also bring your own.
- Relax: Take some time to relax and enjoy your meal while observing wildlife in the distance. It’s also a great time to reflect on the animals you’ve seen so far.
Afternoon Game Drive
- Explore More of the Park: After lunch, continue your game drive and explore other parts of the park. You may head to different ecosystems, such as the swamps or woodlands, which provide a chance to see different types of wildlife.
- Elephants and Other Wildlife: During the dry season, large herds of elephants are a highlight of the park, and you may encounter some in the open plains or near the waterholes. Other animals to spot include lions, leopards, and various species of antelopes.
- Birdwatching: Tarangire is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 500 bird species recorded. Look out for marabou storks, white-bellied go-away birds, and bee-eaters.
Visit the Silale Swamp (Optional)
- Explore the Swamp Area: If time allows and you’re interested, you can visit the Silale Swamp, a great spot for spotting birds and other wildlife. It’s particularly beautiful in the wet season when the swamp is full and teeming with life.
- Wildlife in the Swamp: This area attracts water buffaloes, elephants, and zebras, and offers great opportunities for photos with a backdrop of the swamp and surrounding landscape.
Afternoon Tea or Refreshments
- Stop for Refreshments: You will be offered a refreshment break where you can enjoy tea, coffee, and snacks while taking in the views of the park. This is a nice way to relax before heading out for one last round of game viewing.
Final Game Drive
- End the Day with More Game Viewing: As the sun begins to set, head out for one last game drive. The late afternoon is a great time to see predators such as lions, cheetahs, or leopards as they become more active. It’s also when many animals start to congregate near water sources to drink.
- Golden Hour Photos: The late afternoon light is perfect for taking photos of wildlife against the backdrop of the park’s beautiful scenery.
5:30 PM – Departure from Tarangire
- Head Back to Arusha: After an eventful day in Tarangire National Park, you’ll start the drive back to Arusha, enjoying the views along the way.
- Relax: The drive back gives you a chance to relax and reflect on the amazing wildlife experiences of the day.
7:00 PM – Arrival in Arusha
- End of Trip: You’ll arrive back in Arusha by the early evening, where your safari experience ends. You can take the evening to relax or explore Arusha town.
