Tanzania is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your activities.
For wildlife safaris, the dry seasons from June to October offer excellent game viewing, including the Great Migration in the Serengeti.
January to February is ideal for witnessing the calving season. For Mount Kilimanjaro treks, the best conditions are from January to March and June to October.
Beach lovers visiting Zanzibar will enjoy the dry months of December to February and June to October.
Tarangire National Park, famous for its towering baobab trees, offers an incredible wildlife experience, especially during the dry season. The relentless sun drains moisture from the land, turning the earth a dusty red and withering the grass into brittle straw. The Tarangire River, which shrinks significantly in the dry season, remains a lifeline for numerous animals that travel from far and wide to find water.
Large herds of elephants, sometimes numbering up to 300, dig into the dry riverbed in search of underground water. Alongside them, various species of wildlife—including wildebeest, zebras, buffalo, impala, gazelles, hartebeest, and elands—crowd the diminishing lagoons. This concentration of wildlife is the highest outside the Serengeti, making it an ideal destination for predators. Tarangire is also the only place in Tanzania where you can regularly observe unique dry-country antelopes like the fringe-eared oryx and the long-necked gerenuk.
During the rainy season, animals spread out across the park’s 20,000 square kilometers, following the lush green plains. Yet, the elephant herds are always present, whether it’s wet or dry. The park’s swamps, which stay green year-round, attract a remarkable diversity of birdlife. With 550 species recorded, Tarangire boasts the highest number of breeding bird species in any single habitat globally.
On the dry ground, visitors may spot the heavy Kori bustard, the giant ostrich, and ground hornbills. Bird enthusiasts may also catch glimpses of the vibrant yellow-collared lovebird, the rufous-tailed weaver, and the ashy starling, all endemic to northern Tanzania’s dry savannah.
Beyond its fauna, Tarangire is home to the charming dwarf mongoose and pairs of red-and-yellow barbets, whose noisy duets often draw attention. The park is also known for its pythons, lions, and leopards, all of which can be found lounging in trees among the sausage tree fruit, which hides their movements.
You can easily reach Tarangire from Arusha or Lake Manyara by following a paved road up to within 7 kilometers (4 miles) of the main entrance gate. The park is also a good stop on the way to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. Charter flights are available from both Arusha and Serengeti.
Tarangire is an excellent destination year-round. However, for the highest concentration of animals, the dry season (June to September) is ideal.
Obtaining a Tanzania visa is simple and convenient. You can apply online via the Tanzania eVisa Portal, at a Tanzanian embassy, or on arrival at major entry points such as airports and border crossings.
Requirements typically include a valid passport with at least six months’ validity, a completed application form, and payment of the visa fee.
A single-entry tourist visa costs $50 for most nationalities, while US citizens pay $100 for a multiple-entry visa.
The eVisa process usually takes about 10 business days for approval.
The dry season from June to September is considered the best time to visit, as the concentration of wildlife is highest around the water sources
It’s a short, easy drive from Arusha, approximately 118 kilometers, or you can opt for a charter flight.
Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds and diverse wildlife, including wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, buffalo, lions, leopards, pythons, and a variety of birds.
Yes, Tarangire is located close to other famous parks like Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, which are easy to access by road or air.
Yes, guided walking safaris are offered to explore the park’s natural beauty and wildlife on foot.
With 550 species, Tarangire is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to species like the yellow-collared lovebird, Kori bustard, ostrich, and various hornbills.
Tarangire covers 2,850 square kilometers (1,096 square miles) of diverse habitats, from swamps to dry savannahs.
Yes, you can visit Maasai and Barabaig villages and see ancient rock paintings nearby.
We love Nature. If you are thinking about travelling to Tanzania, We can be your best Company to host your trip over here.
© 2025 African Jackals. All rights reserved.
