A true safari in a single day — giant baobabs, a lifeline river and elephant herds moving through golden grassland.
Tarangire National Park lies about two hours’ drive south-west of Arusha, which makes it the best full-day safari option from the city. The park is named after the Tarangire River, which flows all year and draws wildlife from the surrounding plains, especially in the dry season. Its landscapes are some of the most distinctive in Tanzania: rolling grassland and acacia woodland dotted with ancient baobab trees, some of them many centuries old.
Tarangire is famous for its elephants, which gather in large family herds along the river, particularly from June to October. Giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, impalas and warthogs are common, and lions, leopards and cheetahs are present, though never guaranteed. The birdlife is outstanding, with hundreds of species recorded, from colourful lovebirds and hornbills to large raptors. Your guide plans the drive around the river, the best viewpoints and the latest sightings, with a picnic lunch at a scenic site inside the park.
A day trip is long, with around four hours of driving in total, but it offers a genuine safari experience when your time is limited — before a Kilimanjaro climb, after a business trip or before flying to Zanzibar. To make the most of the day we start early, and travellers who would like more time can extend into a two-day safari with Ngorongoro.
Large herds along the river, especially in the dry season.
Iconic giant trees across the grassland and woodland.
A year-round lifeline for wildlife in the dry months.
Lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras and more, when you are lucky.
Hundreds of species, from lovebirds to eagles.
Drive about two hours south-west on good tarmac, past Maasai grazing land.
Complete the park formalities and begin your game drive in the cool of the morning.
Follow the Tarangire River and baobab country in search of elephants, lions and plains game.
Lunch at a picnic site overlooking the river valley.
Continue exploring before leaving the park in the late afternoon.
Drive back to Arusha, arriving early in the evening.
Per person in US dollars. The more travellers in your group, the lower the price per person.
Just your party, with your own guide and vehicle — set your own pace and start time.
Indicative per-person prices in US dollars for a private experience with your own guide and vehicle. Your final price depends on your date, group size and pick-up point, and is always confirmed in writing before you book.
Prices are per adult for a private group of one, two, four or six travellers. Larger groups are quoted on request.
Pick-up and drop-off at hotels in Arusha are included. Pick-ups from Moshi, Kilimanjaro Airport or lodges outside town are quoted on request.
Tarangire National Park entry and vehicle fees are included at current rates. Official changes can affect the final price.
Reduced rates apply for children; ages and any minimum age are confirmed with your quote.
Rain, road or park conditions can change the order or timing of the day. Your guide always adjusts the plan with safety first.
Availability, pick-up time and the final price are confirmed in writing before you pay.
Pair this experience with another on the same day or during your stay — we arrange the timing and transfers.
This experience fits naturally into these itineraries — ask us to add it to your quote.
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Yes, if your time is limited. It is a long day, but Tarangire offers excellent wildlife within two hours of Arusha.
Lions are regularly seen, but sightings are never guaranteed. Elephants are the park’s most reliable highlight.
Yes, with an earlier start — the drive from Moshi adds about 1.5 hours each way. We quote this on request.
A private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof and window seats for every traveller.
Tell us your date, group size and where you’re staying — our team will confirm availability, pick-up time and your final price within 24 hours.
