National park
National park
Tarangire National Park
Elephant herds, ancient baobabs and 550 bird species.
- Northern Tanzania
- Best: Jan–Feb, Jun–Oct
- Entry from US$59.00
Overview
- Gazetted
- 1970
- Area
- 2,850 km²
- Bird species
- 550+
- From Arusha
- About 118 km, 2 hours
Tarangire was gazetted in 1970 and covers 2,850 km². In the dry season the Tarangire River is the only permanent water in the area, drawing large herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras and buffaloes, followed by lions and cheetahs.
Ancient baobabs and old termite mounds, home to dwarf mongooses, give the park its look. More than 550 bird species have been recorded, including the yellow-collared lovebird and ashy starling.
Day and night game drives, guided walks and sunrise balloon flights are all offered.
- Dry-season elephants
Hundreds of elephants along the river from about June to October.
- Baobab country
Some of the largest baobabs in East Africa.
- Night drives
A chance to see leopards, civets and genets.
Things to do
- Game drives
Along the Tarangire River and Silale swamp.
- Night game driveUS$59
With a TANAPA permit.
- Walking safariUS$23.60
With an armed ranger.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
Wildlife and nature to look for
When to go
Best in the dry season, June to October, when elephants crowd the river. Birdwatching is excellent in the rains.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Best
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Best
- Nov: Good
- Dec: Good
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) (TANAPA Tariffs 2023/24 (GN 666 of 2018, GN 490A of 2020)). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult, 16+)per person per 24 hours, 16 May – 14 MarchChildren 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$8.85 / US$17.70 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor). | US$59.00 | US$29.50 | US$59.00 | TZS 11,800 |
| Low-season entry (adult, 16+)per person per 24 hours, 15 March – 15 MayChildren 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$8.85 / US$17.70 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor). | US$53.10 | US$26.55 | US$53.10 | TZS 11,800 |
| Night game driveper adult, where allowed | US$59.00 | US$59.00 | US$59.00 | TZS 11,800 |
| Walking safari (1–4 hours)per adult, with an armed ranger | US$23.60 | US$23.60 | US$23.60 | TZS 5,900 |
| Public campsiteper adult per night | US$35.40 | US$35.40 | US$35.40 | TZS 5,900 |
- Park entry (adult, 16+)per person per 24 hours, 16 May – 14 March
- Foreign non-resident
- US$59.00
- Foreign resident
- US$29.50
- Rest of Africa
- US$59.00
- East African citizen
- TZS 11,800
Children 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$8.85 / US$17.70 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor).
- Low-season entry (adult, 16+)per person per 24 hours, 15 March – 15 May
- Foreign non-resident
- US$53.10
- Foreign resident
- US$26.55
- Rest of Africa
- US$53.10
- East African citizen
- TZS 11,800
Children 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$8.85 / US$17.70 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor).
- Night game driveper adult, where allowed
- Foreign non-resident
- US$59.00
- Foreign resident
- US$59.00
- Rest of Africa
- US$59.00
- East African citizen
- TZS 11,800
- Walking safari (1–4 hours)per adult, with an armed ranger
- Foreign non-resident
- US$23.60
- Foreign resident
- US$23.60
- Rest of Africa
- US$23.60
- East African citizen
- TZS 5,900
- Public campsiteper adult per night
- Foreign non-resident
- US$35.40
- Foreign resident
- US$35.40
- Rest of Africa
- US$35.40
- East African citizen
- TZS 5,900
- Prices include 18% VAT; TANAPA's tariff lists them before VAT (for example US$70 + VAT = US$82.60). Children are aged 5–15; under-5s are free.
- Other African citizens pay the non-EAC rate. Payment is electronic through TANAPA's online reservation system, banks or mobile money.
- TANAPA still publishes its 2023/24 tariff as current in October 2026. Confirm the amount when you pay.
Getting there
- By roadFrom ArushaAbout 2 hours
Tarmac road towards Dodoma, turning off at Kwa Kuchinja to the main gate.
- By airFrom ArushaAbout 30 minutes
Scheduled flights to Kuro airstrip inside the park.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Tsetse flies are common in the woodland; avoid dark blue and black clothing.
- Combine with Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro on the same northern circuit.
- Foreign visitors must buy Tanzania's US$44 inbound travel insurance (92 days) before arrival: from NIC for the mainland or ZIC for Zanzibar. One policy covers both; residents of EAC and SADC countries are exempt.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Tarangire?
June to October, when the river draws the biggest concentration of elephants in northern Tanzania.
How much is the Tarangire entry fee?
US$59 per non-EAC adult per 24 hours (US$50 plus VAT), or US$53.10 from 15 March to 15 May. East African citizens pay TZS 11,800.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
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