Tarangire National Park: elephants and baobabs, day trip or 2-day safari from Zanzibar
Tarangire National Park is known for its big elephant herds and its baobabs, especially in the dry season when animals gather near the Tarangire River. It can be visited in a day from Arusha (9 to 13 hours, in the range of 226 to 650 dollars according to offers consulted in October 2026) or, more logically for a Zanzibar traveller, in a 2-day fly-in safari with Ngorongoro Crater, from about 625 dollars per person in a group (offers from 625 to 1,240 dollars). Entry fees are given at around 53 to 59 dollars per adult per day by a 2026 guide, with no official confirmation.
Highlights
The elephants of the river
In the dry season, elephant families come to drink and bathe in the river. Guides also mention lions and giraffes, never guaranteed.
The baobabs
Huge trees, often older than the neighbouring villages, which elephants sometimes strip of bark. They make landmarks for photos at sunrise and sunset.
Birds and the bush
The park is quieter than the Serengeti and Ngorongoro: few vehicles at peak hours, fine views of the hills.
Practical info
Tips
- A day from Arusha is long: one traveller cites 2 hours 30 of driving each way because of traffic. To see Tarangire and the crater, the simplest is a 2-day safari with a flight from Zanzibar, which avoids going back to Arusha in the evening. Compare the price, the vehicle (private or shared), the accommodation and what is included, and check the park fees. For the other parks, see Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara and the Tanzania or Zanzibar comparison.
How to get there
From Zanzibar, fly to Arusha (about 1 hour to 1 hour 20) then drive about 2 to 2 hours 30 to the park, or take a 2-day safari with a flight from the island. See Arusha.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
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