A day trip to Tarangire National Park is an excellent way to experience some of Tanzania's most iconic wildlife and stunning landscapes. Known for its vast herds of elephants, beautiful baobab trees, and diverse wildlife, Tarangire offers a unique safari experience. Here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your day:
Overview of Tarangire National Park:
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Location: About 118 kilometers (73 miles) southwest of Arusha (roughly a 2-hour drive).
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Size: 2,850 square kilometers (1,100 square miles).
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Key Features: The park is famous for its large elephant populations, iconic baobab trees, Tarangire River, and diverse bird species.
Early Morning: Departure from Arusha
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6:00 AM: Depart from Arusha to maximize your time inside the park.
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The drive to Tarangire typically takes 2 hours, so it’s ideal to leave early to enjoy a full day of wildlife viewing.
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8:00 AM: Arrive at the park entrance, go through registration and start your safari.
8:15 AM: Morning Game Drive
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Begin your game drive immediately after entering the park.
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Key Highlights: Tarangire is renowned for its large herds of elephants, which you will likely encounter soon after entering the park. The elephants are often seen near the Tarangire River, especially during the dry season (June–October), when animals congregate around water sources.
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Other Wildlife: Look out for giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, lions, and various antelope species, including impalas and gazelles.
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Duration: 3-4 hours, depending on wildlife sightings.
11:30 AM: Picnic or Lodge Lunch
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Enjoy lunch at one of the designated picnic areas within the park or at a lodge if you're on a guided tour with meal inclusions.
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Optional: Some lodges offer packed lunch options or lunch with a view of wildlife near waterholes.
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Duration: 1 hour
12:30 PM: Continue Game Drive
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After lunch, continue exploring the park and look for more wildlife and stunning landscapes.
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Baobab Trees: Stop at some of the iconic baobab trees, which are massive and ancient, making for great photo opportunities.
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Tarangire River: Visit areas around the Tarangire River, which is often a focal point for animal sightings, especially in the dry season.
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Birdwatching: If you're a bird lover, Tarangire is a great place for birdwatching with over 500 species of birds, including ostriches, hornbills, and eagles.
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Duration: 2 hours
2:30 PM: Visit the Park's Viewpoints or Scenic Areas
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Take a break and enjoy panoramic views of the park from one of the designated viewpoints, where you can take in the vast landscapes and perhaps spot more wildlife in the distance.
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Duration: 30-45 minutes.
3:00 PM: Final Game Drive
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You can do a brief game drive on your way back to the park entrance. This is another opportunity to spot more wildlife or enjoy the changing light as the sun sets over the park.
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Duration: 30-45 minutes.
4:00 PM: Departure
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Head back to the park gate to exit and begin the drive back to Arusha.
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7:00 PM: Arrive back in Arusha, depending on the road conditions and your departure time.
What to Bring:
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Comfortable clothing: Wear light but sturdy clothes, preferably in neutral colors to blend in with the environment.
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Binoculars: Perfect for spotting distant wildlife, especially birds and animals in the bush.
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Camera: You’ll want to capture the incredible wildlife and landscapes, especially the elephants and baobab trees.
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Sunscreen and sunglasses: The sun can be quite strong, even in cooler weather.
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Insect repellent: Especially important in the evening or near waterholes.
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Water and snacks: Hydration is essential, and it’s a good idea to have some light snacks during the trip.
Wildlife You Might See:
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Elephants: Tarangire is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Tanzania.
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Giraffes, Zebras, and Wildebeest: These animals are frequently seen throughout the park.
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Lions and Leopards: Though less common than elephants, both lions and leopards can sometimes be spotted, particularly around the river.
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Birdlife: Over 500 species, including ostriches, hornbills, and herons.
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Baboons and Monkeys: You may encounter baboons and other monkeys in the park, especially in the forested areas.
Number of Pax | 1pax | 2 -3pax | 4-5pax | 6-7pax | 8-10pax |
Price per person | $365 | $295 | $240 | $215 | $195 |
What’s Included:
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- All mentioned activities
- Transfer
- Park fees
- Lunch box and water
Tips for the Tour:
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Laundry Services
- Personal expenses
- Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
- Tips to guide and driver