Why Tarangire National Park Deserves a Spot on Your Tanzania Safari Itinerary

I’ve been meaning to write this piece since my last visit to Tarangire National Park earlier this year… but you know how life goes! Better late than never, right?

Tarangire National Park is one park that gives me a serious case of mixed emotions. I have a love–hate relationship with this place. I love it because it’s got all the thrills, but there’s a catch…

The thrill

Tarangire National Park has more elephants per square kilometre than any other park in Tanzania. So if you’ve ever dreamed of witnessing these gentle giants up close, Tarangire is your paradise.

The park offers an authentic safari experience… wild, unfiltered, and relatively uncrowded compared to its famous sibling, the Serengeti. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy nature without bumping into a convoy of safari vehicles every few minutes.

And did you know? Tarangire is actually the third-highest revenue earner for Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), after Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti National Parks. Not bad, right? She’s an underdog, but she’s pulling her weight in the tourism world!

Getting there

Tarangire is about a two- to three-hour drive from Arusha city, making it one of the most accessible parks in northern Tanzania. You can drive yourself if you’re feeling adventurous, or book a safari car through any of the local tour operators.

Its proximity makes it a perfect day-trip destination, ideal for travellers short on time but eager for a genuine safari experience.

Where to stay

Accommodation options here are plentiful, ranging from budget-friendly lodges to luxurious tented camps. With TANAPA’s new app, booking your stay has become much easier… just a few taps and you’re sorted.

During my visit, I stayed at the charming Kuro Tarangire Safari Camp. I don’t have enough words to describe its beauty!

The open camp gives you the most spectacular sunrise and sunset views, and you can even watch wildlife stroll by as you enjoy dinner.

And the food? Let’s just say that the chef deserves a standing ovation. Every meal felt like a culinary safari; authentic African flavours, beautifully presented, and served with warmth.

What to wear

Trust me on this: your outfit matters here more than anywhere else:

• Avoid dark colours, especially black and navy blue. These shades attract tsetse flies like a magnet.
• Stick to neutral tones like khaki, beige, olive green, and light brown.
• Go for long sleeves and trousers. They’ll protect you from bites and the sun.
• And finally, insect repellent is non-negotiable. Look for one with DEET, your best travel companion in Tarangire.

Now, let’s talk about the tsetse flies! Yes, every park has them, but Tarangire? Tarangire’s flies have commitment issues; they just won’t leave you alone.

Since I already have a strong dislike for anything that buzzes, this was not my favourite part. But the adventurer in me took over, and I managed to keep calm, mostly. Let’s just say it added a bit of spice to the experience.

Despite my dramatic encounter with the Tsetse squad, I’d go back to Tarangire in a heartbeat. The park has raw, untouched beauty that captures the spirit of the wild, from its giant baobab trees to the endless herds of elephants.

Tarangire isn’t just a park; it’s a reminder of how wild and wonderful Tanzania truly is. So pack light, dress smart, spray generously, and get ready to fall in love… flies and all!