Tarangire National Park Day Trip from Arusha

Q: What animals can I see in Tarangire?

Elephant herds, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, antelope and more than 550 bird species. Sightings are not guaranteed.

trip overview

See Tarangire’s elephants and baobabs in a single day.

This day trip takes you from Arusha to Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and scattered baobab trees. You travel in a private 4x4 with a pop-up roof and a driver-guide, spend the day on game drives along the river valley and open plains, and enjoy a picnic lunch inside the park. It is an easy trip that suits families, couples and anyone with limited time.

Activity level — EasySeated game drives in a safari vehicle, with short stops at picnic and viewing spots. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park with a pop-up roof 4x4

Large elephant herds, often 50 to 100 strong, along the Tarangire River

Ancient baobab trees scattered across the park’s plains

Look for lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and many antelope species

More than 550 bird species recorded in the park

Picnic lunch with a view over the river valley

Easy, seated day trip from Arusha, with all park fees included

day-by-day itinerary

What happens from pick-up to drop-off.

This is a day trip, so there is no overnight stay. Additional hotel nights in Arusha before or after the trip can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day1

Arusha to Tarangire National Park and Back

Pick-up from Arusha at about 7:00 amDrive: about 2–2.5 hours each wayGame drive: 6–7 hours

Your driver-guide collects you from your hotel in the morning and drives south-west to Tarangire National Park, about 2 to 2.5 hours from Arusha. After the gate formalities you raise the roof of your 4x4 and start your game drive.

Tarangire is known for its large elephant herds, which gather along the Tarangire River, especially in the dry season. The landscape of baobab trees, open plains and river valley is unlike anywhere else in northern Tanzania. Look for lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, eland, impala and many other antelope, along with a huge variety of birds.

You stop for a picnic lunch at a viewpoint inside the park, then continue the game drive through the afternoon. Late in the afternoon you leave the park and drive back to Arusha, and the trip ends in the evening.

Elephant herdsBaobab sceneryPicnic lunch

OvernightNo accommodation — day tripReturn to your hotel in Arusha in the evening.

Picnic Lunch & Water Included

what’s included

Exactly what’s covered — and what isn’t.

Included in your price

Experienced English-speaking driver-guide
Tarangire National Park entry and concession fees
4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
Picnic lunch and drinking water
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Arusha (Moshi by arrangement)

Not included

International or domestic flights
Travel & medical insurance (required)
Drinks other than water, snacks and souvenirs
Tips for your driver-guide
Additional accommodation before or after the trip

Important to know before booking

Bring binoculars, a hat, sunscreen, a light jacket, comfortable clothes in neutral colours and a camera with a zoom lens.
The best time for large elephant herds is the dry season, from about June to October. In the green season, the park is quieter and good for birds.
Wildlife sightings depend on season and luck and cannot be guaranteed.
The tracks inside the park can be dusty, so keep a scarf or buff handy.
A Tanzania e-Visa is required for most nationalities — apply at immigration.go.tz at least 3 weeks before travel.
A yellow fever certificate may be required depending on your transit country. See our Tanzania vaccinations guide for details.

pricing

What you’ll pay — no hidden extras.

Placeholder price shown below — update to your actual rate before publishing.

Option	Price per person	Notes
Tarangire day trip Park fees, 4x4 safari vehicle and picnic lunch included	$300	Per person

Payment & extras

A deposit confirms your booking, with the balance due before departure. Full terms are on our booking policy page.

Additional accommodation before or after the trip can be arranged for an extra cost.

Ready for Tarangire?

Reach out and we’ll confirm availability for your dates and send you a full quote.

frequently asked questions

Questions we get asked most often.

Where does the trip start and end?

The trip starts and ends at your hotel in Arusha. Your driver-guide collects you in the morning and brings you back in the evening. Pick-up from Moshi can be arranged on request.

How long is the drive to Tarangire National Park?

The drive takes about 2 to 2.5 hours each way from Arusha, so you have most of the day inside the park.

What animals can I see in Tarangire?

Tarangire is known for large elephant herds and baobab trees. You may also see lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, eland, impala and more than 550 bird species. Sightings are not guaranteed.

When is the best time to visit Tarangire?

The dry season, from about June to October, is best for elephants and other wildlife gathering along the river. The green season is quieter and good for birdwatching, though some roads can be muddy.

Can I extend my trip to other parks?

Yes. Many guests combine Tarangire with Lake Manyara or the Ngorongoro Crater on a longer safari. Contact us and we will build a program for you.

Do I need a visa or vaccinations for Tanzania?

Most nationalities need a Tanzania e-Visa, available at immigration.go.tz. A yellow fever certificate may also be required depending on your transit country — check with your doctor or travel clinic before departure.

What's your refund policy?

We recommend taking out travel insurance as soon as you confirm your booking. Full cancellation and payment terms are on our booking policy page.