Tarangire covers about 2,850 km² around the river that gives it its name. In the dry months that river becomes a lifeline, and the wildlife concentrations along it can rival anywhere on the northern circuit.
Elephants and baobabs
Tarangire is elephant country - herds of a hundred or more gather in the dry season, dwarfed by ancient baobab trees that can live over a thousand years. Watch for lions, giraffe, zebra and, if you are lucky, the pythons that famously drape themselves in the trees.
When to go
The dry season, June to October, is prime: animals crowd the river and the grass is low. In the green months many animals disperse onto surrounding plains, though the birding is superb.
Getting there
At roughly 120 km - two to two and a half hours from Arusha - Tarangire makes a rewarding long day trip, or an easy first stop paired with Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro.
Ask reception to arrange a guide and an early start so you reach the river while the light is still soft.
