Explore The Wildlife Haven In A Day
Take this day trip heading to Tarangire National Park, the park is renowned for its elephant families, a close view of zebras & dotted baobab trees make this park special & a great alternative to other close parks when it comes to a day safari trip. Stunning scenery with many baobab trees, experiencing a magical concentration of elephants and an incredible birding with many dry-country species.
Trip Itinerary
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5:30 AM - 6:30 AM: Hotel Pick-up & Departure
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Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Arusha or Moshi. An early start is critical.
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Why? You'll arrive at the park gate as it opens, catching the cool morning when predators (lions, leopards) are still active. You also avoid the lines of larger tour groups.
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7:30 AM - 8:30 AM: Enter Tarangire National Park
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After about a 2-hour drive from Arusha (longer from Moshi), you'll arrive at the main gate. Your guide will handle the park fees while you soak in the first views.
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Pro Tip: Use the restrooms here, as they are the best in the park.
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8:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Morning Game Drive - Riverine & Baobab Zone
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Begin your drive, heading towards the Tarangire River. This is the lifeline of the park, especially in the dry season (June-October).
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Focus Areas: Explore the areas around the river. You'll immediately be struck by the number of elephants and the iconic, ancient baobab trees.
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Wildlife to Spot: Large herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and impalas. Keep your eyes peeled for lions resting in the trees or leopards in the river valleys.
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Highlight: The sheer density of animals around the water sources is breathtaking.
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Midday (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch & Scenic Respite
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12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Picnic Lunch at a Scenic Viewpoint
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Your guide will take you to one of the designated picnic sites. The most famous is the Tarangire Safari Lodge Picnic Site (or a similar hilltop site).
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Why here? It offers stunning panoramic views over the river and the park. You can enjoy your lunch while watching animals in the distance.
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Watch out for the mischievous and bold vervet monkeys and baboons! They are expert food thieves, so guard your lunch closely.
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1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Post-Lunch Exploration & Silale Swamp
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After lunch, drive towards the Silale Swamp area. This is a vast, grassy marshland that retains water year-round, making it a fantastic spot for wildlife even in the dry season.
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This area is excellent for seeing large herds of buffalo, more elephants, and a variety of birdlife.
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Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:30 PM): The Grand Finale & Departure
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2:00 PM - 4:30 PM: Afternoon Game Drive & The Termite Mounds
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Continue your exploration, moving through the acacia woodlands and open grasslands. This is the time to look for the more elusive animals as the day cools down slightly.
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Focus on Diversity: Look for dik-diks, ostriches, and the beautiful fringe-eared oryx.
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Don't Miss: The park is famous for its massive termite mounds. Many are topped with dwarf mongoose, which make for adorable photo opportunities.
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Birding Bonus: Tarangire is a birdwatcher's paradise with over 500 species. Look for the massive kori bustard (the world's heaviest flying bird), colourful lilac-breasted rollers, and the striking yellow-collared lovebirds.
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4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Begin Exit & Last Glances
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Start making your way slowly back towards the park exit, enjoying the beautiful golden light of the late afternoon—perfect for photography.
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5:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Exit the Park
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Officially exit Tarangire National Park and begin the journey back to your hotel.
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7:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Hotel Drop-off
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You'll be dropped off at your hotel in Arusha or Moshi, filled with incredible memories.
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