05:00
Early pick-up
Depart Moshi or Arusha early to reach the park gate as it opens and make the most of the day.
Elephants & baobabs
Tarangire Day Trip
Spend a full day among the giant baobabs and great elephant herds of Tarangire National Park.
Overview
About this experience
Tarangire National Park is a wildlife gem just south of Arusha, best known for two things: its ancient, sculptural baobab trees and the enormous herds of elephants that gather along the Tarangire River, especially in the dry season. It is a favourite among guides for its relaxed, uncrowded game viewing.
On this private day trip you’ll enjoy a full game drive through rolling savannah, riverine forest and swamp, looking for lion, leopard, giraffe, zebra, buffalo and birdlife alongside the elephants. With a dedicated 4x4 and guide, plus a picnic lunch, it’s a superb, value-packed safari day.
Tarangire is quieter than the better-known northern parks, so you’ll often have sightings almost to yourself. The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with more than 500 recorded species, and it sits conveniently on the road to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti if you’re continuing south.
Highlights
Why you'll love it
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Great elephant herds
Tarangire is famous for its elephants, which gather in hundreds along the river in the dry season.
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Ancient baobabs
Marvel at the towering, thousand-year-old baobab trees that dot the park’s rolling landscape.
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Predators & plains game
Look for lion, leopard, zebra, wildebeest, buffalo and giraffe across savannah and swamp.
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Uncrowded viewing
Fewer vehicles than the northern parks make for a calmer, more intimate safari experience.
The plan
Your day, hour by hour
A private, guided day built around Tarangire Day Trip.
Full day (long day from Moshi) door to door: your guide collects you from Moshi or Arusha, with 6 planned stops along the way and no other group to keep pace with.
The timings below are indicative. They flex with your start time, the season, and how long you want to linger at any stop.
- Stops
- 6 stops
- Departs
- Moshi or Arusha
- Duration
- Full day (long day from Moshi)
- Group size
- 2 – 6 guests
08:00
Park entry
Complete entry formalities and begin your game drive into the park with your guide.
09:30
Morning game drive
Track elephants and predators along the river and through the baobab-studded plains.
12:30
Picnic lunch
Stop at a scenic picnic site overlooking the river or bush for lunch and a rest.
13:30
Afternoon drive
Continue exploring different areas of the park as the afternoon light softens.
15:30
Journey home
Leave the park and drive back to Moshi or Arusha, arriving in the evening.
Times are indicative. Your guide adjusts pick-up, stop lengths and pacing to your group, the season and road or trail conditions.
The day is private. Re-order the stops, add time wherever you like, or trade a visit for something else entirely.
Pricing
Price by group size
Every experience is private, so the price per person falls as your group grows.
| Group size | 1 PAX Solo rate | 2 PAX | 3 PAX | 4 PAX | 5 PAX | 6 PAX | 7+ PAX Ask us |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per person | US$357 | US$230 | US$207 | US$193 | US$184 | US$175 | Ask us |
| Total for the group | US$357 | US$460 | US$621 | US$772 | US$920 | US$1,050 | Ask us |
Rates are in US dollars and cover the whole private experience — your guide, the vehicle and transfers, and every park, entry or activity fee listed above. Your written quote follows your dates and final plan; groups of seven or more are always priced individually.
Good to know
What's included & not included
Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional driver-guide
- Tarangire National Park entry fees
- Packed picnic lunch
- Bottled drinking water
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Not included
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Tips for your guide
- Personal shopping
- Travel insurance
Come prepared
What to bring
- Layered clothing — cool mornings, warm days
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Binoculars and camera
- Warm jacket for the early start
- Personal medication
Gallery
Tarangire Day Trip in pictures
Getting there
Where it happens
Tarangire National Park is about an hour and a half south of Arusha and roughly a 3–4 hour drive from Moshi. It is the natural first stop on the northern safari circuit and pairs well with Ngorongoro.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to see elephants?
The dry season, roughly June to October, when herds gather in large numbers along the Tarangire River. The park is rewarding year-round.
Is one day enough?
Yes — a full day gives you a thorough taste of the park. Two days would let you explore more and relax the pace.
Can we do this from Moshi in a day?
Yes, but it is a long day with an early start and evening return. An overnight near Arusha or Karatu is more comfortable.
Keep exploring
Pairs well with
Ready to add this to your trip?
Tell us your dates and travel style. Our local team in Moshi will slot the Tarangire Day Trip into your itinerary — free, with no obligation.
