Best Time to Visit Tarangire National Park for Wildlife
Best Wildlife Viewing Time in Tarangire National Park | Tanzania Safaris | Tanzania Tours.
The best time to visit Tarangire National Park for wildlife is during the dry season (July to October). Tarangire National Park is a beautiful Tanzanian gem where vast herds of elephants roam the park with majestic baobab trees dotting it all the way. The best time to visit Tarangire National Park for wildlife on a Tanzania safari is the dry season from June to October and January to February. During this period in Tanzania, wildlife congregates around the Tarangire River, making it incredibly easy to spot high animal densities.
Though it is best to visit Tarangire National Park for wildlife in the dry season, that does not negate that the park can be visited in the wet season as well. Tarangire National Park is open all throughout the year and, as such, can be visited. The best time to visit is dependent on what your priorities are.
Tarangire National Park and Tanzania in general have two seasons: the dry season and the wet season.
The Dry Season in Tarangire National Park
The months of June to October and January to February are the dry season months in Tarangire National Park. In early June, Tarangire National Park is green and lush because of the long rains that just fell in the earlier months. June is an amazing time to travel to avoid both the high-season crowds and, in some aspects, the high prices of accommodation, especially.
In July and the months that follow, the ground is dried up, and seasonal swamps and water sources are all lost. This time has the grass thinning and getting shorter, making animal viewing all the easier. The Silale Swamp and Tarangire River are permanent water sources, attracting a good number of wild animals. This also makes animal viewing very easy, seeing a variety of wild game almost at the same time as they gather for a drink or a dip.
The dry season days are quite sunny and warm, resulting in excellent game drives and walking safari conditions. As the time stretches into September, the vegetation is even thinner, and wildlife is plentiful, indeed. The month of October is equally dry, especially the first 2-3 weeks. By late October, the weather begins to become cloudy, waiting for the rains to fall in November.
It is important to note that the dry season is also the peak season of travel that sees many people visiting Tanzania and, as such, Tarangire National Park. Expect a bit of a crowd during the game drives in the park. Booking your Tarangire accommodation in advance is advised to secure your preferred lodging. This is because peak season accommodation often gets fully booked fast.
To many travellers, the dry season is the best time to visit for wildlife in Tarangire National Park because the animals are easily seen then. The dry season reveals Tarangire’s iconic baobab trees in their full glory, with clear blue skies.

The Wet Season
Also known as the green season or the low season, the wet season runs from November to December and March to May. The park is scenic with lush greenery, and the landscapes are bursting with wildflowers. Bird enthusiasts should visit during this time because there are many migratory birds. Wildlife in Tarangire National Park is available all year round, mostly. Despite the muddy roads in the park, rain, and vegetation growth, with our expert guides, be sure to spot the different animals in Tarangire National Park.
November to December have short rains, and as such, safaris are not impacted much. The months of late March, April, and mid-May are the longer rainy season periods when game viewing could be interrupted. After mid-May, the rains usually subside, leaving the park quite green and lush. Plant life and flowers are in full bloom then. Photography safaris are great during this time of the year.
The wet season is also the low season of travel; thus, fewer travellers are expected. Travellers after more budget-friendly safaris can best visit them for the accommodation fares, and more are usually subsidised to attract travellers; you could actually stay in some of the most luxurious camps and lodges at a low price if travelling in the low season.
As mentioned earlier, Tarangire National Park is open to visits all year round. Get in touch with us to help you plan for your Tarangire National Park safari, regardless of the season of your travel.
