Tarangire National Park, located in northern Tanzania’s Manyara Region, is the country’s sixth-largest national park, spanning 2,850 square kilometers (1,100 square miles). About 120 kilometers (75 miles) southwest of Arusha, it’s a quieter gem on the northern safari circuit, often overshadowed by Serengeti and Ngorongoro but beloved for its massive elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Named after the Tarangire River, the park’s lifeline, it draws thousands of animals during the dry season (June to October), when water elsewhere dries up, creating a mini-migration of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes like the rare fringe-eared oryx and gerenuk.

The landscape is a stunner—rolling savannahs, acacia woodlands, seasonal swamps like Silale, and granite ridges, all dotted with ancient baobabs that give it a prehistoric vibe. Wildlife is the big draw: it’s got Tanzania’s highest elephant concentration (herds up to 300 strong), plus lions, leopards, buffalo, and over 550 bird species—think yellow-collared lovebirds and vulturine guineafowl—making it a birding hotspot, especially November to April. Predators like cheetahs and wild dogs are rarer but possible sightings. The park’s also known for tree-climbing pythons and termite mounds housing dwarf mongooses.

Web buzz highlights the dry season for prime game viewing, with animals crowding the river and swamps, while the wet season (November to May) offers lush scenery and fewer tourists—though animals disperse, and tsetse flies can annoy. Access is easy: a 2-hour drive from Arusha on a paved road to within 7 kilometers of the gate, or flights to nearby Kuro or Lake Manyara airstrips. Activities include game drives ($200-$400/day with fees), walking safaris, night drives (unique to Tarangire), and hot air balloon rides ($500+). Lodging ranges from budget camps like Lake Burunge ($50-$100/night) to luxe spots like Sanctuary Swala ($600+).

Online reviews on TripAdvisor and safari sites rave about the “elephant paradise” and “underrated wilderness,” with 4.5-star averages praising its authenticity and lower crowds. Some warn of bumpy roads and flies in wet months. It’s a year-round destination, but June to October wins for wildlife, while March to May brings green vistas. Want more on costs, animals, or camps? Just ask!