Tarangire River
In the dry season the Tarangire River becomes the only water source for miles around. Hundreds of elephants gather along the valley among giant baobab trees, making it the best place to see elephants on the northern circuit.
The Tarangire River runs through the northern part of the national park. From June to October each year, when the surrounding grasslands dry up, elephants, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo and giraffes move in large numbers into the river valley. Herds often number hundreds of elephants, giving northern Tanzania one of its highest elephant densities. Along the riverbanks stand baobab trees several hundred years old and umbrella acacias. Photographing elephants and baobab silhouettes against the backlight in the evening is distinctly African. Lions and leopards often ambush prey nearby. Enter through the north gate and go on game drives along the river loop. Plan for a full day.
Opening hours
Park approx. 06:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Tarangire National Park
- Silale Swamp
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tourism
- Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway
- Karatu Coffee Farms (Gibb's Farm)
- Lake Eyasi & Hadzabe
- Ngorongoro Crater