Elephants roaming hillside, Tarangire, Tanzania

Tarangire and Manyara National Parks

With huge baobabs scattered across its skyline, Tarangire National Park presents an almost surreal picture with many of the trees being rubbed raw by the huge herds of elephant which pass through in search of food.

Apart from the Tarangire River itself, which runs into huge swamps in the south and which concentrates most of the game, the park is exceptionally dry. In direct contrast, the neighbouring Lake Manyara National Park is lush and green with swaying vines and twisted fig trees.

Wildebeests in front of guests, Chem Chem, Tarangire National Park
Chem Chem, Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Baobab, Tarangire, Tanzania
Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
View from Lodge, Swala, Tarangire, Tanzania
Sanctuary Swala, Sandton, South Africa, Tanzania
Relaxing on the verandah overlooking the floodplains, Oliver’s Camp, Tarangire, Tanzania
Oliver's Camp, Arusha, Tanzania, Tanzania
Giraffe behind swimming pool, Chem Chem, Tarangire National Park
Chem Chem, Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

Tarangire

Herds of up to 300 elephants scratch the dry Tarangire river bed for underground streams, while migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland crowd the shrinking lagoons.

It’s the greatest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti ecosystem and the one place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope, such as the stately fringe-eared oryx and peculiar long-necked gerenuk, are regularly observed.

Woodland kingfisher, Lake Manyara, Tanzania
Woodland kingfisher, Lake Manyara, Tanzania
African lioness sleeping on a tree
Manyara National Park, Tanzania

Lake Manyara National Park

The compact game-viewing circuit through Manyara offers a virtual microcosm of the Tanzanian safari experience. This deep forest is home to thousands of monkeys, birds and the rare, tree-climbing lion. Manyara provides the perfect introduction to Tanzania’s birdlife.

More than 400 species have been recorded, and even a first-time visitor to Africa might reasonably expect to observe 100 of these in one day. The wall of the Rift Valley, which flanks one side of the park, provides a wonderful setting for several lodges.

Experiences

What do you really love doing? We curate your itinerary especially for you.

Elephant herd, Tarangire, Tanzania

Elephant Herds

Encounter Tarangire’s vast herds of elephants, with hundreds of them flooding the landscape en route to the lush marshes.

Suggested Holiday Idea

African lioness sleeping on a tree

Tree-climbing Lions

Spot lions relaxing on broad tree branches in Lake Manyara National Park. This is one of the few places where they exhibit this unusual tree-climbing behaviour.

Sundowners with lake behind, Chem Chem, Tarangire National Park

Slow Safari

Stay at the home of the “slow safari”, Chem Chem Lodge. This beautiful lodge sits in a private concession adjoining Tarangire National Park and has perfected a wonderful mix of relaxation and wildlife.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Woodland kingfisher, Lake Manyara, Tanzania

Lake Manyara Birdlife

Lake Manyara is home to a spectacular array of birdlife and offers one of the best locations in Tanzania for birding. With more than 400 species found here, you can often spot as many as 100 in a day.

Where to Stay

Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.

More luxury accommodation

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Illona Cross

Born in a small South African town, I have always followed my passion for nature and discovery. After studying Nature Conservation in Pretoria, I was one of the first women to complete a very tough cadetship in the Natal Parks Board. It was here where I cut my teeth in African wildlife management.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Chris Johnston

Chris is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Africa.

25 years ago, my first trip to Africa took on a life of its own. I planned for three months, I stayed for two years. Whilst there, I was mistaken for a priest, attacked by sharks and arrested. Yet the countless, clattering journeys opened my eyes to the beauty of the landscapes and the grace of the people. My recent trips are undoubtedly more comfortable, but the welcome is as warm as ever and the best experiences are still those I never see coming.

Talk with our experts
  • 01285 880 980

Need Inspiration?
Browse our Tanzania holiday ideas.

Our Tanzania experts have created and curated these holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something to spark ideas for a unique adventure.

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

Are you ready to Discover Extraordinary?


More about Steppes

F L E X I B I L I T Y P R O M I S E B O O K W I T H C O N F I D E N C E