Rating score 5.0 of 5

Tarangire National Park Day Trip

Safari in national park: Tarangire National Park

Perfect for a quick immersion into Tanzania’s wild beauty, this full-day safari to Tarangire National Park offers a captivating experience just a few hours from Arusha. The park is renowned for its dense elephant population, ancient baobab trees, and stunning landscapes. It’s an ideal destination for travelers short on time but eager to witness authentic African wildlife in their natural habitat.

Tarangire boasts an extraordinary concentration of game during the dry season, as animals flock to the Tarangire River—the only water source in the area. Besides elephants, the park is home to lions, leopards, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, and more than 500 bird species, making it a haven for bird lovers and photographers alike.

Whether you’re watching elephants bathe in the river, spotting tree-climbing pythons, or enjoying a picnic lunch in a scenic location, this day trip promises rich wildlife encounters, diverse ecosystems, and unforgettable views, all in one compact adventure that begins and ends in Arusha.

Trip Highlights

  • Same-day return safari from Arusha/Moshi
  • Elephant herds & iconic baobab trees
  • Over 500 bird species
  • Scenic picnic inside the park
  • Game drives with expert guides
  • Perfect for travelers on tight schedules

Trip Features

Start Date

Can start any day

Duration

1 Day

diamond-gem

Comfort

Can be optimized

Tour Type

Private Tour

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Tour Plan

Customizable
Itinerary

trolleybus

Transport

Toyota Landcruser

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch

Airport

Kilimanjaro Int.
Airport

Day Itinerary

Arusha/Moshi – Tarangire National Park – Arusha/Moshi
Morning:

Your day begins with a 6:30 AM pick-up from your hotel in Arusha/Moshi for a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Tarangire National Park. Arrive at the park gate by 9:00 AM and immediately begin your game drive. With your expert guide, explore the park’s acacia woodlands, open savannah, and river systems. Keep your eyes open for elephants, impalas, lions, giraffes, zebras, and more. You’ll also see the iconic baobab trees, which dominate the landscape and provide nesting sites for birds and shelter for wildlife.

Lunch:

Around 12:30 PM, break for a bush picnic lunch at a safe, shaded spot within the park. Your guide will prepare a delicious spread of local dishes and fresh fruit, allowing you to relax while overlooking the Tarangire River. This is a great opportunity to spot animals like elephants, waterbucks, or vervet monkeys passing nearby as you enjoy your meal in the wild.

Afternoon:

Resume your game drive around 1:30 PM, exploring new areas of the park such as the Silale Swamp or riverine forest, where wildlife tends to gather during the heat of the day. This is a good time to observe large herds of elephants or catch predators lounging in the shade. Begin your return journey at 3:30 PM, arriving back at your Arusha accommodation by approximately 6:00 PM, filled with incredible memories from your Tarangire adventure.

  • Accommodation: N/A
  • Meal Plan: Lunch

Trip Cost Include

  • Park entry fees (Tarangire National Park)
  • Transport in a 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
  • Professional, English-speaking driver guide
  • Picnic lunch box
  • Bottled drinking water and soft drinks during the safari
  • Game drive inside the park
  • Pick up and drop off at your hotel in Moshi / Arusha
  • Government taxes and levies

Trip Cost Does Not Include

  • Tips for driver guide
  • Alcoholic beverages at lodges or during lunch
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, phone calls, laundry, etc.)
  • Travel insurance
  • Accommodation before or after the trip

Gear Add-ons

Enhance Your Day Trip Safari Experience with Optional Gear Add-ons
All equipment is subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.

Binoculars – $10 per day
Get a closer look at wildlife with high-quality binoculars—ideal for spotting birds and distant animals.

Safari Blanket – $5 per blanket
Stay warm during early morning game drives with a soft, cozy safari blanket.

Cooler Box with Bottled Drinks – $15 per trip
Enjoy chilled beverages throughout your safari with a fully stocked cooler box.

Photography Bean Bag – $8 per trip
Perfect for stabilizing your camera while shooting wildlife from the vehicle window.

Child Safety Seat – $10 per seat
Ensure your little ones are safe and comfortable with a professionally fitted car seat.

Thermal Lunch Pack – $12 per person
Upgrade your picnic with a gourmet thermal lunch including hot meals, fresh fruit, and snacks.

Portable Power Bank – $5 per day
Keep your phone or camera charged all day long with a durable, high-capacity power bank.

Our day trip vehicles come equipped with standard safari amenities. If you’d like to enhance comfort during your game drives or picnic stops, optional gear add-ons—such as blankets, binoculars, and gourmet lunch packs—are available at an extra cost as listed above. Early booking is recommended to ensure availability.

Transfers

We offer the following transfer options
  • Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) to Moshi – $50
  • Moshi to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) – $50
  • Arusha to Moshi – $100
  • Moshi to Arusha – $100
All transfers are private and operated by trusted drivers. Pre-booking is recommended.

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Explore Trekking Adventure (ETA) offers expertly guided treks, authentic cultural experiences, and responsible travel. With local knowledge, quality gear, and personalized service, ETA ensures safe, unforgettable journeys across East Africa.

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