Can I combine a Tarangire safari with Serengeti?
Yes, you can absolutely combine a Tarangire safari with a visit to the Serengeti! This combination provides a diverse and thrilling safari experience, as both parks offer unique landscapes, ecosystems, and wildlife encounters. By visiting both Tarangire and Serengeti, you can enjoy the best of Tanzania’s wildlife while maximizing your time in the country.
Here’s how you can combine the two parks for the ultimate safari experience:
Why Combine Tarangire and Serengeti Safaris?
Both Tarangire National Park and the Serengeti are premier wildlife destinations, but they each have their own distinct appeal:
- Tarangire is known for its massive herds of elephants, iconic baobab trees, and fewer crowds, offering a more intimate and serene safari experience.
- Serengeti is famous for its vast plains, the Great Migration, and an abundance of big cats such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
By combining both, you can witness a variety of wildlife in contrasting landscapes while visiting two of Africa’s most celebrated safari parks.
Best Route for Combining Tarangire and Serengeti
To make the most of your safari, many tour operators offer multi-park safari packages that combine Tarangire, Serengeti, and other parks like Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. Here’s a typical route to follow:
- Start in Arusha
- Most safaris to both parks begin in Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. From Arusha, it’s about a 2-hour drive to Tarangire.
- First Stop: Tarangire National Park
- Spend 1–2 days in Tarangire, enjoying its incredible wildlife, scenic landscapes, and elephant herds. Explore the famous Tarangire River and Silale Swamps for the best game viewing.
- After Tarangire, travel north toward the Serengeti. The drive to the Serengeti can take about 4–6 hours depending on the route and wildlife stops along the way.
- Second Stop: Serengeti National Park
- Spend 3–4 days in the Serengeti, exploring the central Seronera area, known for year-round wildlife and predator sightings, or the northern Serengeti to witness the Great Migration.
- Enjoy the vast open plains, experience the diversity of wildlife, and if timing allows, witness the famous river crossings during the Great Migration (July–October).
- Optional Extension: Ngorongoro Crater
- Many itineraries include a stop at the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Africa’s best locations for spotting the Big Five. This can be a perfect addition to your Tarangire-Serengeti safari.
How to Travel Between Tarangire and Serengeti
There are two main ways to travel between Tarangire and Serengeti:
1. By Road
- Road transfers between the parks are a popular and affordable option, with the drive from Tarangire to Serengeti taking approximately 4-6 hours. While the journey is long, it offers a chance to see Tanzania’s changing landscapes and possibly spot wildlife along the way.
2. By Air
- Fly-in safaris are a faster, more convenient option for those who want to minimize travel time and maximize their time in the parks. Domestic flights from Kuro Airstrip (Tarangire) to Seronera Airstrip (Serengeti) are available. These flights take around 1 hour and provide spectacular aerial views of the parks.
Key Differences Between Tarangire and Serengeti
When planning your combined safari, it’s helpful to know the key differences between the two parks:
Tarangire
- Best Time to Visit: Dry season (June–October) for large concentrations of animals near the river.
- Signature Wildlife: Elephants, baobab trees, rare species like fringe-eared oryx and greater kudu.
- Crowds: Fewer visitors, offering a quieter, more exclusive safari experience.
Serengeti
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but the Great Migration peaks between June–October (river crossings) and December–March (calving season).
- Signature Wildlife: The Great Migration (wildebeests and zebras), lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
- Crowds: More visitors, especially during the migration season.
Ideal Time for a Combined Safari
Both parks offer year-round game viewing, but the best time for a combined safari to Tarangire and Serengeti is during the dry season (June to October). During this period:
- Wildlife in Tarangire congregates around the Tarangire River for water, making animal sightings more predictable.
- In the Serengeti, the Great Migration is in full swing, offering a chance to witness the dramatic river crossings or large predator interactions.
If you’re more interested in seeing newborn animals, the wet season (December to May) is ideal for both parks, with calving in the Serengeti and plenty of birdwatching opportunities.
Suggested Itinerary: 7-Day Tarangire and Serengeti Safari
Day 1-2: Tarangire National Park
- Arrive in Arusha and transfer to Tarangire for 2 days of game drives. Explore the Tarangire River and Silale Swamp for elephants, lions, and birdlife.
Day 3: Transfer to Serengeti
- Drive or fly to the Serengeti. Depending on arrival time, enjoy an afternoon game drive.
Day 4-6: Serengeti National Park
- Spend 3 days exploring the Serengeti, focusing on key areas like Seronera or Mara River (if visiting during the migration season). Watch lions, cheetahs, and herds of wildebeests and zebras.
Day 7: Return to Arusha
- Fly or drive back to Arusha for departure or extend your trip to include the Ngorongoro Crater or Zanzibar for a beach extension.
Conclusion
Combining a Tarangire safari with a visit to the Serengeti is one of the most rewarding safari experiences in Tanzania. By exploring both parks, you’ll witness a rich diversity of wildlife, from Tarangire’s massive elephant herds and baobab-dotted landscapes to the Serengeti’s sweeping plains and the world-famous Great Migration.
Whether you choose to travel by road or air, the contrasting yet complementary experiences offered by these parks will ensure an unforgettable safari adventure. Book your combined Tarangire and Serengeti safari today and experience the best of Tanzania’s wildlife!