Tarangire National Park is a must-visit destination for wildlife enthusiasts seeking an authentic African safari experience. Located in northern Tanzania, approximately 120 kilometers southwest of Arusha, Tarangire is easily accessible by various modes of transport. Whether you are flying in from an international destination or driving from nearby towns, this guide will provide all the necessary information to help you plan your journey seamlessly.
1. Reaching Tarangire from Arusha
By Road
The most common way to get to Tarangire National Park is by road from Arusha, the safari hub of northern Tanzania. The park is approximately a two-hour drive (120 kilometers) from Arusha, making it a convenient first stop on a northern Tanzania safari itinerary, which often includes Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti.
Key Road Routes:
- Arusha to Tarangire via the Great North Road (A104): This is the main road from Arusha to Tarangire. It is a well-maintained, paved road for the majority of the drive, with the final 7 kilometers leading to the park entrance being on a dirt track.
- Private Transfer: You can hire a private car or 4×4 vehicle with a driver from Arusha. This option is ideal for those who prefer comfort, convenience, and flexibility. A private transfer allows you to make stops along the way and enjoy the scenery.
- Self-Drive: For adventurous travelers, renting a 4×4 vehicle and driving yourself is also an option. The roads are generally in good condition, but a 4×4 is recommended due to the final unpaved section leading to the park.
- Shuttle Service: Several tour operators offer daily shuttle services between Arusha and Tarangire National Park, which can be a cost-effective option for budget travelers.
Duration:
- Approximately 2 hours by road, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Cost:
- Private Transfer: $150 – $250 depending on the type of vehicle and operator.
- Self-Drive: Car rentals start at approximately $100 per day for a 4×4 vehicle.
- Shuttle Service: $30 – $50 per person.
By Air
For those looking for a faster and more comfortable option, you can fly directly to one of the airstrips near Tarangire National Park. The most convenient airstrip is the Kuro Airstrip, located within the park.
Domestic Flights:
- Arusha Airport to Kuro Airstrip: Several domestic airlines, including Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Regional Air, offer daily flights from Arusha Airport to Kuro Airstrip. The flight takes about 25 minutes, providing scenic views of the Tanzanian landscape.
- Kilimanjaro International Airport to Kuro Airstrip: Some flights also depart from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is about 50 kilometers from Arusha. These flights typically take 30-45 minutes.
Cost:
- Flights from Arusha to Kuro Airstrip typically cost between $200 and $400 per person one way, depending on the season and availability.
Duration:
- Flight Time: Approximately 25-45 minutes depending on the departure airport.
- Road Transfer: After landing at Kuro Airstrip, you will need a transfer to your lodge or campsite. Most lodges offer pick-up services from the airstrip, with drives typically ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour.
2. Getting to Tarangire from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
By Road
If you are flying internationally into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located about 60 kilometers from Arusha, you can easily transfer by road to Tarangire National Park.
Private Transfer:
- Private transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport to Tarangire can be arranged through local tour operators. This option is ideal for those arriving on international flights who want a hassle-free journey to the park.
Shuttle Bus:
- Some tour operators and hotels offer shuttle services between Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha, where you can then connect with road transfers to Tarangire.
Duration:
- Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha: Approximately 1 hour by road.
- Arusha to Tarangire: 2 hours by road.
Cost:
- Private transfers from Kilimanjaro to Tarangire typically cost between $250 and $350, depending on the vehicle and group size.
3. Flying to Tarangire from Other Safari Destinations
Tarangire is often part of a larger safari circuit that includes other major parks in northern Tanzania, such as Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. For those traveling between parks, there are several airstrips within the northern safari circuit that provide quick transfers.
From Serengeti
- Serengeti (Seronera Airstrip) to Kuro Airstrip: Several airlines offer domestic flights between these two parks. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and offers incredible aerial views of the Serengeti plains and Rift Valley.
From Lake Manyara
- Lake Manyara Airstrip to Kuro Airstrip: A short 20-minute flight will bring you from Lake Manyara to Tarangire. This is a convenient option for those looking to combine these two parks in their safari itinerary.
Cost:
- Inter-park flights generally range from $200 to $500 per person one way, depending on the route and season.
Duration:
- Most flights between parks take between 20 minutes and 1 hour.
4. Getting to Tarangire from Dar es Salaam
While Dar es Salaam is not the closest city to Tarangire, it is a major international gateway to Tanzania. For those arriving in Dar es Salaam, here’s how to reach Tarangire:
By Air
- Dar es Salaam to Kuro Airstrip: Direct flights are available from Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport to Kuro Airstrip. Several domestic airlines offer this service, with flights typically taking about 1.5 hours.
By Road
- Driving from Dar es Salaam to Tarangire is possible but less common due to the long distance. The drive takes approximately 10-12 hours, covering over 600 kilometers. If you prefer an overland adventure, you can break up the journey by staying overnight in Dodoma or Morogoro.
5. Getting to Tarangire from Nairobi, Kenya
For international travelers flying into Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) and planning a cross-border safari, it is possible to travel from Kenya to Tanzania and reach Tarangire by road or air.
By Air
- Nairobi to Kilimanjaro: There are direct flights from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi to Kilimanjaro International Airport. The flight takes about 1 hour. From Kilimanjaro, you can transfer to Tarangire by road (2-3 hours) or by a domestic flight to Kuro Airstrip.
By Road
- Nairobi to Arusha: Several shuttle buses and private transfers operate daily between Nairobi and Arusha, with the journey taking approximately 5-6 hours. From Arusha, you can continue by road to Tarangire.
Cost:
- Shuttle bus services from Nairobi to Arusha cost between $30 and $50 per person. Private transfers are more expensive, typically ranging from $250 to $350.
6. Travel Tips for Reaching Tarangire National Park
Best Time to Travel
- The roads leading to Tarangire are generally in good condition throughout the year, but the dry season (June to October) is the best time to visit if you are traveling by road, as the dirt tracks within the park are easier to navigate.
- During the wet season (March to May), heavy rains can make some roads muddy and difficult to pass, especially for self-drivers. In this case, flying directly to Kuro Airstrip is a better option.
Visa and Border Crossing Information
- For travelers coming from Kenya or other countries, make sure you have the necessary Tanzanian visa. Visas can often be obtained upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or at border posts if traveling by road.
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned travel dates.
Conclusion
Getting to Tarangire National Park is straightforward and accessible whether you’re flying in from nearby cities or driving from Arusha or Kilimanjaro. With options ranging from private transfers and shuttle buses to domestic flights, you can choose the mode of transport that best suits your budget and travel preferences. Whether you opt for the scenic drive through the Tanzanian countryside or a quick flight over the savannah, your journey to Tarangire promises to be an exciting start to a memorable safari adventure.