Tarangire National Park is the second-largest on Tanzania’s well-known Northern safari circuit. Despite being less well-known than the surrounding Serengeti National Park, it has far greater elephant concentrations, making it an excellent complement to any Tanzanian safari itinerary. This undervalued park, dotted with old baobab trees, is at its finest during the dry season when enormous herds of animals flock to the Tarangire River. Aside from elephants, additional wildlife includes lions, leopards, buffalo, giraffes, a variety of antelope, and over 500 bird species.

When it comes to places to stay in Tarangire, there are several lodges and campgrounds to select from. Some can be found within the national park, while others can be found in the numerous wildlife management areas and community reserves that surround it. Here are ten of the top Tarangire safari hotels and camps;

Kuro Tarangire

If you’ve been at any of Nomad Tanzania’s other 13 camps, you’ll have high hopes for Kuro Tarangire. We believe you will not be disappointed once you arrive. This secluded Tarangire safari lodge has only six magnificent huts, all of which are built of canvas, wood, sisal, and thatch to give a welcome organic atmosphere. Kuro is an all-inclusive establishment, and the inventive cuisine, carefully led activities, and attentive service all meet Nomad Tanzania’s normally high standards.

Oliver’s Camp

At Asilia Africa’s private Oliver’s Camp, enjoy the modest luxuries of a vintage safari. This pioneering small camp, founded in 1992 by naturalist Paul Oliver, maintains an intimate wilderness vibe in line with its eco-friendly founding beliefs. Because it is located away from the main safari circuit, Oliver’s can provide a variety of activities that are not accessible at most other Tarangire safari camps and lodges.

Expertly led walking safaris, consistently gratifying night drives, and overnight fly camping is among these activities. Even though Oliver’s is geared at more adventurous guests, the ten thatch-shaded tented tents are big and elegant, with broad wooden balconies overlooking the surrounding plains.

Elewana Tarangire Treetops

Elewana Tarangire Treetops is the place to stay if you want your accommodations to stand out. This inventive resort appears to be situated in an African fairy-tale, located just outside the national park on a private concession leased from a local Maasai village. Sumptuous Treehouse-style houses built of wood and canvas are nestled in the canopy of an old baobab grove.

Elewana Tarangire Treetops is one of the greatest locations to stay in Tarangire for honeymooners or jet-lagged newcomers, thanks to its large and modern accommodations. Day game drives in the national park can be augmented by a variety of additional guided activities inside the concession when going out. Walking safaris, night drives, Maasai village visits, and sundowner drinks on a neighboring hill are among them. 

Tarangire Safari Lodge

True, more personal and luxurious Tarangire safari camps and lodges exist. But my personal favorite is Tarangire Safari Lodge. The unparalleled site, situated on a ridge overlooking a stretch of the Tarangire River, draws a regular stream of elephants. I also appreciate the unassuming attitude you’d expect from a lodge run by the same hands-on owner-managers since it first opened in 1985. Importantly, Tarangire’s oldest resort is also well located for wildlife drives, just a few minutes from the Little Serengeti grassland. The in-house bird viewing is fantastic, and there is a huge pool.

Lake Burunge Tented Lodge

Lake Burunge Tented Lodge is a wonderful base for a safari in Tarangire National Park since it is comfortable, affordable, and scenically positioned. It is located in a private concession run by the indigenous Mbugwe people. The luxurious tented apartments and cottages have their terraces, and the common spaces provide a fantastic view of Lake Burunge, a seasonal animal magnet that is especially popular with elephants. The lodge is also conveniently located for wildlife drives, as it is only 10 minutes from Tarangire’s Sangaiwe Gate.

Tarangire Simba Lodge

This traditional tented camp is built around one of Tarangire’s iconic enormous baobabs and is located in a wildlife management area near the national park’s Sangaiwe Gate. The 16 large safari tents are all shaded by a thatch roof and placed on a raised wooden platform with views of Lake Burunge. The surrounding region provides superb game viewing opportunities, particularly during the dry season. We appreciate the free-form infinity pool, where you can take a refreshing plunge while watching the wildlife that frequents the waterhole.

Sanctuary Swala Camp

Swala, one of Tarangire’s most southerly lodging choices, is a traditional safari camp with a dozen deluxe tented apartments. It is hidden behind thick acacia trees, overlooking the Gurusi Swamp and a little waterhole frequented by elephants, lions, and leopards. I enjoy the isolated setting away from the main game-drive circuit. There’s a lot of wildlife nearby, but it’s one of the greatest spots to stay in Tarangire if you want to feel like you have the entire park to yourself. Bush meals in a neighboring baobab forest are also extremely delightful.

Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge

This medium-sized resort is located on a baobab-studded hill overlooking the Tarangire River in the national park’s wildlife-rich center. Each of the 25 luxury tents is set on a high-raised platform with a well-appointed private verandah. A classic modern vibe is created with leather and hardwood furniture, which are accented by elegant accents such as wicker-basket chairs and claw foot bathrooms.

Tarangire Sopa Lodge

Tarangire Sopa Lodge is unlike any other lodging in the national park. It is by far the largest of the Tarangire safari lodges, with 75 guest rooms. And its physical firmness (structures made of bricks and tiles rather than canvas and thatch) makes it a comforting first option for first-time safari-goers. Other advantages include a beautiful swimming pool area, a superb selection of meals, and a prime position for visiting the park’s most consistently rewarding game-viewing circuit.