Where to Stay in Tarangire National Park
There are plenty of reasons to visit Tarangire National Park as a part of your Tanzanian safari. From its distinctive baobab trees to its large herds of elephants to its wildlife diversity, the unique landscapes of Tarangire make it one of Tanzania's most beloved parks.
Located halfway between Ngorongoro and Arusha, Tarangire is the perfect place to start or finish your safari.
We've highlighted some of our favorite Tarangire lodges and camps below.
Budget Accommodation in Tarangire National Park
While it's true that there are very limited options when it comes to budget accommodation in or around Tarangire National Park, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it on a budget.
Tarangire's location makes it possible to spend your night in either Karatu or Arusha. This gives you the option to budget-friendly lodges such as Country Lodge or Eileen's Trees in Karatu, or Planet Lodge or McElly's in Arusha.
For the truly budget conscious, it is possible to camp in Tarangire National Park at the Tarangire Campsite.
Whistling Thorn Tented Camp
The only truly budget offering in the Tarangire region, Whistling Thorn Tented Camp offers clients on a tight budget the chance to stay close to the park without spending a fortune.
A lodge we would definitely describe as 'rustic', it offers no frills accommodation with exceptional service and a great location.
Recommended For: Budget travelers.
Medium Accommodation in Tarangire National Park
Tarangire boasts an impressive variety of accommodation for people on a budget. From tented camps to family-friendly lodges, there is plenty to choose from.
These start with Sangaiwe, which offers comfortable accommodations on the very edge of the park all the way up to family-friendly brick and mortar lodges with swimming pools.
Sangaiwe Tented Camp
Located on a hill on the very outskirts of Tarangire National Park, Sangaiwe Tented Camp offers stunning views of both the park and Lake Burunge.
Each of the 16 tented rooms at Sangaiwe sits atop an elevated platform, with your private deck giving you a great view as you sip a post-safari sundowner and relax. Ensuite bathrooms, a big, comfy bed, and a writing desk complete the comfortable accommodations.
With no fence standing between Tarangire and Sangaiwe, it's not uncommon to here animals moving beneath your tents each night, and the elevated viewing position means you won't have to stop your animal watching even after you've checked in.
Recommended For: Budget-conscious travelers.
Tarangire Osupuko Lodge
One of the more budget-friendly options in the Tarangire area, Tarangire Osupuko Lodge offers comfortable accommodations at prices that families and budget-conscious travelers will be able to afford.
Partly owned by local Tanzanians, the lodge prides itself on blending Western hospitality with a distinctly local flavour.
Recommended For: Budget-conscious travelers.
Kirurumu Tarangire Lodge
A small and intimate camp with just ten tented rooms, Kirurumu is a comfortable tented camp located on the outskirts of Tarangire National Park.
Offering easy access to the park without the additional cost of overnighting within the park boundaries, Kirurumu Tarangire is a popular choice with travelers who are looking to get away from the tourist crowds and enjoy some alone time.
Recommended For: Romance or peace and quiet.
Maramboi Tented Camp
A slightly larger tented camp with 38 rooms, Maramboi Tented Camp is a part of the popular Tanganyika Wilderness Camps brand that also owns Kati Kati and Kubu Kubu on the Serengeti.
Located very close to the shores of nearby Lake Manyara, Maramboi Tented Camp is a short (ten-minute) drive from Tarangire National Park. It's the perfect place to stay if you're doing game drives in both Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park!
Each room has an ensuite bathroom and a private terrace, while the property's large swimming pool and roaring campfire are sure to be popular with young and old alike.
Recommended For: People combining Lake Manyara and Tarangire. Families.
Tarangire Safari Lodge
The oldest permanent lodge in Tarangire National Park, Tarangire Safari Lodge sits atop a natural bluff that affords every one of its rooms a spectacular view of the park and the Tarangire River.
Boasting both tented accommodation and more traditional bungalows, Tarangire Safari Lodge offers something for all tastes. Whether you're being lulled to sleep by a hyena lullaby in a tent or enjoying the views of the watering hole from your bungalow, you're right at the heart of the action!
Like all good lodges, Tarangire Safari Lodge also boasts a pool, outdoor dining area, and a boutique for your souvenir shopping needs.
Recommended For: Young families and older couples.
Sopa Tarangire
The Sopa brand is one of East Africa's most well-known safari accommodation brands, with lodges across Kenya and Tanzania catering to people who want a lodge experience in the heart of Africa's wilderness.
A larger hotel with more than 75 rooms, Sopa Tarangire trades that personal touch for popular hotel amenities such as a large swimming pool, buffet meals, WiFi, and more.
One of the few lodges located within Tarangire National Park's boundaries, Sopa Tarangire gives guests a front row seat to watch as herds of elephants move through the area.
Recommended For: Families with young children.
Kichuguu Tented Camp
Run by the people behind the popular Chaka and Kiota Tented Camps on the Serengeti, Kichuguu Tented Camp is dedicated to the towering termite mounds that can be spotted all over Tarangire National Park.
Like all Chaka Camps, Kichuguu combines the thrill of camping with the comforts of high-medium/low-luxury level accommodation.
An eco-friendly lodge operated solely on solar power, Kichuguu also offers guided nature walks and night game drives - a real bonus if you're keen for more safari action after your day's game driving is done!
Recommended For: Adventurous travellers.
Luxury Accommodation in Tarangire National Park
For those wanting something a little more special, Tarangire National Park has a variety of luxury options that combine the charm of camping with the comforts of luxury accommodations and service.
Nimali Tarangire
Nimali is Swahili for "wealth", but you don't need to be in the Fortune 500 to afford a little Tanzanian luxury.
Located on a private reserve next to Tarangire National Park, Nimali Tarangire gives you the benefits of staying in a national park without the restrictions. This means you can enjoy night game drives and walking safaris, which are forbidden within national parks.
With just six luxury tented rooms, you're guaranteed personal service and privacy. Each tent has a spacious viewing deck from which you can watch animals while enjoying an evening sundowner or a morning coffee.
Recommended For: Luxury travelers.
Sanctuary Swala Camp
The very word "sanctuary" conjures up images of safety, beauty, and luxury, doesn't it?
Located amidst towering acacias in a secluded corner of Tarangire National Park, Sanctuary Swala is one of Tarangire National Park's top-rated lodges on TripAdvisor with good reason.
Each of Sanctuary Swala's twelve tented rooms is a study in luxury: a spacious retreat with a king-sized bed, plush sofa, and both indoor and outdoor showers. It's the perfect place to wash away the dust from the road and enjoy an evening cocktail. You can even check your email with the in-room WiFi.
A perfect combination of comfortable luxury and immersion in the local wilderness.
Recommended For: Adventurous luxury travelers.
Maweninga Camp
Perched amongst the tumbledown stones of a stunning natural kopje, Maweninga Camp offers eco-friendly luxury accommodation at prices that are surprisingly affordable.
Every tent is built on a wooden terrace, affording every guest a view of Lake Manyara, Lake Burunge, and Tarangire National Park itself.
For those wanting a little extra treat, Maweninga Camp also offers night game drives and the opportunity to arrange a private dinner in a treetop restaurant!
Recommended For: Those who want luxury accommodation on a budget.
Top-Luxury Accommodation in Tarangire National Park
Tarangire may not boast the same number of 'top luxury' options as larger parks, but the option it does have is one of Tanzania's most famous and well-loved luxury lodges.
Tarangire Treetops
The most famous lodge in all of Tarangire National Park, Tarangire Treetops by Elewana is a destination all of its own that attracts guests from across the world.
Built around a gigantic baobab tree that has stood there for more than 1,000 years, Tarangire Treetops has twenty of the largest guest rooms you'll find in all of East Africa!
Each room affords a breathtaking view of Tarangire National Park and the double shower ensuite is perfect for couples wanting a little romance.
Optional activities such as guided nature walks, night game drives, Maasai village tours, and bush dinners can all be arranged on request. It's the ultimate Tarangire luxury experience.
Recommended For: Honeymooners
The above is just a taste of the offerings at Tarangire National Park.
If you have a specific lodge in mind or are just looking for something unique, don't hesitate to let your Shadows of Africa safari expert know and they'll find the right fit for you!