Overview About Tarangire Safari Lodge
Tarangire Safari Lodge is a family-owned retreat established in 1985, located 10km inside the main gate of Tarangire National Park, making it a prime location for breathtaking views of the wild and the oldest lodge of the park. Perched on an escarpment ridge, the lodge provides surreal views of the Tarangire River and the surrounding savannah, where wildlife like elephants, giraffes, and lions are frequently spotted. The lodge serves as an excellent base for exploring the park, and its location ensures guests are immersed in the heart of the action.
Facilities and other details about Tarangire Safari Lodge
- Dining: Buffet-style meals featuring local produce and good choice of local beers. They also accommodate special dietary needs with advance notice and offer a dedicated children’s meal served earlier in the day. The open-air dining room provides a charming setting, with options to dine under the stars.
- Lounge and Bar: A cozy spot to relax with a drink, offering complimentary Tanzanian coffee and tea from 5:45 AM. Unwind with sundowners on the serene stone veranda with ample seating, where a drinks and snack station is set up each evening during sunset.
- Swimming Pool: An outdoor pool with a slide, ideal for cooling off after a day on safari.
- Souvenir Shop: The Baobab Boutique is an on-site shop selling handmade crafts by Tanzanian artisans.
- Wi-Fi & Connectivity: Complimentary Wi-Fi available in the lounge and terrace areas.
- Accessibility: Facilities are wheelchair-friendly, with accommodation for travelers with special needs.
- Payment: Tarangire Safari Lodge accepts cash (USD or GBP) and credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) with a 3% surcharge.
- Power: Tents do not have charging outlets, but you can charge batteries and small electronics in the main area while the generator is operating, between 05:45-10:00 and 18:00-23:00. After the generator shuts down, tents will be without lights, although solar-powered lamps are available. An additional fee is required for overnight electricity.
- Laundry services: Laundry services are offered for an additional fee ($1-$3 per item). The clothes are hand-washed and line-dried, which may take a day depending on the weather.
- Basic amenities: Essential amenities include filtered drinking water and a basic first-aid kit.
- Additional Information:
- Open year-round.
- Family and child-friendly.
- Check-In: 6 AM, Check-Out: 10:00 AM.
Services
- Guided Safaris: Game drives in an open land rover, early morning guided walking tours (2 hours), night game drives in an open vehicle.
- Other activities: Birdwatching, cultural excursions.
- Hot Air Ballooning: Experience the park from above with a thrilling hot air balloon ride.
What can be expected:
Wildlife Encounters: Tarangire is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, lions, zebras, wildebeest, elands, cheetahs, and giraffes. Guests often witness these majestic creatures from the comfort of the lodge.
Rare sightings: Keep an eye out for the elusive leopard and the spotted hyena, both of which are occasionally seen.
Baobab trees: Watch for monkeys playing in the baobab trees that encircle the lodge.
Secret spot: Tucked away at the edge of the property, a secluded viewpoint with a swing chair offers a stunning overlook of the river—perfect for quietly observing the wildlife below or enjoying a sundowner.
Seasonal Weather:
- During the dry season (June to October), expect clear skies, warm days, and little to no rain. Early in the season, afternoon temperatures hover around 24°C/75°F, with cool nights around 14°C/57°F. As the season advances, the days become dustier, the skies hazier, and temperatures rise to about 28°C/82°F by September and October.
- The wet season (November to May) ushers in lush landscapes and sporadic showers.
- Afternoon temperatures: Around 28°C/82°F.
- Nighttime temperatures: Approximately 17°C/63°F.
- November & December: The “short rains” period features about four weeks of intermittent rain, starting unpredictably but seldom impacting your plans significantly, as all-day rain is rare.
- January & February: A dry spell follows, with timing that can be hard to forecast.
- March to May: The “long rains” bring frequent showers and overcast skies. While rain is common, it rarely lasts all day. April and May can see colder temperatures due to cold fronts.
- While temperatures usually stay mild, mornings and evenings can be chilly. It’s advisable to bring warm clothing for early morning game drives.
Room type
- Safari Tents: Enjoy 35 safari tents with thatched roofs and en-suite bathrooms. Each tent features a verandah for game viewing or relaxation. Choose between double or twin beds, and find a writing desk and canvas luggage rack inside. The basic bathroom, separated by a zipped canvas partition, includes a single basin, a large hot and cold shower, and a flushing toilet, all enclosed by a curtain for privacy.
- Bungalows: Five circular bungalows, inspired by Maasai bomas, provide spacious accommodations with en-suite bathrooms and solar-heated showers. Built from stone and thatch, these bungalows accommodate up to three beds, making them ideal for families. They feature spacious bathrooms with doors for privacy and windows with glass slats covered by mosquito gauze to let in the breeze. Extra beds can be added to create triple or quadruple rooms. Located away from the main lodge, the bungalows offer extra privacy.
All accommodations at Tarangire Safari Lodge include basic toiletries, a torch, insect repellent, a whistle for attracting attention, and an umbrella.
Approximate Price range
- Single rooms: $317 per night
- Double rooms: $513 per night
- Triple rooms: $771 per night
- Tier One: A premier experience ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 per person per night. This package includes accommodation, meals, drinks, park fees, guided safari activities, Tanzania hotel taxes, and service charges.
- Tier Two: A deluxe experience priced between $1,000 and $1,500 per person per night. This option covers accommodation, meals, drinks, and park fees.
Please note that rates may increase slightly during peak season.
Location and How to reach
The lodge is about a 30-minute drive from the main park gates and roughly 2.5 hours from Arusha by road.
- By Air: The most convenient way to reach Tarangire National Park is to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located just 50 km (31 miles) from Arusha. Alternatively, you can arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, then connect to a domestic flight to either Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). From there, you can opt for a charter flight directly to Tarangire or take a land transfer to Arusha, where most travel packages include transfers to the park.
- By Road: If you prefer to drive, you can travel from Arusha to the park entrance gate, which is approximately 100 km (65 miles) away and takes around two hours. Please note that the final 7 km of the route is on an unpaved road.
Why choose Tarangire Safari Lodge
Tarangire Safari Lodge is a fantastic choice for wildlife enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil getaway. Nestled within Tarangire National Park, the lodge provides unrivaled game viewing opportunities, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the park’s rich wildlife. The lodge’s comfortable accommodation and warm, friendly staff ensure a memorable experience, whether you’re setting out to explore the park or simply unwinding with stunning views.
Despite its prime location and exceptional offerings, Tarangire Safari Lodge is notably more affordable compared to other lodges in the park. This makes it an excellent option for those traveling on a budget. The basic yet comfortable tents provide a relaxed atmosphere, and the lodge is well-suited for families, offering great value for those looking to balance cost with comfort and adventure. The beautiful setting and kid-friendly amenities add to the appeal, making Tarangire Safari Lodge a top choice for a memorable and budget-conscious safari experience.
