Arusha to Tarangire at a glance
From Arusha, the usual route to Tarangire National Park runs through Makuyuni and Minjingu. The drive takes 2.5 to 3 hours, and the last stretches are park tracks, not tarmac. It is about 120 kilometres from Arusha, but the distance depends on where you start and which gate you use.
The easiest way to make the trip is a tour with transport included. A Tarangire day trip from Arusha puts the long drive in the hands of a driver-guide, and a multi-day safari combines it with other parks. If you travel on your own, plan the day around the gate hours and allow for the full drive time in both directions.
Our pick: fly-in safari from Zanzibar
Flights and hotel transfers are part of this trip if you arrive on the island.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tarangire tours from Arusha
Day trips, game drives and multi-day safaris with transport from Arusha, with live prices and availability.
Ways to reach Tarangire compared
Road and air side by side.
| Option | Time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Road from Arusha | 2.5 to 3 hours | Via Makuyuni and Minjingu; park tracks at the end; four-wheel drive in the wet months |
| Flight Arusha to Kuro | 10:45 to 11:20 daily | Via Manyara; runs only with enough passengers, at least 2 seats |
| Flight Kuro to Arusha | 11:35 to 11:45 | Same minimum demand; check the timetable for your date |
| Overnight in Karatu or Mto wa Mbu | Varies | Stops on multi-day routes with Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro |
For most visitors, the road is the practical choice: it works with a day trip or a multi-day safari and does not depend on a minimum number of passengers.
By road: the route and the gates
Allow 2.5 to 3 hours from Arusha. Do not plan on less. In the rainy months, the last stretches of park track are soft, and four-wheel drive is recommended. Tell your driver-guide early if you must be back in Arusha at a fixed time.
The park is open all year, and the gates close at 6 p.m. That is the closing time, not permission to drive at night. Ask your operator which gate you will use. At the gate, Visa and Mastercard are accepted, and mobile money and online reservation are other ways to pay. Tour operators can pay by bank transfer.
By air: the Kuro airstrip
Kuro is an airstrip inside the park used for scheduled and charter flights. A scheduled flight leaves Arusha daily at 10:45 and lands at Tarangire at 11:20 (2026 timetable), with a stop at Manyara. The return flight leaves Kuro at around 11:35 to 11:45. Both run only if enough passengers book, with a minimum of two seats.
Because of the stop and the minimum, check the timetable for your date before you plan around it. For the airports of the region, Kilimanjaro (JRO) and Arusha (ARK) are the two to consider, and you can read more on the airports near Arusha.
Entering Tanzania
Short facts as of 2026. Rules depend on your nationality, so check before you fly.
Visa
An ordinary eVisa costs $50 and lasts up to 90 days. US passport holders can get a multiple entry tourist visa for $100. Apply on the official online platform.
Travel insurance
Visitors who are not residents must hold the state inbound insurance for the mainland as well, even with their own policy. It is valid for up to 92 days. For a first entry to the mainland after 1 October 2026, the policy is the NIC one, and the ZIC policy is for Zanzibar.
Yellow fever
Proof of vaccination is required if you arrive from a country with a risk of transmission. It is not required for every arrival from Europe.
Health forms
Check the current entry rules, including any health form, before you fly.
Arusha to Tarangire: frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive from Arusha to Tarangire?
Allow 2.5 to 3 hours via Makuyuni and Minjingu. The last stretches are park tracks, and four-wheel drive is recommended in the wet months.
How far is Tarangire from Arusha?
It is about 120 kilometres. The exact distance depends on your starting point and the gate you use.
Can I fly to Tarangire?
Yes. The Kuro airstrip in the park takes scheduled and charter flights. A scheduled flight from Arusha lands around 11:20 via Manyara and runs only with at least two seats booked.
When do the park gates close?
At 6 p.m. The park is open all year, but the closing time does not allow night driving.
Is this the official Tarangire travel site?
No. This is an independent guide. It is not the official site of Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) and not connected to any safari operator, airline or lodge.