Which is superior, the Serengeti or the Tarangire?

There are many fascinating wildlife parks, lively cultures, and enticing sights in Tanzania, but certain parks are so exceptional that any nature lover would want to go there every day. This list includes the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro, which are without a doubt the most picturesque in the nation.
Despite being part of the well-known northern safari circuit, Tarangire is not as well-known. However, this breathtaking park’s amazing fauna leads us to draw comparisons to the Serengeti. This article makes a comparison between the Serengeti and Tarangire. Let’s get started.

Road accessibility: Serengeti compared. Tarangire.

Both are close to Arusha, where the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the landing site for several international flights. The travel to Tarangire or the Serengeti, which is crucial, will come after your initial landing in Arusha.
The distance between Tarangire and Arusha is around 140 kilometers (86 miles). It will take one to two hours to go to Tarangire. To enjoy the scenery along the journey, we often advise two hours of driving. Yes, two hours. The first route in Arusha town can also take a long time to get past the gridlock. This trip starts on a tarmac road and finishes on a brief gravel road that leads into the park.
In contrast, Arusha lies around 420 kilometers (260 miles) away from the Serengeti. It takes five to seven hours to go to the Serengeti. Nonetheless, this trip is an experience in and of itself as it travels into the highlands, passing through local towns, banana and coffee farms, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. After tarmacing up Loduare Gate, the route to the park becomes bumpy.

In summary, Tarangire is more accessible by road than the Serengeti.

Flights: Serengeti vs. Tarangire.

Interested in a fly-in safari? There are direct flights from Arusha to Tarangire and the Serengeti. The sole airport in Tarangire is Kuro Airstrip, which serves charter flights from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Ruaha, Zanzibar, and the Serengeti. Coastal Aviation is the airline that operates these flights.
The Serengeti is connected to many airports in Tanzania by more than six airstrips. You may fly to Grumeti Airstrip or Seronera Airstrip, the principal airport, from Arusha, Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, and Mwanza. Sasakwa, Lobo, Klein’s Camp, Lamai, and Serengeti South are other airports.

Conclusion: When it comes to flying, Serengeti leads.

Tarangire vs. Serengeti safari duration.

Tarangire is just 1,100 square miles, or 2,850 square kilometers. It is therefore more portable, making it a suitable choice for day excursions. Wildlife is abundant in the park, particularly in the dry season. From Arusha, day trippers may easily reach there, take part in exhilarating game drives, and then return by car to their accommodation.
The Serengeti is located from Arusha and covers an area of 14,763 square kilometers (5,700 square miles). It is therefore not suitable for day excursions. One day won’t work well because you will be hopping into airplanes or safari vehicles for nearly a day. However, there are times when a visitor’s time is limited. We suggest a day trip for this, but with a fly-in to guarantee time for game drive.

In conclusion, choose Tarangire if you only have a day to spend in either of these two parks. Serengeti is the ideal for two or more days.

Activities for safari: Serengeti vs. Tarangire.

Since both provide a variety of safari activities, choosing between them is difficult. Game drives, exhilarating balloon rides, birding, and other activities are available in both parks. However, we may categorize them using a certain viewpoint.
Private wildlife drives are available in Tarangire. Because fewer people visit Tarangire, it is quite uncommon for two safari vehicles to take in a wildlife encounter together. However, the Serengeti experiences traffic, particularly during the dry season. A group of five or more cars may occasionally be spotted together. Game motivations become less genuine as a result.
A night game drive is a safari activity that distinguishes the two. Tarangire, not the Serengeti, offers this fulfilling nocturnal experience. Walking safaris are available in Tarangire, but the Serengeti only permits these up-close experiences in a select few locations. Additionally, it only permits a small number of operators to provide walking tours.

In conclusion, the Serengeti’s vastness permits a variety of safari activities throughout the day. There is no nighttime game watching. Despite Tarangire’s modest size, there are plenty of things to do both during the day and at night.

Migrations of animals: Serengeti vs. Tarangire.

You are undoubtedly aware that both parks see wildlife migrations. Not quite yet? We’ve got you covered.
Large herds of gazelle, zebra, and wildebeest migrate northward from the south in the Serengeti. In addition to the fact that it involves nearly two million ungulates, this biggest mammal migration is well-known since it takes place annually and the animals travel the same ancient path.
Tarangire has its own animal migration as well. Elephants, buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, and many antelopes may be seen in this one, which moves along the magnificent Tarangire River. Predators like lions, leopards, cheetahs, and spotted hyenas join the movement as they do this.

So, when and which one should you catch?

The calving season, rutting season, Grumeti River crossings, and Mara River crossings are among of the more spectacular occurrences that often occur during the Serengeti migration. Here is a basic chronology of these events along with their location.
● Calving season (Southern Serengeti and Ndutu): January to March
● Central Serengeti rutting season, April to May
Crossings of the Grumeti River (Western Serengeti) from June to July
Crossings of the Mara River (Northern Serengeti) from July to September
In contrast, Tarangire’s animal migration takes place from June to October. Although there is less drama, there is more wildlife, which makes game viewing more simpler. On the banks of the Tarangire River, you may also see a lot of predator-prey drama.

Conclusion: Drama-wise, the Serengeti prevails. However, we advise you to focus on less well-known occasions like the rutting season, the calving season, and the Grumeti River crossings in order to escape the crowds. Aside from zebras and wildebeest, the Tarangire migration is usually ideal for seeing a variety of animal species.

The bottom line.

Which side are you picking, then? We advise you to visit both to see the differences if you have the time. It is useful and effective to combine Tarangire with Serengeti. Tarangire might be your starting point, and you can visit the Serengeti to wrap out your journey.
In any case, we are here to add interest to your journey. Our guides are ready to take you to either the “elephant paradise park” or the site of the Great Migration. Let’s begin organizing your next journey.