Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is among the hidden jewels in Africa and should definitely be at the top of the must visit wildlife destinations on northern Tanzania Safari circuit for anyone interested in a Wildlife Tanzania Safari. It is rich with a diversity of wildlife in addition to a vast landscape. Tarangire which covers an area of 2850 square kilometers (1,100sq miles) and was established in 1970 is popular for being the habitat of the highest concentration of African elephants. It is also a home to the famous Big Five animals among which are the lion, buffalo and elephant; therefore it is an excellent place for you to spend your day while travelling from Arusha or as an extension to a safari itinerary to the popular Ngorongoro crater or Serengeti national park.

Its name was derived from Tarangire River that runs across the national park. Tarangire National Park is the best place to be especially during the dry season during which animals are compelled to migrate nearer to the river looking for water. It is a very magnificent view with the background of twisted acacia as well as the spectacular baobab trees.

What is the best time to visit Tarangire National Park

During the dry season which begins in mid-June to October is the excellent time to see the wild animals in Tarangire National Park. During the months of June to October, the wild animals congregate around River Tarangire making this the recommended time to visit the national park. It rarely rains from June to October which makes the weather very conducive for you to visit. During this time of the year, very large numbers of tourists flock Tarangire National Park making it the peak tourist season;

On the other hand, majority of the wildlife migrates out of the park in the wet season and consequently game viewing during this time (wet season) is not as great an experience – thus making it the off-peak tourist season with April and May being the worst months to visit the park considering that the rains are heavy with some dirty roads in the park being muddy and slippery and a number of them impassable.

Tanzania’s largest elephant population

Tarangire National Park is the habitat of the highest number of elephants in Tanzania. In the course of the dry season, large herd of approximately 300 elephants around the dry riverbed of River Tarangire in search of the few remaining water streams, and also in the wet season as the other animals in the national park spread out throughout the vast area of the park these elephants can still easily be seen as a result of their huge numbers.

What to do in Tarangire National Park

Game Drives | Wildlife in Tarangire National Park

Apart from the highly threatened black rhinos, Tarangire National Park inhabits all the popular animals in Tanzania including the gigantic African elephants, giraffes as well as the small dik-dik, which draw flocks of tourists from all over the globe. The national park also inhabits three threatened animal species that are not in any other game reserve in Tanzania and these animals are the enormous greater kudu, the diminutive Ashy Starling as well as the fringe eared oryx.

Watch the Mini-Wildlife Migration

Every year from the months of June to November, Tarangire National Park is the stage ground on which a small migration which although is not as popular as the Serengeti

Great Migration but is still a fascinating sight to behold takes place. While the different sources of water in the national park begin to dry up, River Tarangire turns into the only water source and attracts large flocks of hartebeests, wildebeest, zebras, gazelles that seem to move in form of a migrating herd. Leopards, lions, African wild dogs, caracal as well as other predators stalk these migrating herbivores for food.

Throughout this time, Tarangire National Park provides a magnificent sight of the wildlife and it is in fact considered the best time to enjoy a Tarangire Wildlife Safari since the vegetation is thin which eases the viewing of the huge groups of wildlife roaming through the park.

Tarangire Cultural Safaris

For holidaymakers interested in learning and experiencing the traditional lifestyle and of the natives of this area can engage on the exciting Tanzania Cultural Safaris to meet the Maasai or the Barabaig people in their traditional villages. You will meet the village elders, checkout some of the homesteads and get a chance to personally engage with the locals as you observe them go about their day to day life

Bird watching Tours in Tarangire National Park

Given the great diversity of food sources plus habitats, Tarangire National Park is famous among birders for its variety of bird species. It has documented over 550 species of birds, the highest concentration of birds in the country, which makes it a dream come true for a bird watcher. during the guided Birding Safaris in Tarangire you will explore the various habitats including the woodlands which inhabit the white bellied go away bird, hornbills, hoopoes, plus brown parrots and game birds including the crested francolin, yellow necked spurfow plus the helmeted guinea fowl. The steppe eagles, plovers, bee-eaters, yellow-collared lovebirds, swifts, Kori bustards, lilac breasted rollers, the gigantic lappet-faced vultures, mouse birds, starlings, hammerkops, bateleur eagles as well as striped swallows also reside in Tarangire National Park.

Tarangire walking safaris

There are numerous opportunities for you to tour the area on walk safaris although the national park is secluded and not very well known. Walking safaris enable you to better understand and study the tiny animals that live in the bushland in addition to being a great way to view the wildlife from up-close without bothering them.

Explore the Swamps of Tarangire

The swamp network in Tarangire National Park is Situated in the southern as well as the northern areas of the park and provides a very important drainage area in addition to a haven for over 500 species of birdlife, elephants plus buffaloes. A seasonal swamp that gets parched during the dry season provides breathtaking views for visitors that would love to see elephants wallowing, rare African wild dog as well as the Silale swamp lions.

Where to stay in Tarangire National Park | Accommodation

There are a number of accommodation or lodging facilities including tented camps, safari lodges inside the park plus the neighboring areas. We have highlighted a number of places that will make you feel at home within different price ranges so that you can get to choose what fits within your budget.

Tarangire Sopa Lodge

It is situated between the baobab trees inside Tarangire National Park, the major characteristics of the lodge are the majestic view as you look through the huge windows, the stunning marble floors plus the water fountains and waterfalls. Tarangire National Park can accomodate approximately 160 guests in 75 suites.

Tarangire Treetops

If you have dreamed of living in the trees, then the luxury Tarangire Treetops will help you fulfill that dream.

Tarangire Safari Lodge

It is situated on a beautiful bluff within Tarangire National Park, providing among the most breathtaking vistas sights, rich wildlife, River Tarangire, neighboring baobabs and acacias. You can be able to take game drives within Tarangire National Park throughout the year. The river cuts across the park and draws numerous wildlife to it.