Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is a greenery park located in Manyara region along the northern circuit in Tanzania. The name of the park originates from the Tarangire River that crosses the park, and this River Tarangire is a primary source of water for wildlife in this ecosystem. The park is so popular for its larger herds of elephants and as well hosts the mini-great migration of the wildebeests.

The park is spotted 120k southwest of Arusha Tanzania’s tourist capital, and lies to southeast of Lake Manyara. The park was established in 1970 to protect diverse abundant wildlife residing in an area of 2,850km². The park hosts the largest population of elephants in Tanzania plus variety of other much wildlife in the ecosystem.

Tarangire is one of the few parks which any traveler would not wish to miss when visited Tanzania and taking the northern safari circuit. A lot of safari emphasis in form of rewards makes this park amazing and qualifies it to always have a place in anyone travel itinerary to Tanzania.

Features of Tarangire National Park

Tarangire national park lays on a flat and relatively sloping landscape and features diverse vegetation such as baobab trees, sausage trees, and acacia trees. Also swamps which act as alternative sources of water for the wildlife species, Baobab trees scattered in different parts of the park and are of great value especially to the Maasai and other pastoralist tribes to cure certain diseases.

Wildlife at Tarangire National Park

The park hosts the highest concentration of elephants and is home to the big five games though rhinos are not recorded here. So, for travelers opting to visit and explore what Tarangire can give should expect to see; species include lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, zebras, gazelles, buffalos, wildebeest, hartebeest, elands, fringe eyed oryx, kudu, baboons and impalas. The chances of seeing the wildlife species during trips to this national park depends on the time for the game drive.

Best Time to Visit Tarangire National Park

According to the weather conditions of northern Tanzania which is favorable for travelers throughout the year, this makes Tarangire National Park a spot to visit throughout the year. However, due to weather fluctuations in Tanzania, there is that most favorable time to visit the park. It’s well recommended to travel mainly during the dry months of June to October. During this season, the region experiences its dry season, thus creating the ideal conditions for optimal game viewing.

Accessing Tarangire National Park

Like any other parks in the northern circuit of Tanzania, accessing this park by air from Arusha is simpler. And by road all needed is to have this safari customized strong 4wd vehicle with rooftop for better game viewing mainly on a game drive.

Safari activities and adventures at Tarangire National Park

Game Drive Wildlife Viewing

On a game drive, a round up drive through different driving lanes and tracks make wildlife viewing very possible. The game drive adventure takes guests closer to nature and wildlife in their natural habitats irrespectively. Game drives are conducted in different times of the day with one the first one being early at 6am, late morning, afternoon, and evening drives. And for those interesting in tracking nocturnal life, and night game drive is arranged.

Bird watching

The park is large enough to host a reason number of bird species of which about 500 bird are recorded and they call Tarangire their home. There are various bird species of which many are shared among other tourist destination especially those in the northern safari circuit.

Guided Nature walking

Yes, can as well explore Tarangire on foot, this is done along with armed and experienced park rangers. Don’t hesitate getting so close to nature by trekking through the park in such for the park’s wonders.

Masai Community Visits

Visiting the park, you get to use this moment to visit a Maasai community and explore the unforgettable cultural experience. Take part in some of their traditional practices like the dancing and singing and get a try at herding livestock.

Hot air balloon safaris

One of the rare adventures to enjoy in Africa, it’s availed also at Tarangire at the Serengeti experiences. The Hot air balloon safari gives that view of nature in the aerial aspects just like the birds of the air. This activity takes place very early in the morning before sunrise, it precedes the day delicious bush breakfast and some champagne.