Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park, located in northern Tanzania, is one of the country’s most rewarding and unique safari destinations. It covers approximately 2,850 square kilometers (1,100 square miles) and is the sixth-largest national park in Tanzania. The park is named after the Tarangire River, which is its primary water source and lifeline, especially during the dry season when it attracts a diverse array of wildlife.

The landscape of Tarangire is marked by a mix of acacia woodlands, expansive savannahs, baobab trees, and seasonal swamps, creating a stunning and varied environment. It is renowned for its large elephant herds, which can number in the hundreds during peak times, as well as its impressive birdlife with over 550 recorded species. The park is less crowded compared to its more famous neighbors like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a more intimate and less commercialized safari experience.

What to Do

Game Drives

Game drives in Tarangire provide some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in Tanzania. The park is famous for its elephant population, which is one of the largest in the country. It is common to see herds of up to 300 elephants congregating around the Tarangire River. In addition to elephants, the park is home to large populations of zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, and buffalos. Predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs are also present, although they are less commonly seen than in other parks like the Serengeti.

Bird Watching

With over 550 bird species, Tarangire is a birdwatcher’s haven. The park hosts a mix of resident and migratory species, including the rare ashy starling, yellow-collared lovebird, and the endemic rufous-tailed weaver. The seasonal swamps and rivers attract large flocks of waterfowl, making it an ideal spot for avian enthusiasts.

Walking Safaris

For those who want to experience the park on foot, walking safaris are available in designated areas. Accompanied by an armed guide, these safaris offer a unique perspective on the park’s flora and fauna, allowing visitors to learn about the smaller creatures, plants, and tracking techniques used by local guides.

Night Game Drives

Tarangire is one of the few national parks in Tanzania where night safaris are permitted. These nocturnal game drives offer a chance to see the park’s elusive nocturnal species, such as aardvarks, porcupines, and genets, as well as predators like lions and leopards as they hunt under the cover of darkness.

Wildlife Experiences

Tarangire National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity and offers some of the best wildlife experiences in Tanzania. The park is particularly famous for its large elephant populations, with herds numbering in the hundreds during the dry season. Visitors can also expect to see a variety of other wildlife species, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. The park is a haven for birdwatchers, boasting over 500 species of birds, including the Kori bustard, the heaviest flying bird, and the ostrich.

During the dry season, the Tarangire River becomes a vital water source, attracting a multitude of animals, including zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, and buffaloes. The concentration of wildlife around the river offers excellent game viewing opportunities, with predators often seen near the riverbanks. The park’s unique baobab trees and termite mounds add to the scenic beauty and provide interesting features for wildlife photography.