Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park: Background Info

Tarangire National Park boasts some of the highest animal densities and most stunning landscapes in Tanzania. Its proximity to Arusha makes it easily accessible, and it's often combined with the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, completing Tanzania's northern safari circuit. Tarangire is the sixth biggest park in Tanzania at 2,850 km². It takes its name - as well as its game wealth - from the Tarangire River which flows through the park, attracting elephants and many other animals.

Tarangire, with many African Elephants per square kilometers than any other national park in the country, lies about 120Km southwest of Arusha City. The Park got its name from Tarangire River that flows through the centre of the Park and form the dry season refuge for wildlife especially elephants! It is in this Park that visitors will be able to see threatened as well as endangered species ofsuch as ebony trees, Python, cheetah, elephants, African wild dogs, lesser and greater Kudu, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk and others. Birdlife in Tarangire is just Amazing ! About 550 species of birds have been recorded in the park, which is larger number of bird species than the famous Serengeti.

Tarangire National Park: Destination Preview

The Experience: Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is in northern Tanzania, just south of Lake Manyara. This is a protected area of colossal baobabs, grassy plains and huge herds of elephant. The park is one of the most underrated of Tanzania’s attractions, receiving just a fraction of the Serengeti’s visitors, which means more space and exclusivity for those who do make it to Tarangire.

As well as 300-strong herds of elephant, visitors will find big groups of buffalo and healthy populations of lion and leopard. During the dry season, Tarangire has the highest concentration of mammals in the country. There are wild dog and rare antelope such as gerenuk, plus more than 550 species of birds to spot throughout the year.

Tarangire is the ideal park for those who want to explore beyond game drives. Walk through the savannah to study the smallest creatures and learn about tracking animals. Soar through the sky in a hot-air balloon at dawn or head out on a night drive to find nocturnal wildlife.

Wildlife

Tarangire has some of the highest elephant populations in the country. During peak migration from July to October, around 5,000 of these gentle giants will migrate to Tarangire - you can sometimes see groups of 300 elephants at once. It's not just elephants that migrate across these plains. You'll also find plenty of other mammals including lions, zebras and antelopes. The vast grasslands and Baobab trees create a rugged, 'Out of Africa' feel that's quite distinct amongst Tanzania's national parks. Tarangire is home to some dry-country antelope, such as the rare fringe-eared oryx and peculiar, long-necked gerenuk. The swampy areas in the south of the park offer some interesting wildlife viewing opportunities including wallowing elephants and buffalo, the Silale Swamp lion pride and sometimes wild dog. Big pythons can sometimes be found in trees when the swamps are drying up.

Birdlife

The park boasts over 500 species of birds, including some species endemic to Tanzania. Away from the busier north, the southern end of the park is home to camps that specialize in walking safaris, allowing their guests to immerse their senses in the experience of exploring the African bush on foot. The park harbors several dry-country bird species at the extremity of their range, such as the northern pied babbler and vulturine guineafowl. Serious bird-lovers should also keep an eye open for flocks of the dazzlingly colorful yellow-collared lovebird, and the somewhat drabber rufous-tailed weaver and ashy starling – all restricted to the dry savannah of north-central Tanzania. Migratory birds are present from November to April.