Tarangire National Park
- The only enduring water for flora and fauna in the area
- Wildlife sanctuary in Northern part of Tanzania
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Tarangire National Park is a stunning wildlife sanctuary in northern Tanzania, known for its large herds of elephants, iconic baobab trees, and diverse wildlife. The park's lush landscape is nourished by the Tarangire River, attracting animals like lions, zebras, giraffes, and wildebeests, especially during the dry season. It's a serene and less-crowded alternative to nearby Serengeti, offering rich game-viewing experiences year-round.
National park in Tanzania‘s Manyara Region. The name of the park originates from the Tarangire River that crosses the park. The Tarangire River is the primary source of fresh water for wild animals in the Tarangire Ecosystem during the annual dry season. The Tarangire Ecosystem is defined by the long-distance migration of wildebeest and zebras. During the dry season thousands of animals concentrate in Tarangire National Park from the surrounding wet-season dispersal and calving areas.
It covers an area of approximately 2,850 square kilometres (1,100 square miles.) The landscape is composed of granitic ridges, river valley, and swamps. Vegetation is a mix of Acacia woodland, Combretum woodland, seasonally flooded grassland, and baobab trees.
Best Time to Visit
We recommend that June to October
is the best time to visit Tarangire National Park. The region experiences its dry season during this month, which creates the ideal conditions for optimal game viewing. But this is not to say that any other months outside this period are a no-go – far from it!
This national park is a great destination to enjoy year-round. When to visit Tarangire National Park depends on what activities and experiences you’d like to enjoy during your travels. Use our month-by-month guide below to see which time of the year is best for you to travel to this hidden gem in Tanzania
April and May usher in the peak of Tarangire’s wet season
where the park sees heavy downfall and the risk of malaria is at its highest. It’s not all doom and gloom though. This period coincides with the region’s low tourist season, which means you can take advantage of the cheaper accommodation rates and fewer crowds. Birdwatching is excellent at this time, and game viewing is good, although you won’t see as many animals as you would in the dry season. This is largely due to the dense vegetation making it difficult to spot game, as well as dry season game, such as oryx and gerenuk, migrating out of the park.
For optimal game viewing conditions, June to October
is when to visit Tarangire National Park. Falling in the region’s dry season, the vegetation thins out, making it much easier to spot wildlife, and the rapidly depleting water supply leaves only a handful of water sources for animals to gather around – namely, the Tarangire River and the swamps of the river valley.
When travelling to Tarangire in the dry season, you could see the region’s most famous attraction, the tree-climbing lions, as well as leopards, wildebeest, giraffes, zebras, spotted hyenas, and elephants. And the cherry on top is that mosquito and fly populations are at their lowest from June to October – meaning, the risk of malaria is also at its lowest and there’ll be no annoying pests buzzing around your head!
November and December are the start of Tarangire National Park’s green season.
The landscape receives its first drops of rain in months, bringing the terrain to life. The vegetation transforms from dull, lifeless browns to vibrant, lush greenery. Flowers start to bloom, and acacia and baobab trees are revived. Animals bring new life into the world, and migrant birds return. In a nutshell, Tarangire National Park is reborn during this period, and it is a magical sight to behold in person.
Exceptional
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Iconic Baobab Trees:
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Elephant Population:
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Diverse Wildlife:
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Birdwatching Paradise:
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Scenic Landscapes:
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Exclusive Safari Experience:
Tarangire is famous for its iconic baobab trees that dot the landscape, creating a surreal and picturesque scenery. These ancient trees, also known as the “upside-down trees,” are a symbol of Africa’s wilderness and are particularly striking against the African savannah backdrop.
Tarangire is renowned for its large population of elephants, with some of the highest densities of these majestic creatures in Tanzania. Visitors can witness herds of elephants congregating around water sources, bathing, and interacting with each other, providing unforgettable wildlife encounters.
In addition to elephants, Tarangire National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, and various antelope species such as impalas, gazelles, and greater kudus. The park’s varied habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and swamps, support a rich biodiversity.
With over 500 bird species recorded within its boundaries, Tarangire is a paradise for birdwatchers. From colourful bee-eaters and kingfishers to majestic raptors and ostriches, the park offers excellent birdwatching opportunities year-round.
Beyond its wildlife, Tarangire boasts stunning landscapes characterized by vast open plains, rocky outcrops, and ancient baobab trees. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the park’s diverse habitats, especially from elevated viewpoints.
Compared to other parks in northern Tanzania, such as Serengeti and Ngorongoro, Tarangire offers a quieter and more exclusive safari experience. With fewer crowds, visitors can enjoy a more intimate and immersive wilderness experience.
Overall, Tarangire National Park offers a unique blend of wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences, making it a must-visit destination for safari enthusiasts and nature lovers exploring Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.
Activities
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Game Drives:
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Hot Air Balloon Safaris:
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Walking Safaris:
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Birdwatching:
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Night Drives:
Embark on guided game drives through the Tarangire diverse habitats, where you can spot the Big Five and other wildlife in their natural environment. Game drives can be done in open-top safari vehicles, allowing for excellent viewing and photography opportunities.
Experience the Tarangire from a unique perspective by taking a hot air balloon safari. Drifting silently above the savanna at dawn provides breathtaking views of the landscape and wildlife below along Tarangire river and across the few plains
Explore Tarangire on foot with experienced guides, offering a different perspective and a chance to observe the smaller details of the ecosystem, such as tracks, plants, and insects.
Tarangire is a habitat to a wide variety of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Look out for colourful species like lilac-breasted rollers, secretary birds, and various raptors.
Experience the Tarangire after dark on a guided night drive, where you can search for nocturnal animals such as lions, leopards, hyenas, and smaller mammals like genets and civets.
