Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park offers beautiful scenery with lots of wildlife in Tanzania. The park has a high concentration of elephant herds, and ancient baobab trees. It covers an area of about 2,850 square kilometers, and comprises a diverse landscape of open grasslands, acacia woodlands, seasonally flooded grasslands, and rivers. The Tarangire River, provides water for wildlife during the annual dry seasons, bringing a high concentration of wildlife. 

Tarangire National Park is located in northern Tanzania and is about 118 kilometers, which is approximately a 2-hour drive from Arusha. Being part of the northern safari circuit, it is normally combined with safaris to other top destinations, such as Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti. 

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to October, since that is the time when wildlife comes to look for water at the Tarangire River, making for a spectacular game viewing. On the other hand, the park is still very much open to visits throughout the year. 

Here are some activities you can enjoy in Tarangire National Park:

• Game Drives: The best way to explore the park and see wildlife such as elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest. Morning and evening drives are especially rewarding.
• Bird Watching: With over 550 species of birds, Tarangire is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Look out for lovebirds, hornbills, starlings, and raptors.
• Guided Walking Safaris: Learn about animal tracks, insects, and plants with an armed ranger on a guided bushwalk (offered in some areas and lodges).
• Cultural Visits: Visit nearby Maasai or Datoga villages to learn about local traditions, crafts, and ways of life.
• Night Game Drives: Available at private concessions, these allow you to see nocturnal animals such as civets, genets, porcupines, and even leopards on the hunt.
• Photography Safaris: The baobab trees, river landscapes, and golden light offer incredible photography opportunities.

Tarangire National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and is especially known for:

• Elephants: The park is known to have very large populations of elephants, often having herds of up to 300. 
• Big Cats: Lions and leopards are commonly seen, particularly during the dry season.
• Ungulates: Giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, impalas, elands, and oryx roam the open plains.
• Birds: Over 550 species including ostriches, kori bustards, lilac-breasted rollers, hornbills, and fish eagles.
• Rare Species: Look out for fringe-eared oryx and the long-necked gerenuk.
• Other Wildlife: Baboons, vervet monkeys, warthogs, mongoose, and waterbucks.

Highlights include:

• Baobab Trees: Ancient giant trees that dot the landscape and are often used by elephants for bark and moisture.
• Tarangire River: A vital water source that attracts animals and birds alike, especially during the dry months.
• Predator-Prey Action: Especially from August to October, lions, leopards, and hyenas take advantage of the concentrated prey.

Here are some great places to stay in and around Tarangire National Park:

• Tarangire Treetops (Elewana Collection)
  Location: Eastern boundary of the park
  Description: Elevated luxury treehouses among baobab trees with panoramic views and a romantic atmosphere.
• Tarangire Safari Lodge
  Location: Inside the park
  Description: A classic tented lodge with great views over the Tarangire River and resident wildlife.
• Oliver’s Camp (Asilia Africa)
  Location: Southern part of the park
  Description: Intimate and adventurous luxury camp known for its excellent walking safaris and night drives.
• Sanctuary Swala Camp
  Location: Remote southern Tarangire
  Description: Luxurious tents nestled in a quiet, wildlife-rich part of the park.
• Baobab Tented Camp
  Location: Near the park entrance
  Description: A comfortable mid-range tented camp surrounded by baobab trees and close to game-viewing areas.
• Tarangire Ndovu Tented Lodge
  Location: Inside the park
  Description: A blend of comfort and wild experience, with excellent service and scenic surroundings.
• Lake Burunge Tented Lodge (Tanganyika Wilderness Camps)
  Location: Outside the park, near Lake Burunge
  Description: Offers access to both Tarangire and Manyara, with great views and affordability.
• Maramboi Tented Lodge
  Location: Between Tarangire and Lake Manyara
  Description: Stylish tented lodge with views of the Rift Valley and walking safaris.