Tarangire National park
Explore Tarangire National park
Tarangire National Park is part of Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, which also includes Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the Serengeti National Park. Tarangire National Park, Tanzania’s sixth-largest, has abundant wildlife and excellent lodging options.
Tarangire National Park gets its name from the Tarangire River, which runs through it. The park has a total area of 2850 square kilometers and is known for its massive baobab trees and elephant herds. Thousands of animals congregate in the park during the dry season, which lasts from June to October, particularly along the banks of the river, which is the only source of water at the time.
Tarangire National Park is Tanzania’s most beautiful park, second only to the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. It is about 120 kilometers from Arusha and can be reached in less than three hours by jeep on a paved road. Many Masai shepherds with their grazing animals and local villages immersed in the typical African landscape can be seen along the way from Arusha to Tarangire. Tarangire is typically one of the first stops on many Northern Tanzania Safari tour, where guests frequently see zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, lions, and other mammals.
We recommend staying at least two nights in Tarangire and exploring the park during night safaris, walking safaris, or balloon safaris. At the park’s edge, you can visit a Masai boma, which is a great way to learn about Masai culture and traditions while immersing yourself in local customs and traditions.
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK WEATHER
The dry season, which lasts from June to October, is the best time to visit the park because many animals in search of water congregate around the Tarangire River and the Silale marsh.
Tarangire has a temperate and pleasant climate. The rainy season lasts from March to May (heavy rains) and November to December (light rains). It usually rains in the afternoon or at night, and only rarely all day.
The days are never too hot, and the evenings and mornings are refreshingly cool. Sunrise safaris should also be conducted warmly. The hottest months are January to March and October to December, when temperatures range between 17 and 29 degrees Celsius. The coldest months are April to September, when temperatures range between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius.
When to visit Trangire
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Tarangire National Park is best visited from June to October, during the dry season. It is an excellent time to observe migrating elephant herds as well as a variety of other large mammals. The vegetation becomes lush, and the animals congregate around water sources such as rivers, lakes, and water holes, allowing visitors to admire the majestic wildlife.
TARANGIRE FLORA AND FAUNA
The flora and fauna are stunning, with an ever-expanding bouquet of wild cats, birds, monkeys, apes, impala, giraffe, grants, lions, elands, zebra leopards, gazelles, banded mongooses, vervet monkeys, and African wild dogs inhabiting the expansive terrain of the park.
The park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 550 different bird species to discover, including saddle-billed storks, red-billed hornbills, pied kingfishers, and many more.
REASONS TO VISIT TARANGIRE
Tarangire has the largest concentrations of elephants in the nation. Around 5,000 of these gentle giants migrate to Tarangire during the peak migration period of July to October; you may occasionally see groups of 300 elephants at once.
Not only elephants travel across these plains during migration. There are also many other mammals to be found, such as lions, zebras, and antelopes. The vast grasslands and baobab trees give Tanzania’s national parks a rugged, “out of Africa” feel that is quite unique. It is a short, straightforward drive from Arusha, making it ideal for a quick safari of one or two days following a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro or other safaris throughout Tanzania.
Budget-Friendly Option. Tarangire is unquestionably the place to go if you don’t have the money for a safari trip in the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, or Ngorongoro Crater. Why not choose something less expensive when visiting these well-known national parks during peak season, when prices are typically through the roof for the average traveler? The sightings are even more impressive considering that thousands of Masai steppe animals congregate at the Tarangire River during the dry season. In fact, compared to just about anywhere on the entire continent, the park has the highest density of wildlife late in the dry season.
Space and privacy. Tarangire is generally less crowded than other parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro because it is not frequently a stop along the main safari route. If you’re lucky, you might spend hours exploring different parts of the park without coming across another vehicle. It is priceless to experience wilderness solitude in a personal African safari tent. It enhances your personal connection with nature and contributes to a more satisfying safari experience. While enjoying your meal, you could see elephants splashing around in the water and several giraffes seeking refuge from the blazing sun. The sounds of distant roars and high-pitched bird calls only serve to enhance this view.
Amazing Scenery. Taking in Tarangire’s breathtaking scenery is an experience in and of itself, in addition to the thrilling possibility of delighting in up-close encounters with wildlife. Imagine a landscape with majestic baobab trees and 500 square miles of woodlands, swamps, and anthill-dotted plains. You get the impression that you are in an idyllic African landscape when you are driving or walking through the undulating savannah plains. Hence, you can be sure that your camera will be busy clicking away.
Things to Do in Tarangire National park
Game Drives through Abundant Wildlife
Most people plan a safari adventure because they want to see wildlife. After all, seeing animals freely roaming in their natural habitat is an unforgettable experience. That is why you will be pleased to learn that Tarangire has the largest elephant population in northern Tanzania. There are also many zebras, giraffes, water buffalo, generuk, warthogs, and large predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas. If you plan your trip during the dry season (June to October), you will be able to see a plethora of wildlife. This is due to the Tarangire River being the only permanent source of water in the area, so they tend to congregate there all day.
Bird Watching
Over 500 different bird species can be found in Tarangire National Park, some of which are unique to that area only. Bateleur eagles, yellow-collared lover birds, hornbills, Helmeted Guinea fowls, Kori bustards, Pennant-winged Nightjars, Brown Parrots, Striped Swallows, and Huge Lappet-Faced Vultures are just a few of the common birds found in the park. Acacia glades, swamps, and areas close to the Tarangire River offer the best opportunities for bird watching.
Nature-guided walks
The best way to fully experience a safari is through guided nature walks. Visit the park’s top sights, go on foot explorations through the vast wilderness, and enjoy the cool, refreshing African breeze. The typical times for these nature-focused guided walks are early in the morning and late in the evening, just in time to see the famed African sunrise and sunset. An expert tour guide will be with you the entire time, and the activity lasts between one and three hours.
Cultural Visits
The Masai Steep is not too far from Tarangire National Park. Therefore, you can go to the local Masai people if you want to take a cultural safari. This is a well-known tribe of pastoral nomads that you have probably seen on postcards and photographs of Tanzania’s native tribes. They can be identified by their voluminous red and orange robes. In some instances, they go so far as to welcome guests by putting on their amazing jumping dance. You will see a different side of life there, one that exists beyond the confines of contemporary civilization. You can help the community by buying cherished souvenirs of your time in the African bush made by the locals.
