Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is the 6^th largest National Park in Tanzania and covering an area of 2,600 square kilometers. The park lies between the fields of Masai Steppe to the south east and the lakes of the Great Rift Valley to the north and west. The park is located a 3-hour drive from Arusha. Within the northern part of Tarangire is the permanent River Tarangire also known as the life-line of the park particularly in the dry season when most of the region is totally dry.

A Complete Overview

Location and Accessibility

Location: Northern Tanzania, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) southwest of Arusha.
Coordinates: Latitude 3°50′S, Longitude 36°0′E
Size: Approximately 2,850 square kilometers (1,096 square miles).
Accessibility:
- By Road: A 2-3 hour drive from Arusha. It is also part of the popular northern safari circuit, making it easily accessible from Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro.
- By Air: Small aircraft flights are available to the nearby Kuro Airstrip.

Key Features and Ecosystems

Tarangire River
This perennial river flows through the park and is the primary water source for wildlife during the dry season. The river attracts large congregations of animals, especially elephants, zebras, and antelopes.

Baobab Trees
The park is famous for its ancient baobabs, also known as the “Tree of Life.” These iconic trees dominate the landscape and provide food and shelter for wildlife.

Wetlands
Seasonal swamps and wetlands in the park are crucial for birdlife and aquatic species, creating diverse ecosystems.

Grasslands and Woodlands
Open savannahs, dotted with acacia trees, and dense woodlands support a wide variety of wildlife.

Birds in Tarangire

Notable Birds: Kori bustards, hornbills, secretary birds, lovebirds, and ostriches.

Wetland Birds: Flamingos, pelicans, and storks are common around the swamps.

With over 500 bird species, Tarangire is a paradise for birdwatchers.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit depends on your interests:

Dry Season (June to October): Ideal for wildlife viewing as animals gather around the Tarangire River. Vegetation is sparse, making it easier to spot wildlife.
Wet Season (November to May): The landscape becomes lush, and birdlife is at its peak due to migratory species. However, wildlife is more dispersed.

Accommodations

Tarangire offers a variety of accommodations, catering to different budgets and preferences:

Luxury Lodges
- Tarangire Treetops: Unique treehouse-style accommodations.
- Sanctuary Swala Camp: High-end tented camp in a remote location.
Mid-Range Lodges and Camps
- Tarangire Safari Lodge: Offers excellent views of the Tarangire River.
- Sangaiwe Tented Lodge: Comfortable tents near the park boundary.
Budget Options
- Public campsites and eco-friendly lodges for cost-conscious travelers.
Mobile Camps
Seasonal camps that follow the migration patterns within the park.

Why Visit Tarangire National Park?

Unmatched Elephant Viewing: With large herds, the park offers some of the best elephant encounters in Africa.
Diverse Landscapes: From baobabs to wetlands, the park’s scenery is unique and varied.
Less Crowded: Compared to Serengeti and Ngorongoro, Tarangire provides a more serene safari experience.
Birdwatcher’s Paradise: The park is one of the best locations for spotting both resident and migratory birds.

Attractions of the Park

This park is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa in which the herds congregate in the park during the dry season from June to October.

In addition, there are large numbers of impalas, elands, buffaloes, giraffes, Bohor reedbuck, Coke’s hartebeest, Thompson’s gazelle, the greater and lesser kudu etc.

Enjoy night game drives in one of the few parks that provide such an activity and experience another sense of the wildlife interaction of nocturnal animals.

Wonder on the ancient and majestic Baobab trees that are spread out all over the park.

Uniqueness of the park

The Tarangire National Park is most popular for its large elephant herds and mini-wildlife migration that takes place during the dry season which sees about 250,000 animals enter the park. The park is also a very spectacular place for birding, boasting around 500 diverse and unique bird species. The giant baobab tree known as the Tree of life is another unique feature found in the park.