TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park in northern Tanzania is among the most famous national parks in the country. The Park is named after the Tarangire River. The Tarangire River flows through the Park, giving wildlife a crucial water source during the dry season. Tarangire National Park covers an area of about 2850 square kilometres. The Park is known for the availability of giant baobab trees and large elephant herds along the Tarangire River and the whole Park. In addition to elephants, visitors can spot giraffes, lions, zebras, and many other animals. The Park is also home to over 550 species of birds, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. For an unforgettable Tanzania safari tour, come and explore this fantastic destination.

Attractions found in Tarangire National Park

Giant Baobab Trees

The Baobab tree, the Adansonia digitata, is famous in Tarangire National Park in Tanzania. They can live up to 300 years and grow trunks reaching more than 100 feet in circumference. They have spent quite some time on the planet and seen much history. So, if only they could talk, they would surely be exciting storytellers! Aside from their impressive size and age, baobab trees also play an essential role in the local ecosystem. They provide shelter and food for various animals, including elephants, baboons, and birds.

Tarangire River

The Tarangire River is a popular attraction for tourists who explore and witness the incredible wildlife in Tarangire National Park. It is one of the most critical water sources for the park’s wildlife, especially during the dry season when other water sources dry up. The river is home to various aquatic animals, including crocodiles, hippos, and fish. Apart from the wildlife, the river is also a beautiful sight, with its clear waters cutting through the park’s lush greenery. Visitors to Tarangire National Park can enjoy game drives along the river banks to spot various animals coming to drink from its waters.

Seasonal wildlife Migration

One of the attractions of Tarangire National Park is the seasonal wildlife migration. During the dry season, large herds of animals move into the park to search for water and green pastures. The park becomes a hub of wildlife activity during this time, attracting predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, who follow the herds to hunt for prey. During this time, visitors experience fantastic game-viewing opportunities. Keep in mind that this is not the same with the Great Wildebeest Migration that takes place in Serengeti National Park.

A huge population of Elephants

Tarangire National Park is known for its significant population of elephants, which is one of its major attractions. The park is named after the Tarangire River, which flows through it and provides water to wildlife during the dry season. Tarangire National Park is known for its large elephant population, estimated to be around 3,000. Tarangire’s enormous elephants are considered one of the park’s iconic attractions. Apart from elephants, the park is also famous for its giant baobab trees, and it is home to other wildlife species, including lions, leopards, giraffes, and buffalos. Visit Tarangire and enjoy a game drive in the park and other activities.

Things to do in Tarangire National Park

Day Game Drive

A day game drive in Tarangire National Park is a popular visitor activity. It involves taking a guided tour through the park in a safari vehicle, usually a 4×4 truck, to view and observe the diverse wildlife in the park. The game drive typically takes place from the morning to the afternoon or evening, depending on your time. Visitors can expect to see animals like elephants, giraffes, lions, zebras, and many more. Therefore, the game drive is a great way to experience the park’s beauty and get close to some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife, including the elephants.

Bird Watching

Birdwatching in Tarangire is a truly unique experience. The park is home to over 550 bird species and many different birds! Some popular birds to look for include ostriches, vultures, eagles, and bee-eaters. The swamps and wetlands in the park are especially great for birdwatching, as they attract various birdlife. One of the best things about birdwatching in Tarangire is that you never know what you might see – with so many species in the park, there’s always a chance of spotting something new and exciting. Whether you’re an experienced birder or just starting, Tarangire is a place worth visiting if you’re interested in birdwatching.

Night Game Drive

Tarangire National Park is one of the few parks in Tanzania that allows night game drives. As the sun sets, the nocturnal animals of Tarangire National Park start to become active. This unique experience allows one to spot nocturnal animals and observe the park’s wildlife behaviour after dark. Night game drives in Tarangire National Park can be an incredible experience for wildlife enthusiasts. During the day, many animals take shelter from the hot sun, but at night, they come out to hunt, drink water and socialize. On a night game drive, visitors can witness the park’s nocturnal animals in action, including leopards, hyenas, civets, genets, and much more.

Balloon Safari

Balloon safari in Tarangire National Park is a unique experience. During the Balloon safari tour, you will get to witness the breathtaking beauty of the park from above and the opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife. As you fly, you can spot herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and other animals gathering in their natural habitats. The Tarangire River adds to the park’s beauty as it winds through the grasslands and provides water for the animals. The best time to take a balloon safari is early morning when the park is most active, and the sunrise paints the sky in beautiful hues. It’s truly an unforgettable experience that you don’t want to miss!

Walking Safari

A walking safari in Tarangire National Park is an unforgettable experience. It is a guided tour where you walk through the park’s vast and beautiful landscapes, observing animals and learning about the local flora and fauna. One of the great things about the walking safari is the level of intimacy it provides with the environment. You can hear the sounds of nature up close and smell the scents of the bushland. Walking through the park, you will gain knowledge of the wildlife and the surrounding ecosystem. Walking safaris in Tarangire National Park are usually conducted early in the morning and late in the afternoon when the animals are most active.

How to get to Tarangire National Park

There are two ways to get to Tarangire National Park: by road or by air. If you choose to drive, you’ll have to cover a distance of 121km from Arusha city. Alternatively, you can catch a flight from Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport to Kuro Airstrip, located within the park.