Tarangire stands out among its peers thanks to an abundance of two of nature’s giants: African elephants and the peculiar baobab tree. Large predators and typical plains game are numerous throughout the dry season.
About Tarangire
Considered by many safari aficionados as Tanzania’s best-kept safari secret, the Tarangire National Park was proclaimed in 1970, enlarging the area of its predecessor to incorporate more of the greater Tarangire ecosystem. Tarangire is Tanzania’s 6th largest national park, encompassing an area of some 2850 km² (1100 mi²), nearly the size of the state of Rhode Island (USA) or Luxembourg (EU).
It is named for the Tarangire River which runs from south to north through the reserve. ‘Tarangire’ is said to mean “winding river of warthogs” and while these are plentiful, there is much more to the park that makes it a worthwhile destination.
Overlooked by many as one has to detour slightly from the ever-popular Northern Safari Circuit, the Tarangire National Park is a vast haven for species also found in the more popular national. It has several species not found in the other locations, such as the fringe-eared oryx
Highlights
Elephants
some 3000 elephants converge on Tarangire during the dry season, with herds up to 300 strong. Excellent sights year-round.
Baobab Trees
an abundance of these peculiar ‘upside-down trees’ are found within the park. Visitors can walk inside the “Poacher’s Hide” tree.
Bird-watching
A bird lover’s paradise, with over 500 species, including rare endemic species and summer migrants.
Rock Paintings
Hundreds of these artworks from prehistoric man can be found, particularly in the Kolo district, outside of the park.
Mini-Migration
Tanzania’s second largest migration occurs when wildlife converges on the Tarangire River during the dry season.
Unusual Species
Fringe-eared Oryx, the rare Coke’s hartebeests, long-necked gerenuk, dik-dik, grant’s gazelles, amongst others.
Predators
very good sightings of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and spotted hyenas. Also the possibility of highly endangered African wild dogs.
Different areas of the Tarangire
Activities
Game Drives
Setting out in the cooler hours of the day when the wildlife is most active, you will travel in a customized safari vehicle with an experienced guide in search of Africa’s big game. Full-day options are also available.
Night Game Drives
Permitted operators may offer night drives, where they will have the opportunity to view the park’s nocturnal species, such as civet and aardvark.
Walking Safaris
Permitted operators may offer walking safaris, where participants learn more about the plants and other finer details of the ecosystem.
Balloon Safaris
Drift quietly over the unsuspecting wildlife below in an early morning adventure that is truly unforgettable.
Bird-watching
With over 500 recorded species and numerous endemics and migratory visitors, the park is a bird lover’s paradise.
Wellness Treatments
Extend your sense of relaxation under the caring hands of trained therapists, incorporating traditional African treatments and familiar massage techniques.
Maasai and Barabaig Cultural Experiences
Visit traditional homesteads for a fascinating glimpse into these ancient cultures.
Rock Paintings
Take a day trip to the Kolo region nearby to view some of the hundreds of examples of prehistoric art adorning the rock formations.
Wildlife
Landscape
Tarangire reveals itself to visitors in a range of beautiful landscapes and habitats. The course of the Tarangire River is flanked by floodplains and stands of riverine forest. In the north of the park, rolling savanna gives way to hill country dotted with thick-trunked baobabs and expanses of mixed combretum and acacia woodland. Low-lying areas are inundated in the wet season, leaving verdant swamps and wetlands brimming with the buzz of insects and song of birds. On the grasslands, abandoned termite hills several metres high are modified as new homes for dwarf mongooses and other burrowing species. While after the rains Tarangire is lush green, it can get very dry. Between grasslands, granite ridges, valleys, swamps and forests, Tarangire is a complex system of habitats that appeals to humans and wildlife alike.
Weather and Climate
January & February – A dry spell occurs after the short rains. The exact timing is difficult to predict.
March – May – ‘Long rains’ – On most days, rain occurs, although it rarely rains the entire day. Cloudy skies are common. Cold fronts commonly roll in during April and May causing temperatures to get much colder.
June – October – Typically no rain with temperatures ranging between 26°C/79°F and 14°C/57°
November – December – ‘Short rains’ – Unreliable wet season lasting up to four weeks, with brief showers each day. Daytime temperatures average 28°C/82°F, cooling to 16°C/61°F at night.
Best Time To Go
- Dry Season
- Wet Season
From June until October, the dry season offers the best game viewing, as animals migrate into the park and concentrate along the river. Vegetation is also sparse, improving the visibility of the animals.
