Destination
Tarangire National Park
About the Park
Tarangire National Park, situated in northern Tanzania, is a gem offering a serene and authentic safari experience. It is renowned for its impressive large elephant herds, majestic baobab trees, diverse bird species, and tranquil atmosphere.
The 2600 square kilometers area makes it an all-year-round destination for game viewing. However, the spotlight of the park is during peak season (June to October) when most animals gather around Tarangire river to quench their thirst. Tarangire’s quiet ambiance and picturesque landscapes provide visitors with an immersive wildlife adventure.
Major Highlights
- Large Herds of Elephants
Ever wondered where you could do an elephant census? The answer is simply in Tarangire. The park is among the few destinations in Africa with the largest concentration of elephants, with herds of up to 300 members.
- Giant Baobab Trees
An exclusive feature in the park is the presence of the African baobab tree (Adansonia digitata). These massive trees that can exist for 1000 years provide essential resources for wildlife, including water stored in their trunks (not less than 300 litres of water).
- Diversity Birdlife
The park hosting more than 500 bird species is truly a bird’s paradise.
The park is home to hornbills, yellow-collared lovebirds, bateleur eagles, mousebirds, vultures, starlings, Kori bustards (the heaviest flying bird in Africa), and the famous Masai Ostrich. And those are just a few of them!
- Wildlife Migration
Tarangire experiences a unique annual wildlife migration, particularly notable during the dry season (June to November). During this period, the Tarangire river becomes the primary water source, attracting a diverse array of wildlife including elephants, wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, hartebeest, and buffaloes.
Unlike the Great Migration, Tarangire’s migration is characterized by a large number of animals converging around the riverbanks for water and grazing. When the wet season begins, these animals especially zebras and wildebeests, migrate northwest towards the Rift Valley floor.
- Silale Swamp
The Silale Swamp, located in the southern park, is a seasonal water catchment system.
During the wet season, it retains water, providing essential resources for various wildlife, including elephants, lions, and numerous bird species. In the dry season, the swamp loses its moisture, illustrating the dynamic nature of this ecosystem.
Wildlife
The most common animals residing in the park include;-
Elephants, wildebeests, lions, zebras, buffalos, monkeys, Thompson’s gazelles, hyenas, giraffes, hartebeest, elands, cheetahs, pythons, impalas and leopards.
Key Activities
- Day and Night Game Drives
Tarangire offers spectacular day and night game drives throughout. However, for night game drives, it is recommended to book with proper accommodation properties that arrange these tours
- Balloon safaris
A hot air balloon safari is a perfect way of exploring Tarangire’s stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and large elephant populations from the sky
