Tarangire national park, Tanzania

Tarangire National Park is a protected area located in the Manyara Region of Tanzania, East Africa. It is named after the Tarangire River, which flows through the park and is a significant water source for wildlife during the dry season.

With a total surface area of 2,850 square kilometers, the park is composed of granitic ridges, river valley and swamp with a vegetation cover featuring Acacia woodland, combretum woodland, baobab trees and the seasonally flooded grassland. Also, Tarangire is part of a larger ecosystem that includes Lake Manyara National Park and other protected areas and efforts are made to maintain wildlife corridors and manage the ecosystem as a whole.

Attractions in Tarangire national park

During your trip to the park, there are lots of amazing attractions that you can sight for the best experience. Among these include the mentioned below;

Wildlife

Tarangire national park is known for its high concentration of wildlife, especially during the dry season (from June to October). It’s a haven for large herbivores like elephants, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, and various antelope species. Predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs can also be found in the park.

Birdlife

Tarangire is renowned for its diverse bird population, with over 550 bird species recorded. This makes it an excellent destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. Among the birds to spot during the visit include; the yellow-necked spurfowl, superb starling, rufous-tailed weaver, Northern red-billed horn, black-necked grebe, speckled pigeon, red bellied parrot, white faced whistling duck, Guineafowl and many others.

Landscape

The landscape of Tarangire is diverse, featuring open grasslands, swamps, riverine forests, and acacia woodlands. The iconic baobab trees are a prominent feature of the park’s scenery. As you drive through the park, enjoy the breathtaking views of the African savannah and the mountains located south of the park.

Baobab Trees

Tarangire is famous for its ancient baobab trees, which are some of the oldest and largest trees in Africa. These distinctive trees often serve as gathering points for wildlife especially predators.

Activities done in the park

Tarangire National Park in Tanzania offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy and explore the natural beauty and wildlife of the area. Among these include the detailed;

Game Drives

Game drives are the most common and popular activity in Tarangire. These guided tours, conducted by experienced safari guides, take visitors through the park in open-top vehicles, providing opportunities to observe and photograph the diverse wildlife. Among the animals to sight include; lions, elephants, zebra, waterbuck, giraffe, leopards, cheetah, caracal, honey badger, African wild dog, vervet monkey, olive baboon and many others.

Birdwatching

Tarangire is renowned for its rich birdlife, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. With over 550 bird species recorded in the park, including migratory birds, it’s a great destination for ornithological enthusiasts.

Night Drives (where permitted)

In some areas and under specific conditions, night drives may be permitted. This activity allows visitors to experience the nocturnal wildlife that is not typically visible during the day.

Picnicking

There are designated picnic areas within the park where visitors can stop for a meal or a snack. These areas often have basic facilities and provide a chance to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Balloon Safaris

Some tour operators offer balloon safaris, providing a unique and breathtaking perspective of the park’s landscapes and wildlife from above. This is typically followed by a champagne breakfast on the ground.

Photography Safaris

Tarangire’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife provide excellent opportunities for photography. Many tour operators offer specialized photography safaris led by experienced guides who understand the best angles and lighting for capturing memorable shots.

Hot Springs Visit

While not located within the park itself, the nearby Chemka Hot Springs are a popular side trip for visitors to Tarangire. These natural hot springs offer a refreshing place to swim and relax.

Accessibility of the park

The park is relatively easily accessible from Arusha, which is one of Tanzania’s major cities and serves as a gateway to many of the country’s national parks. The distance from the city to the park is approximately 140 kilometers and takes about 3 hours’ drive.

Accommodations of the park

There are several accommodation options available near Tarangire National Park, ranging from luxury lodges to more budget-friendly campsites. These accommodations offer a range of amenities and experiences, from guided safaris to cultural interactions. Among the lodges/hotels to opt for include; Tarangire Sopa lodge, Tarangire Simba lodge, Tarangire river camp, Tarangire treetops, Tarangire Balloon camp, Sangaiwe tented lodge, Nimali Tarangire lodge, Maramboi tented camp, Tarangire safari lodge and many others.

Best time to visit Tarangire national park

Tarangire national park can be visited any time throughout the year but the best time is the dry season which is on the months of June to October. This time creates an ideal condition for game viewing experience.

As you prepare your visit to Tarangire national park, it’s important to follow ethical and responsible tourism practices, such as respecting the wildlife and their natural habitats, and following the guidance of experienced guides and park authorities.