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Tarangire National Park

Overview

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is renowned as the site of the great elephant migration, a spectacle unique to Africa’s safari parks. Located within Tanzania’s northern circuit, Tarangire National Park is strategically positioned along the route connecting Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservancy. Its name is derived from the Tarangire River, which flows through the park, providing vital watering holes for wildlife year-round. This constant water source attracts massive herds of animals, making it an exceptional destination for observing large mammals such as elephants and buffaloes. The park spans an area of 2,850 square kilometers, nestled between the Masai Steppe and the Great Rift Valley. Tarangire National Park serves as a pivotal stopover for safaris heading to Ngorongoro and Serengeti, allowing wildlife to roam freely throughout the year.

Attractions in Tarangire National Park

Wildlife

Tarangire National Park boasts a diverse array of wildlife, with elephants and buffaloes being prominent highlights. The park’s lush green plains attract thousands of wildebeests during dry spells, alongside gazelles, zebras, giraffes, impalas, hartebeests, and kudus. Predators frequent the Tarangire River to drink and hunt, including crocodiles, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, wildcats, and wild dogs. Additionally, the park is home to leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, wildebeests, zebras, various antelopes, and a variety of monkeys.

Birdlife

Tarangire National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, hosting over 500 recorded bird species. Among the notable species are the Vulturine guinea fowl and northern pied babbler, adapted to the park’s dryer conditions. Unique avian species include the yellow-collared lovebird and dabber rufous-tailed weaver. The park also features birds such as the Tawny Eagle, Red & Yellow Barbet, Red-Bellied Parrot, Ashy Starling, African Grey Flycatcher, Ostrich, Pink-Breasted Lark, Northern White-Crowned Shrike, Great White Pelican, and Donaldson Smith’s Nightjar.

Tarangire River

The Tarangire River serves as a crucial watering hole for all park animals year-round. Its banks are lined with swamps and verdant plains that attract numerous wildlife species. During dry periods, the river’s resources draw thousands of wildebeests and other wildlife from nearby parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro, enhancing the park’s ecological diversity and wildlife sightings.

Tarangire National Park stands as a testament to Tanzania’s rich biodiversity, offering visitors unparalleled opportunities to witness Africa’s wildlife and avian diversity in their natural habitats.

Activities

Activities in Tarangire National Park

Game Drives

Game drives in Tarangire National Park are an immersive experience divided into day and night sessions. Early morning drives commence at 06:00 am, followed by afternoon sessions starting at 1:00 pm. Night game drives, offering a glimpse into the nocturnal wildlife activities, are scheduled from 6:30 pm to 11:00 pm, under the enchanting backdrop of the sunset. These drives utilize open roof 4×4 vehicles and open-sided vehicles, ideal for capturing spectacular photographs during your safari. Wildlife sightings include African hunting dogs, spotted hyenas, bat-eared foxes, large herds of antelopes, zebras, Thompson’s gazelles, and the elusive tree-climbing lions. Additionally, encounters with bush babies, civets, aardvarks, leopards, dik-diks, bat-eared foxes, scrub hares, jackals, and mongooses are possible.

Night game drives require advance booking and involve an additional fee ranging from $50 to $100 per trip. Expect sightings of white-tailed mongooses, lions, hippos at watering holes, greater and Senegal galagos, common genets, civets, crested porcupines, owls, nightjars, and dikkops during these nocturnal adventures.

Bird Watching

Tarangire National Park is renowned for its rich birdlife, attracting over 500 species that thrive in its diverse ecosystems, including forests and riverine areas. The park is particularly noted for its dryer-country birds such as the Vulturine guinea fowl and northern pied babbler. The best months for bird watching are from November to July, although bird enthusiasts can enjoy sightings throughout the year.

Nature Walks

Nature walks in Tarangire National Park offer a refreshing opportunity to explore beyond the confines of a vehicle. Guided by park rangers, these walks can be either short or long and are conducted during daytime hours. Walks within the park focus on tracking wildlife and observing their behaviors up close, providing insightful experiences into the park’s ecosystem.

Outside the park, nature walks include cultural experiences like Maasai walking tours led by knowledgeable guides. These tours offer glimpses into the traditional Maasai warrior lifestyle, providing cultural immersion alongside natural exploration.

Balloon Safaris

The hot air balloon safaris in Tarangire offer a thrilling and unique perspective of the park’s landscapes, resembling a bird’s-eye view. These safaris operate primarily in the Grumeti and Seronera River regions of the park. The balloon rides commence early in the morning from 06:30 to 09:30 am, lasting approximately one hour. During the adventure, participants enjoy a bush breakfast amidst the serenity of the skies. The take-off experience mimics that of an airplane, offering a memorable and exhilarating journey above the African wilderness.

Where to Stay in Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park offers a variety of lodging options ranging from budget-friendly to luxurious accommodations, catering to different preferences and budgets:

Luxury

Elewana Tarangire Treetops
Ecoscience Center & Luxury Lodge
Ang’ata Tarangire
Kichuguu Camp
Acacia Tarangire Luxury

Midrange

Baobab Tented Camp
Roika Tarangire Tented Lodge
Tarangire Simba Lodge
Boundary Hill Lodge

Budget

Asmorein Hotel
Africa Safari Camping

Visitors can plan their stay for a duration of 2 days or longer depending on their itinerary and budget preferences.

Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit Tarangire National Park

The ideal time to visit Tarangire National Park depends on seasonal variations:

Visitors can explore the park year-round, with each season offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities. However, for optimal game viewing, it is recommended to visit during the dry season from mid-May to mid-October when wildlife congregates around water sources. The rainy seasons, particularly from January to March, may affect accessibility and wildlife sightings due to heavy rainfall.

Global warming has also influenced rainfall patterns, potentially altering seasonal conditions. Therefore, it’s advisable to check current weather forecasts and park conditions when planning your visit to Tarangire National Park.

How to Get There

How to Get to Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is conveniently accessed through Arusha town, approximately 2 hours away. Below are the transportation options available:

By Road

The most common and scenic route to Tarangire National Park is by road, taking approximately 2 hours from Arusha town or the park itself. The roads are generally in good condition, although closer to the Game Reserve, they may become gravel roads offering a bit of the “African Massage” experience. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended for comfort and ease of travel.

By Air

Air transportation to Tarangire National Park is available via scheduled or chartered flights from Serengeti or Arusha. Several airlines operate flights to nearby airstrips:

Coastal Aviation flies to Tarangire N.P.
Air Tanzania flies to Kilimanjaro
Zan Air flies to Arusha
Precision Air flies to Arusha and Kilimanjaro

Flights typically take about an hour to reach the park, depending on the departure point. Tarangire National Park boasts several airstrips, facilitating convenient access for travelers.

Location/ Map

Gallery

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