Tarangire National Park Overview
Located in Manyara Region Tanzania, Tarangire National Park is named after the Tarangire River, which flows through the park. This river serves as a crucial water source for wildlife, especially during the dry season. The park’s ecosystem supports the migration of wildebeest and zebras, attracting large numbers of animals during the dry months as they move from surrounding calving areas to the park’s water sources.
Tarangire is the perfect National Park for Safari experience, it covers an expansive 2,850 square kilometers (1,100 square miles) and features diverse landscapes, including granitic ridges, river valleys, and swamps. Its vegetation consists of Acacia and Combretum woodlands, seasonally flooded grasslands, and iconic baobab trees.
Video: Tarangire National Park Highlights
Wildlife in Tarangire National Park
Tarangire is renowned for hosting one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, with herds of up to 300 individuals. In addition to elephants, visitors may spot impalas, giraffes, elands, buffaloes, Bohor reedbuck, hartebeests, gazelles, and both greater and lesser kudus. Rare sightings include the fringe-eared oryx and gerenuk. Predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas are frequently observed, particularly in the park’s southern plains. Although rare, wild dogs and black rhinos have also been seen occasionally.
Birdlife at Tarangire National Park
Bird enthusiasts will find Tarangire to be a paradise, with over 500 species recorded. Among the notable species are the northern pied babbler and vulturine guineafowl. Visitors may also encounter vibrant yellow-collared lovebirds and the more muted rufous-tailed weaver and ashy starling, all of which are unique to northern Tanzania’s dry savannah. Migratory birds can be observed from November to April.
Best Time to Visit Tarangire National Park
The best time to visit this Tarangine and Tanzania as a whole is from July to March, offers the best wildlife viewing, particularly in September and October when large herds congregate around remaining water sources. During this period, animals are easily visible near the rivers and waterholes.
Safari Packages for Tarangire National Park
Visitors can explore Tarangire National Park through a range of safari options, including:
Best Places to Stay around Tarangire
Here are some of the best places you can stay in Tarangire
- Tarangire Simba Lodge
- Nimali Tarangire
- Sangaiwe Tented Lodge
- Tarangire Safari Lodge
- Tarangire Osupuko Lodge
How to Reach Tarangire National Park
From Dar es Salaam: The quickest route is a flight from Julius Nyerere Airport to Arusha Airport, followed by a drive to Tarangire.
From Zanzibar: Fly from Zanzibar Airport to Arusha and then drive to the park.
International Travelers: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, stay overnight in Arusha, and drive to Tarangire the next day.
Tips before visiting Tarangire National Park
Weather: The climate in Tarangire is cooler than in Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam, so pack accordingly.
Best Time to Visit: The dry season (July to mid-March) provides optimal wildlife viewing conditions. The wet season (March to mid-June) may make travel more challenging.
Photography: Bring your camera to capture the incredible wildlife experience and landscapes.
