Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is a highly frequented protected area situated in northern Tanzania, south of Lake Manyara National Park. The national park, founded in 1970, encompasses an area of 2,850 square kilometers, featuring grassy plains, savannah, mixed forest vegetation, baobab, and acacia trees, rendering it an optimal site for wildlife observation. Tarangire National Park is renowned for its substantial populations of elephants, as well as various other species including greater and lesser kudu, bushbucks, impalas, elands, gazelles, buffaloes, waterbucks, and other bird species. The term Tarangire is taken from the river’s name, originating from the Wambugwe tribe, and signifies the meandering nature of the Tarangire River, a perennial water source that flows from south to north, offering sanctuary to various wildlife species.

Attractions in Tarangire national park

Wildlife

Tarangire National Park hosts a diverse array of wildlife, including substantial herds of elephants, zebras, elands, impalas, greater kudus, hartebeest, buffaloes, gazelles, warthogs, wild dogs, long-necked gerenuks, fringe-eared oryx, dik-diks, giraffes, lions, and wildebeests.

Birds

Tarangire National Park is home to approximately 550 bird species, establishing it as one of Tanzania’s premier birding destinations. The park hosts a variety of bird species, including migratory, aquatic, and endemic species, such as the helmeted guinea fowl, white-bellied go-away bird, yellow spurfowl, crested francolin, striped swallows, kori bustard, bateleur eagles, lilac-breasted roller, and yellow-collared lovebirds.

Tarangire River

This is a perennial water feature that traverses the park from south to north. The river’s name derives from “Tara,” a Mbugwe term meaning river, and “Ngire,” a Hadzabe term meaning warthog. The Tarangire River serves as a sanctuary for substantial herds of elephants, warthogs, and several other species, including wildebeest, zebras, buffaloes, gazelles, lions, and leopards, who congregate at the riverbanks to hydrate, particularly during the arid season.

 Activities in Tarangire National Park

Game drive

The game drive is a primary activity conducted in Tarangire National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife species. A game drive is conducted in a pop-up roof safari vehicle, ideally in the early morning to observe predators before they retreat to their hiding spots, and in the late evening to witness animals returning to their resting locations. During the game drive, you will have the opportunity to observe substantial herds of elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, impalas, lions, wild dogs, waterbucks, bushbucks, elands, many avian species, appreciate stunning landscapes, diverse flora types, and sunrise, as well as capture clear photographs, among other experiences.

Guided nature walk

A guided nature walk is an exciting activity in which tourists exit their vehicles to explore the park on foot. Nature hikes in the park typically occur in the morning and late evening, accompanied by an armed park ranger for safety against any threats. On the nature walk, you will traverse various trails in the park, allowing for intimate encounters with diverse wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, elephants, buffaloes, impalas, and waterbucks. You will also experience the refreshing breeze, admire the picturesque landscapes, witness the sunrise or sunset, observe various plant and tree species, and enjoy the melodies of singing birds, among other delights.

Bird watching

Tarangire National Park is home to over 550 bird species, including aquatic, endemic, and migratory birds, establishing it as one of Tanzania’s premier birding sites. The park features prime birdwatching locations, including swamps, acacia plains, woodlands, and areas adjacent to the Tarangire River. During birding excursions, one should observe various avian species such as the northern pied babbler, vulturine guineafowl, yellow-collared lovebird, rufous-tailed weaver, ashy starling, African grey flycatcher, great white pelican, ostrich, pink-breasted lark, slate-colored boubou, Donaldson Smith’s nightjar, bare-faced go-away bird, and mouse-colored penduline tit, among others.

Hot air balloon

A hot air balloon ride is an exhilarating and thrilling activity that should not be overlooked while your safari in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania. The hot air balloon tour commences at approximately 6:00 AM and lasts for about one hour, offering breathtaking vistas of the park, treetops, sunrise, and wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and other vibrant bird species. Following the hot air balloon experience, you will receive a certificate, have a bush breakfast, and participate in further engaging activities.

Cultural trip

A cultural tour is an engaging activity in the park that allows visitors to explore the neighboring villages. On the cultural tour, you will visit a Maasai village, engage with the Maasai people, and gain insights into their culture of nomadic pastoralism, traditions, lifestyle, and attire. You will have the opportunity to purchase handcrafted souvenirs from locals, enjoy traditional dances and music, listen to ancient narratives, and sample various local dishes, among other activities.

Best time to visit Tarangire national park

Tarangire National Park is accessible year-round, although the optimal period for visitation is during the dry season from June to October. In the dry season, reduced rainfall in the park results in shorter vegetation, facilitating clear visibility of various creatures.

Tarangire National Park is accessible throughout the rainy season, namely from March to May and in November, as this period is optimal for observing migratory bird species.

Accommodations for your safari in Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park offers a diverse array of accommodation options for your safari, including luxury, mid-range, budget, and campground amenities. The accommodations comprise Tarangire Sopa Lodge, Tarangire Simba Lodge, Tarangire River Camp, Maramboi Tented Camp, Eco Science Lodge, Sangaiwe Tented Lodge, Tarangire Acacia Luxury Camp, Lake Burunge Tented Camp, Angata Tarangire Camp, Nimali Tarangire, Tarangire Safari Lodge, Swala Camp, Roika Tarangire Tented Camp, Olivers Camp Asilia Africa, Naitolia Eco Lodge, Mawe Ninga Tented Camp, Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge, Burunge Tented Lodge, Balloon Camp, Tarangire Kichuguu Camp, Kikoti Tented Camp, Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp, Baobab Tented Camp, Tarangire Osupuko Lodge, and Tarangire Kuro Treetops Lodge, among others.

Directions to Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is situated in northern Tanzania and is accessible via both air and road transportation.

Air travel entails booking regular or chartered flights from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, or Serengeti National Park to many airstrips within the park, including Tarangire Airstrip or Kuro Airstrip. Your tour operator can arrange flights to Tarangire National Park.

Traveling by vehicle requires around two hours from Arusha town to the park headquarters, two hours from Lake Manyara, and four hours from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area via a paved road. As Tarangire National Park is part of the northern circuit, it can be visited in conjunction with other parks, including Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, among others.