Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Tarangire National Park is one of the largest parks in Tanzania, with an area of 2,850 square kilometers (1,100 square miles). The landscape features extensive valleys, mountains, and wetlands. The flora consists of acacia forest, baobab trees, Combretum woodland, and seasonally inundated grassland. The expansive grasslands and Baobab trees evoke a harsh, ‘Out of Africa’ ambiance that is notably unique among Tanzania’s national parks.
The park is a two-hour drive from Arusha, one and a half hours from Ngorongoro Crater, and four hours from Serengeti National Park. The park is situated near several locations, including Lake Manyara National Park. The name originates from the Tarangire River that traverses the park. Various wildlife species utilize the river as a principal water supply, particularly during the arid season.
Tarangire boasts some of the largest elephant populations in Africa, with herds comprising up to 300 individuals. From July to October, approximately 5,000 of these elephants migrate to Tarangire. One cannot overlook the substantial populations of giraffes, elands, Coke’s hartebeests, greater and lesser kudu, Bohor reedbuck, buffaloes, Thompson’s gazelle, zebras, the uncommon gerenuk, fringe-eared oryx, and a limited number of black rhinos; leopards, lions, cheetahs, and hyenas are also prevalent. There are more than 545 avian species, including lovebirds and the elusive starlings, among others.
Tarangire National Park Wildlife
In Tarangire, you will have the opportunity to observe a diverse array of wildlife. This park hosts one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, comprising many herds of up to 300 individuals each. Additionally, numerous impalas, elands, buffaloes, giraffes, Bohor reedbuck, Coke’s hartebeest, Thompson’s gazelle, larger and lesser kudu, and occasionally, the uncommon gerenuk and fringe-eared oryx are observed. A small population of black rhinos is believed to remain in this park. One will undoubtedly observe large congregations of elephants, together with wildebeests and zebras, in this location. Common species in Tarangire include leopards, lions, hyenas, and cheetahs, which are prevalent in the southern open regions. The wild dogs are observed infrequently.
Tarangire is home to approximately 545 recognized bird species. The vibrant yellow-collared lovebirds and the reticent starlings are abundant here, alongside other species.
Tarangire Wildlife Migration
Annually, from June to November during the dry season, Tarangire has a wildlife migration that, while less dramatic than the Serengeti’s Wildebeest Migration, attracts a considerable number of species. The Tarangire River, being the sole water source in this predominantly arid region, draws substantial populations of wildebeests, elephants, gazelles, zebras, hartebeests, buffaloes, and numerous predators, including lions, who congregate to drink and graze along its banks. From November to May, during the rainy season, zebras and substantial herds of wildebeests migrate northwest towards the Rift Valley bottom, joining numerous animals that traverse the expansive open regions of the Maasai Steppe, ultimately dispersing to Lake Manyara.
Tarangire national Park vegetation
The Tarangire River, a permanent watercourse, is the predominant feature of the area and the park is named after it. Several expansive marshes derive from some of its tributaries; nevertheless, these typically remain dry for the majority of the year and become exceedingly impassable during the rainy season.Tarangire Park is typically arid, even more so than the Serengeti; however, its flora is notably verdant, featuring abundant elephant grass, extensive mixed acacia woodlands, and remarkable strips of aquatic forest, alongside the majestic baobab tree, which can endure for up to 600 years while storing between 300 and 900 liters of water.
When is the best time to Visit Tarangire National Park
The best time to explore Tarangire National Park is the dry season, spanning from June to October. The optimal months for animal observation occur due to migratory patterns, and the short grasses facilitate game watching. The fauna congregate at the Tarangire River for hydration, facilitating effortless observations. To observe the large herds of elephants, one must visit the park during the latter part of the dry season (September/October).
November is often economical, as it falls outside the peak season while remaining relatively arid prior to the onset of the short rains. The low season, spanning from late November to May, is optimal for avian observation due to the region’s moist, verdant, and lush conditions.
Where is Tarangire National Park located
Tarangire National Park is situated in Northern Tanzania, immediately south of Lake Manyara National Park and a brief drive from Arusha. Tarangire is a favored destination for travelers traversing the northern Tanzania safari circuit en route to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti due to its relative seclusion. The park is partitioned into two gem-regulated zones, allowing wildlife to traverse freely.
The park is located between the Masai steppe grasslands to the southeast and the Great Rift Valley lakes to the north and west. The perennial River Tarangire is situated in the northern section of Tarangire, serving as the park’s vital resource, particularly during the arid season when the majority of the area is entirely desiccated.
Tarangire National Park Atmospheric Conditions and Climatology
The climate of Tarangire National Park is mild and temperate. The “Long Rains” from March to May and the “Short Rains” from November to December are the sole wet seasons. Precipitation typically occurs in the afternoon and infrequently at other times during the day. Temperatures never reach excessive heat; however, it can turn cool during the evenings and mornings. Warm clothing is recommended for morning game drives.
June, July, August, September, and October are the arid months. The afternoon temperature is 26°C (79°F). The days are serene and the sky is calm. The temperature decreases at night to approximately 14 degrees Celsius (57 degrees Fahrenheit).
Facts about Tarangire National Park
Tarangire possesses some of the largest elephant populations in the nation. From July to October, over 5,000 of these creatures come to Tarangire, with groups of up to 300 elephants occasionally visible simultaneously.
The expansive grasslands and Baobab trees evoke a harsh, ‘Out of Africa’ ambiance that is distinctly characteristic of Tanzania’s national parks. The destination is a brief drive from Arusha via paved roads, facilitating a relatively effortless journey, ideal for a short safari of one or two days following a Kilimanjaro trek or other safaris throughout Tanzania.
Activities and attractions in Tarangire National Park
Game Drive in Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park presents tourists with a diverse array of animal species; notably, it is home to the greatest herds of elephants, occasionally numbering approximately 300 individuals in a single group, making it one of the parks with the highest elephant density in Tanzania. If you reside outside the park boundaries, you may have the opportunity to partake in game drives, walking tours, and night safaris. Oliver’s Camp presently arranges walking trips and fly camping safaris.
Night game drive in tarangire National park
Are night game drives permitted in Tarangire? Night game drives are permitted in the park; however, not all lodgings provide these tours. Only entities that have adequately fulfilled all standards and rules set forth by TANAPA, such as Swala and Oliver’s camp, are permitted to undertake these campaigns.
Tarangire Balloon Safaris
Experience a hot air balloon flight above Tarangire, offering a unique vantage point to observe wildlife, including lions, as you glide over the park’s treetops.
Bird watching in Tarangire National Park
Bird watching is a highly favored activity at Tarangire National Park, which hosts over 500 species of birds, appealing to numerous avian enthusiasts. The park hosts some dry-country avian species within the limits of their distribution, including the northern pied babbler and vulturine guinea fowl. When visiting Tarangire, it is advisable to choose the wet season, specifically from February to March, as this period is optimal for birdwatching. This will undoubtedly provide you with a fascinating lifelong experience.