Tarangire National Park | Tanzania Wildlife Safaris

Tarangire National Park constitutes one of the most expansive 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 comprises acacia forest, baobab trees, Combretum woods, and seasonally inundated grassland. The expansive grasslands and Baobab trees generate a harsh, ‘Out of Africa’ ambiance that is notably unique among Tanzania’s national parks.

The park is located 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 flows through the park. Various wildlife species utilize the river as a principal water supply, particularly during the arid season.

Tarangire boasts some of the largest numbers of elephants in Africa, with herds comprising up to 300 animals. During the peak migratory period from July to October, approximately 5,000 of the above elephants will move 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 kinds of birds, notably lovebirds and the elusive starlings, among others.

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 very economical, as it falls outside the peak season while being relatively arid before the onset of the short rains. The off-peak season, from late November to May, is ideal for avian observation due to the region’s rainy, verdant, and lush environment.

Geographical position of Tarangire National Park

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 Tanzanian safari circuit en route to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti due to its relative seclusion. The park is partitioned into two gem-regulated zones, allowing species to traverse freely between them.

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 in Tarangire National Park is agreeable and moderate. The “Long Rains” from March to May and the “Short Rains” from November to December are the sole two wet seasons. Precipitation typically occurs in the afternoon and infrequently throughout 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 dry months. The afternoon temperature is 26°C (79°F). The days are clear, and the sky is serene. Nighttime temperatures decrease to approximately 14 degrees Celsius (57 degrees Fahrenheit).

Information regarding Tarangire National Park

Tarangire boasts some of the greatest elephant populations in the country. 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 notably unique among Tanzania’s national parks.
The destination is a brief drive from Arusha via paved roads, facilitating a straightforward approach, ideal for a short safari lasting one or two days following a Kilimanjaro trek or other safaris throughout Tanzania.

Activities and attractions 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-in camping safaris.

Nocturnal safari excursions

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 the stipulations and rules set down by TANAPA, such as Swala and Oliver’s camp, are permitted to conduct these drives.

Tarangire Balloon Safaris

Upon embarking on a hot air balloon flight over Tarangire, you will ascend above the trees of the park, affording a remarkable vantage point to observe wildlife, including lions, underneath you.

Bird watching

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 considered the optimal time for birdwatching annually. This will undoubtedly provide you with an intriguing lifelong experience.