Tarangire National Park is located in Northern Tanzania, is known for its stunning hilly landscapes, diverse wildlife, thick bushes, long grass and iconic baobab trees, Within the Greater Tarangire ecosystem, there is a lot of migratory movement hundreds of elephants migrate to the park’s Tarangire River. The park holds the real air of unveiled Africa specifically in the southern part of the park with big 4 out of the 5 big animals, pushing to south east of Lake Manyara national park.
A self-guided safari in this remarkable park allows you the freedom to explore at your own pace, making it an unforgettable adventure hence, With a reliable 4×4 vehicle, navigating the park’s varied terrain becomes comforting and durable as you traverse dirt roads, cross dry riverbeds, and navigate rocky paths. Ensure it has a pop-up roof for excellent wildlife viewing.
IS TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK WORTH VISITING?
Yes, it is,
Being one of the most seasonal parks in northern Tanzania, Tarangire has a lot of migratory movement within the greater Tarangire ecosystem. There are unimaginable large herds of different animals that move into the park which are attracted to the waters of Tarangire River. This enormous movement of wildlife though not as big as the more renowned Annual wildebeest Migration sees a large numbers of elephants, hartebeests, wildebeest, gazelles and zebras, in addition to several predators like lions and leopards, entering the park. Endeavor to make this park part of your safari in northern Tanzania as the vegetation is thin and dry offering very rewarding wildlife views.
WHAT TO SEE IN TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK?
LARGEST ELEPHANT POPULATION IN TANZANIA:
One of the key attractions that have made the Tarangire NP to become internationally popular is its largest elephant population which in fact is considered to be the highest in the whole of Tanzania. On the other hand, the arrival of the rains offers plenty of pastures and water which causes the animals to spread out across the park, however because of the large number of the elephants living here, it is still easy to spot these land giants even in the wet season.
WILDLIFE VIEWING:
This park offers habitat to plenty of wildlife like zebras, searching for underground streams in the dry river beds and herds of up to about 300 elephants can be found. The shrinking lagoons are gathered around by migratory wildebeest, eland, gazelle, impala, zebras, kudu, rhino, hartebeest buffalo and other smaller mammals. Also regularly spotted are the dry country antelopes like the long-necked gerenuk and fringe eared Oryx.
Mongoose colonies are often hosted by abandoned drifts (anthills). The thick vegetation usually hides the main predators that are always there but cannot easily be seen just like any other parks in northern Tanzania.
BIRDING IN TARANGI:
Enjoy spotting a large batch of colorful and exclusive bird species. Over 550 different bird species are housed within the swamps that are spread all over Tarangire. For bird lovers, who find themselves taken up for a long period of time, this makes Tarangire a famous safari destination for you. Some off the popular species here include: the crested francolins, hoopoes, yellow necked spurfowl, hornbills, guinea fowl, steppe eagles, brown parrots, the gigantic lappet-faced vulture, white-bellied go away bird, bateleur eagles, mousebirds, Kori bustards, yellow-collared lovebirds, bee-eaters, lilac breasted rollers, swifts, hammerkops, striped swallows and starlings.
THE GIANT BAOBAB TREE:
Another unique feature that can prevalent be seen in Tarangire National Park is the baobab tree also referred to as the Tree of Life. It is ‘gigantic’ in nature and can store within its trunk 300 litres and 1000 litres of water. They have a long life span and can survive up to six hundred (300) years. This tree is a significant source of food to various animals which normally feed on its edible seed. On the other hand, elephants sharpen their huge tusks on the bark of these trees.
According to the local tales it is said that these trees would easily move around the African continent, however their aimless movement annoyed God and he decided to plant them upside down to limit them from moving ever again.
THE SWAMPS:
The park comprises of an extensive network of swamps that are mainly found in the southern and eastern parts of Tarangire. These swamps offer habitat to a variety of birds and animals such as tree-climbing pythons, silale-swamp lions, African wild dogs, cape buffaloes, and even elephants. the Vulturine Guinea fowl, Donaldson-Smith’s nightjar, Yellow-collared lovebird, Great white pelican, White-faced Whistling-Duck, Mouse-colored penduline tit, Rufous-tailed weaver, Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Northern pied babbler, Von der Decken’s hornbill, Northern white-crowned shrike, Pink-breasted lark, Ostrich and Slate-colored boubou are some of the bird species that can be seen in such area.
SIGHTSEEING TRIPS:
As a dominant feature within this park, the Tarangire River stands out. Even when it is very dry, the park has thick vegetation with acacia shrubs and mixed woodland. The huge baobab trees that are scattered around in huge numbers make your safari trip a memorable one. There are a number of chances to explore the region on walk safaris even if the park is hidden and relatively unknown.
SELF-GUIDED TIPS IN TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Would you like to go on a self guided trip in Tanzania? Here are some important tips to know;
- Always remain in your vehicle unless given permission to do otherwise. If you get a flat tire, contact the number provided by the park for assistance.
- Refrain from leaning out of the window to take photos.
- Do not feed the wildlife and don’t leave food items unattended, especially if monkeys or baboons are present.
- Obey the speed limits of the park as wildlife have the potential to emerge from the bush unexpectedly. Elephants are particularly quiet, surprisingly so, and a good example of not judging a book by its cover
- Keep enough distance between you and the wildlife to avoid potentially dangerous situations.
- Familiarize yourself with the gates’ opening times and plan your safari route accordingly, accounting for the speed limit and factoring in extra time for remarkable animal sightings where you will linger longer.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
Unfortunately, many people identify a safari to Tarangire as a loner Safari, however visiting this park in the dry season will offer you remarkable wildlife views especially if you explore the southern part of the park.
During this dry season, Tarangire has the second-highest wildlife concentration of any Tanzanian National Park. From November to May, some of the game leaves the park, Herds of wildebeest and zebra head northwest to the Rift Valley floor and the vast open areas of the Maasai Steppe. Nevertheless, the best time will depend on your choice of activity.
HOW TO GET TO TARANGIRE
Tarangire is located 100 km southwest of Arusha the distance from Arusha to Tarangire National Park is approximately 140 km and about 7 km off the main Arusha – Dodoma Road, takes about two hours drive to access the park.
The turn-off at Kwa Kuchinja is signposted. The road is tarred and in perfect condition. Are you a bit nervous about driving in Tanzania? Then, this journey makes an excellent first easy start.
ACCOMMODATION
There are various accommodation facilities contained in and around Tarangire National Park whether it is luxury lodge, midrange, camp sites and others. Gather in a classic African bush camp owling and perhaps if you have been very quiet you will hear it too the relaxation and sightseeing of elephants passing through the camp. Camping options;
- Sanctuary Swala camp is located within one of the most secluded areas of this National Park the Sanctuary Swala Camp was established under the shades of huge acacia trees and offers uninterrupted views over the neighboring open Savannah land. It offers 12 lavish canvas tented rooms fitted with king size beds, cozy sofa and an en-suite bathroom. There is unlimited Wi-Fi in each room, a fully stocked bar to enjoy cocktails and in fact this is a true example of luxury in Tanzania’s wilderness. There is a swimming pool, a campfire as well as a spacious deck where guests can enjoy views of different wildlife from the comfort of their rooms.
- Maweninga camp is located on top of a high granite rock and overlooks Lake Manyara as well as Lake burunge. On a clear day you can enjoy views of the high Mount Kilimanjaro from here. This amazing facility offers eco-friendly accommodation and each of its tents is constructed on a raised wooden terrace for clear views. Boundary Hill Lodge
