Tarangire National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the world, with a diverse landscape consisting mainly of low hills punctuated by huge areas of swamp that feed into rich grasslands. Gigantic baobab trees dominate the savannah and play an essential role in the ecosystem as they provide shelter for bees, birds and bats. In addition, they provide fruit and water for the animals, especially during the dry season.
Tarangire National Park is approximately a 2-hour drive from Arusha and is therefore easily accessible all year round, although the dry season is the ideal time to visit. During this time, you will observe huge processions of animals heading to quench their thirst along the Tarangire River. Wildebeest and zebra are just two of the species that migrate in large groups to this blessed land.
Stretching along both banks of the Tarangire River, this 2600 km² park is renowned for its exceptional concentrations of wildlife. The last census is impressive: 3,000 elephants, 30,000 impalas, 25,000 wildebeest and 6,000 buffaloes, to give just a few figures. It is also a park rich in cats and birds as well as several species that are almost impossible to find in other parks in Tanzania, including oryx, eland and lesser kudu.
For those who enjoy seeing the fauna and flora up close, walking safaris can be organized in the southern part of the park.
Best time to visit Tarangire National Park
The best time visit Tarangire National Park is during the dry season from June to October, when the wildlife are at their most concentrated. As vegetation thins and animals gather around the Tarangire River, the only remaining water source, you’ll have incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.
The wet season (November to December and March to May) is the best time for birder watching as the summer migrant birds arrive and other species show off their bright breeding plumage. However, most of the big game will be in hiding and you may experience heavy downpours and many mosquitoes.
Top highlights
- One of the biggest elephant populations in northern Tanzania.
- Highly concentrated wildlife viewing during the dry season.
- Excellent birdwatching opportunities.
- Night safaris and walking safaris available.
- Unique luxury lodges and camps.
- Spectacular scenery famed for its ancient baobab trees.
