Tarangire National Park- Tanzania Tarangire National Park

 

Tarangire National Park National Park is one of the best national parks in the northern Tanzania safari circuit. It’s a vast beautiful park named after the Tarangire River which crosses the park and serves as the main source of water to wildlife in the dry season.

Tanzania Tarangire National Park (2,850km2 land area) holds a spectacular African landscape featuring; granitic ridges, swamps, river valley, seasonally flooded plains well as the massive Baobab trees in the south within mixed acacia woodlands.

Famously, Tarangire park is well-known for holding the biggest Elephant herds in Africa!  Travelers on Tarangire National Park safaris will also spot amazing large herds of Zebras, Cape Buffalos, Wildebeests, Giraffes, Waterbucks, Grant’s Gazelles, Elands, Olive baboons, etc. Wildlife sightings of predators like Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, Honey badgers & Caracals are spotted on rare occasions.

It’s easy for travelers on Tanzania safaris to combine Tarangire safari tours with wildlife viewing safaris in Lake Manyara National Park & Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Travelers can visit Tarangire National Park any season of the year since the weather in Tarangire National Park is pleasant year-round.

Tarangire boasts numerous attractions and many activities for visitors on wildlife safaris in Tanzania. Why not explore it?

Tarangire National Park History

Established in 1957 as a game reserve, the park was gazetted as a national park in 1970. The aim was to protect the wildlife in this region from the hunting activities.

Where is Tarangire National Park Located?

Just a short drive from Arusha and situated among the northern parks of Tanzania, Tarangire National Park is situated south of Lake Manyara National Park with an altitude of about 985-1,528m above sea level. Due to its strategic location, Tarangire safari park attracts many travelers as they make their way through Northern Tanzania on safari to Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park.

Moreover, the park is positioned between the Great Rift Valley lakes to the north and west and the Masai steppe meadows to the south east. In the northern part of Tarangire is the permanent River Tarangire, which is considered the park’s lifeline, particularly during the dry season when the majority of the area is parched.

It’s about a 2-hour drive from Arusha to Tarangire National Park.

Tourist Attractions in Tarangire National Park

Tourists undertaking Tanzania Tarangire National Park safari tours will explore various tourist attractions in Tarangire National Park such as wildlife, the rich birdlife, and Baobab trees, among others.

The top tourist attractions found in Tarangire National Park in northern Tanzania you should explore for a memorable trip;

1. Game Animals in Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is among the best national parks to go for Tanzania wildlife viewing safaris. The park inhabits many animals which are best spotted during the dry season around water holes.

During the dry season, migratory herds of migrating Zebras, Wildebeests, Cape Buffalos, Impalas, Kudus, Gazelles, Gerenuk, Coke’s Hartebeest, Fringe eared Oryx, as well as Elands crowd around the shrinking lagoons. Lucky visitors can encounter predators like Lions, Bat-eared foxes, Black-backed jackals, and dwarf mongoose colonies in abandoned termite mounds.

The mentioned Tarangire National Park animals are most spotted during the early morning game drives in the beautiful golden plains. Night game drives are also possible to spot wild animals active in the night.

2. Beautiful Birds in Tarangire Tanzania Park

Over 500 bird species dwell in Tarangire National Park and among these include; water birds, savannah birds, and even woodland birds. Several bird watchers on birding tours in Tarangire spot most birds on bush walks but, some areas are strictly for safari drives.

Among the most sought-after species of birds in Tarangire safari park are the black-necked weaver, Red-billed hornbill, Northern white-crowned shrike, Red-and-yellow barbet, and White-headed buffalo weaver. Other common birds; Bare-faced go-away birds, African grey flycatchers, Woodland giant kingfishers, Lilac-breasted roller, African spoonbill, etc.

November-April is the time for intra-African migratory birds. Also, it’s the ideal time to spot several bird species in their breeding plumage.

3. Big Herds of Elephants in Tarangire National Park

The large Elephant herds are among the notable things to see in Tarangire National Park during your game viewing trip. This population is recognized as the highest among African destinations.

Dry months (June-October) offer the best views of these Elephants. Normally, they are spotted in herds of up to 300 individuals along the permanent Tarangire River valley playing, swimming, and splashing water.

It’s also possible to spot these land giants in the rainy season during your Tarangire National Park safari. Elephants are many in this park and are normally spotted in big herds, amazing to watch!

4. The Huge Baobab Trees in Tarangire Tanzania National Park

The other thing that makes wildlife safari tours in Tarangire National Park stand out is the giant Baobab tree, which is also called the Tree of Life. Throughout its history, the Baobab has changed to fit its environment. Being succulent, it soaks up rainwater in its enormous trunk during the wet seasons, then uses that water to store nutrients for when the weather turns dry. So it became known as “The Tree of Life”.

In wet seasons, a Baobab tree trunk can hold over 300 liters of water and have an incredible life span of over 600 years. Its seeds are edible to various animals. Also, the Elephants- the enormous gentle giants) normally sharpen their immense tusks on the barks of these huge trees.

There is a legend that says that these trees could roam easily all over the African continent; however, God was irritated by their aimless roving and decided to turn them upside down to keep them from ever traveling again.

Lemiyon Triangle is the best place to explore Baobab trees in Tarangire National Park.

5. The Scenic Tarangire River

Tarangire River gales in the middle of Tarangire National Park and it’s the main source of water for game animals in the park. During the dry season, Tarangire River valley draws a lot of wild animals such as big Zebra herds, Elephants, Giraffes, numerous antelopes plus several water bird species.

It’s hard to miss this river during your Tanzania wildlife viewing safari in Tarangire National Park.

6. Poacher’s Hide in Tarangire Safari Park

The Poachers Hide is a must-see attraction in Tarangire National Park found about 100m west of the park’s main north-south road and southwest of Tarangire Hill.

Tarangire Poacher’s hide is a well-known ancient baobab tree that has an inside chamber that was once used as a hideout by poachers and a somewhat hidden entrance. One of Tarangire National Park’s oldest trees, the Poacher’s Hide baobab has a diameter of about 10m and is estimated to be over 300 years old.

7. Kitibong Hill

The Beautiful Kitibong Hill in Tarangire National Park is home to big herds of endangered wild dogs & Cape Buffalos. In this area, you’ll spot wildlife such as the cape Buffaloes hurling their massive bossed horns and sprinting across the acacia plains.

In the Kitibong Hill Area, one can witness the amazing African wild dogs running in groups ranging from 6-20 in a breathtaking African landscape great for photography.

8. Matete Woodlands

Matete is a spectacular place to see Leopards and Oryx. The western river banks’ tall elephant grass and thorny reeds give the area its name. The park’s finest Leopard sighting is Matete. These Secretive cats are often found on acacia tortilla tree branches.

9. The Masai People & Their Culture

Are Masai people attractions in Tarangire National Park? Yes, they are! The Masai local communities are adjacent to Tarangire Tanzania Park and these pastoral people have a vibrant amazing culture worth exploring on your trip.

On your visit to the authentic ancient African villages of the Maasai people, be expectant to interact with the local people, and enjoy the traditional dance & community walks, as you learn about their exciting culture.

The Best Tourist Activities in Tarangire National Park

These are the best things to do during Tarangire Safari Tanzania tours;

1. Game Drives in Tarangire National Park

Just like other game drives in Tanzania national parks such as Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park, and Lake Manyara Park, Tarangire game drives are done at different times in safari vehicles. It’s possible to do a safari game drive in the morning, afternoons & evenings. Full-day game drives are possible! Don’t forget night game drives if interested in spotting nocturnal animals.

In the beautiful African wilderness, you’ll search out for amazing game animals including large herds of Wildebeests, Zebras, Giraffes, Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, cape Buffalo herds, Elephants, Impalas, Gazelles, Waterbucks, Hartebeests, and much more. Wildlife with young ones can be spotted in the wet season.

The morning game drive in Tarangire Tanzania Park offers the most remarkable experience since the grazers are very active. Night safaris or a night game drive offer the best time to spot nocturnal animals including Leopards, Lions, and Hyenas, to mention but a few.

Remember to put on environment-friendly clothes and a camera is important.

2. Bird Watching in Tarangire Safari Park

Bird lovers find birding as one of the other amazing things to do in Tarangire Park Tanzania. Within this vast protected area, birding tours are done in several habitats including savannah grasslands, woodlands, swampy floodplains, and along the river channel. Roughly, 500 bird species dwell in this park.

In the dry savannahs of Tarangire National Park in Tanzania, you’ll look out for; Kori Bustards, Ostriches, Rufous-tailed weavers, ashy starlings, Bare faced go away birds, Vultures, and Falcons, among others. Hamerkops, Herons, Kingfishers, and Plovers are common in swampy areas.

It’s easy to add Tarangire Tanzania safari tours birding tours to other bird watching destinations in Tanzania like Lake Manyara National Park, Lake Burungi, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Serengeti National Park- a popular place for watching wildebeest wildlife migration.

3. Game Walking Safari Tours in Tanzania Tarangire National Park  

Game walking safaris offer an unusual way of getting up close and personal with the environment while experiencing the stunning wilderness of Tarangire National Park. While tourists are exploring Tarangire National Park, they will be in the company of the ranger guide.

During game walking safari adventures, visitors wander across the national park’s huge savannah plains without disturbing the surrounding ecosystem or harming any of the wildlife. During this thrilling adventure, you’ll follow numerous animal tracts and expect to enjoy close encounters with animals like Zebras, Elephants, Wildebeests, Waterbucks, and many bird species including Ostriches- the biggest and fastest bird on Earth.

4. Cultural Encounters in Tanzania Tarangire National Park

Cultural tours in Tarangire National Park are community visits to the Masai communities. This adventure aims to give you a chance to interact with the locals as they explore their fascinating beliefs, customs, and traditions.

Masai people are pastoralists who live a nomadic life and depend on cattle entirely!

During the cultural experience in Tarangire National Park, visitors usually engage in traditional dance performances, and visit the Masai traditional homesteads. You’ll be amazed also by the traditional dress code of the Maasai people and never end this tour without buying some local art crafts made by these people.

5. Enjoy Hot Air Balloon Safari in Tarangire National Park

Hot air balloon riding is among the most interesting activities in Tarangire National Park.

There is a safety briefing before takeoff. While on the ride, visitors will enjoy the breathtaking aerial views of the park’s stunning landscapes as they spot wildlife such as large Elephant herds, Zebras, Wildebeest, and Giraffes, to mention but a few.

There is a champagne breakfast upon landing along the river banks, and attendees can get a certificate.

Tarangire Tanzania hot air balloon riding expeditions start early morning around 6:30 am.

Other Unique Things to Do in Tarangire National Park

1. Exploring Kitibong Hill
2. Undertaking a visit to Matete Woodlands and,
3. Explore the Poacher’s Hide

What Is the Best Time to Visit Tarangire National Park in Tanzania?

The dry season is normally the best time to visit most national parks in Tanzania. These include Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, as well Serengeti National Park- the best place to watch the great wildebeest migration.

Tourist activities in Tarangire National Park are best done during July-November when most animals gather or migrate to areas around the Tarangire River. It’s easy to spot wildlife since the grass is normally thinner!

In the mentioned dry months, there are normally many safari vehicles in the park around the watering hole.

From around December, game animals start to migrate out of this park however, wildlife viewing remains possible and the park is crowd free usually.

How to Get to Tarangire National Park in Tanzania?

Getting to Tarangire National Park safari is easy. Tourists interested in wildlife Tanzania safari tours in Tarangire National Park can travel by either road or air.

By road, most travelers access Tarangire National Park starting from Arusha Town. This drive is around 140km taking around 2-3 hours drive.

Domestic flights can be arranged to Tarangire safari park for tourists and this is the fastest way to reach this park. Numerous chartered flights are offering this service however, note that they have a luggage limit.

As Prime safaris and Tours, we are available to offer you the best Tanzania safari transfers to any destination in this country. Talk to our expert in arranging Tanzania tours!

Best Lodges in Lodges in Tarangire National Park

Accommodation in Tarangire Tanzania National Park is found around and even inside the park. And in most cases, the choice of which to use depends on the traveler’s interests.

Among the options include safari camps- (tented camps), guest houses, and even lodges ranging from midrange to luxury lodges. All offer comfort to tourists on African safaris in Tanzania.

The following are the best hotels in Tarangire National Park you should use for a fantastic trip;

1. Tarangire Simba lodge
2. Elewana Tarangire Treetops
3. Roika Tarangire Tented Lodge
4. Tarangire River Camp
5. Tarangire Sopa lodge
6. Oliver’s camp
7. Tarangire Maramboi Tented Camp

Tanzania Safari Packing List for Tarangire National Park Tours

The following are the things to bring on a safari in Tanzania Tarangire National Park;

1. Sunglasses and sunscreens
2. Insect repellent
3. Light day packsack
4. Sunhat
5. A camera with a clear lens
6. Walking shoes are ideal during game watching mostly on game walking safaris.
7. Safari clothes
8. Sandals for evenings while at the lodge
9. Simple medical kit at least with painkillers and malaria medication
10. Travel documents & your Itinerary
11. Warm sweater for cold days

Looking for what to wear on a safari in Tanzania Tarangire National Park, you are sort here! Environmental friendly clothes; khaki, brown & grey is the best alternative. Shorts are also fine. In dry months, it’s ideal to put on a sunhat and sunglasses to protect your eyes from much tropical sunlight.

In the evening while at your lodge, you can put on sandals.

FAQs About Tarangire National Park Safari Tours

1. What is Tarangire National Park Famous for? : What is Special About Tarangire National Park?

Tarangire National Park is famous for its fascinating big Elephant herds that roam the savannah plains of the park freely. In the whole world, Tarangire Tanzania park inhabits the biggest herds of Elephants. The other prominent attraction is the Baobab trees!

2. Is it Worth Going to Tarangire National Park?

Tarangire safari tour is worth undertaking by travelers on wildlife viewing safaris in Tanzania.  In this park, you’ll enjoy game drive expeditions, hot air balloon safaris, bush walks, birding safaris, and thrilling cultural encounters to mention but a few. It’s easy to supplement it on most parks in Tanzania’s northern circuit.

It’s very easy to supplement Tarangire safari tours to Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti- the best African park to spot plains game animals and watch the wildebeest wildlife migration.

3. What are the Big 5 in Tarangire National Park?

4 of the Big Five exist in Tarangire National Park and these include; Cape Buffalos, Lions, African Elephants, and Leopards. There are no Rhinos. These are the very animals you can spot in northern Tanzania’s circuit Ngorongoro Crater or Serengeti- the home of wildebeest migration.

4. How Many Days Do You Need in Tarangire National Park?

Several wildlife safari tours in Tanzania Tarangire National Park take around 1-3 days. The duration is influenced by the activities you are to undertake. In most cases, travelers on Tarangire safari tours also undertake wildlife expeditions in Ngorongoro Crater.

5. How Much Does it Cost to Go to Tarangire National Park?

The cost of a Tarangire safari wildlife trip in Tanzania is influenced by numerous factors, for instance, the duration of your trip & class of accommodation you’re to use. However, on average, a budget tour can be around $150-250 a day for each person.

Midrange trips to Tarangire safari park cost about 300 to $500 each day per person whereas luxury expeditions cost around $500-800+ a day for each person. The stated costs include transportation fees, meals, and fees for a tour guide.

For any inquiries about African safaris in Tanzania, contact our experienced team now. Let’s explore Tarangire National Park and other amazing tourist destinations in Tanzania together!