Tarangire National Park:
Tarangire National Park is often the first stop on many safari itineraries. While many visitors to Tanzania dream of the Serengeti, lesser known Tarangire is a majestic introduction to the East African safari experience. Established in 1970, Tarangire National Park is named after the river that meanders through the park flowing north. Upon arrival at the gate, you are welcomed by ancient baobab trees before entering a sprawling landscape of savannahs, grasslands and acacia woodlands. The scenes in Tarangire are dream-like, evoking a sense of timelessness as you encounter ecosystems that have existed for thousands of years. The park is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa, and is therefore called the “elephant paradise” in addition to being the “home of the baobabs”.
Location & Getting There:
Tarangire is in Manyara region, about 2 hours from Arusha and it’s recommended to arrive early to enjoy a full day’s game drive. From the park’s gate, it is about 1.5 hours to Karatu. By flight, it’s 20 minutes from Arusha or 45 minutes from Kilimanjaro. The park is 2,850 sq kilometers in size.
Animals: Elephants, Giraffes, Lions, Cheetahs, Leopards, Hyenas, Waterbuck, DikDik, Impala, Banded Mongoose, Grant’s Gazelle, Honeybadger, Vervet Monkey, Olive Baboon, Wildebeest, Zebra, Cape Buffalo
Activities:
Guided game drives through the park’s numerous landscapes, walking safaris, night game drives at select lodges
Best Time to Visit Tarangire
Tarangire National Park is interesting in the dry season from late June to October. During this time of the year, huge numbers of thirsty animals are attracted to and congregate around the banks of the Tarangire River. Its southern part, Silale swamp attracts animals that feed and drink during the dry season.
Accommodations: Tarangire Safari Lodge, Tarangire Simba Lodge, Honeyguide, Lemala Mpingo Ridge, Swala Sanctuary