Tarangire National Park

The name derives from Tarangire River that cuts through the park supplying all plant-and animal life with water. It is about 2 hour (120km) drive from Arusha in the northeast direction and is very popular for day trips from the town. Tarangire is one of the largest colonies of baobab-centenarians.

Tarangire is a paradise in its own right, it is home to all Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife, excluding only the black rhino.

During the dry season herbivores migrate to the river seeking salvation from drought the thing which makes Tarangirea superb little park.

Wildlife Highlights

Tarangire National Park is famous for its elephants. They can often be seen cooling peacefully in the shade of age-old baobabs, using their massive feet to dig holes in the sand in search of water or holding off predators who are sometimes tempted to bring down a calf. The park is also home to large carnivores: lions and cheetahs lazing in the shade, the deceptively sleepy leopard observing its surroundings from a perch high up in a tree, hyenas- ever in search of food. Here you will also find giraffes, lesser kudu, impala, zebras, waterbucks, elephants, Thomson’s gazelles, fringe-eared oryx, mongooses, rare gerenuks and if you are lucky you may be able to spot the tree-climbing python. Also, over 550 bird species are found in the park.

When to go

The best period for game drive and viewing stretches between June and October, Tarangire National Park hosts an impressive migration. All species gather around the river as it becomes the only source of water in the park during the dry season.

What to do

Daytime game drives or night drives in close proximity to the park, walking safaris, bird watching, balloon safaris.