Situated just close to main safari route, Tarangire National Park is that one most pristine wilderness area Tanzania boasts about. It is Tanzania’s 6th most expansive protected area just after Ruaha. It covers an area of about 6700 square kilometers and straddles in the southern part of the southern Masai land about 115 kilometers drive from Arusha. It derived its name from River Tarangire which flows through this park and serves as a main water source of wildlife species especially during the dry spell. During the dry season, most wildlife species confine in this park as most of them migrate from Manyara National Park.
What to see in Tarangire National Park
This park boasts of its diverse bird species and wildlife species. It is a home to about 300 elephants, impalas, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, hartebeests, gazelles, giraffes, elands, warthogs, Kudus, gernuks and others. It also comprises of scenic baobab trees, River Tarangire and volcanic mountain ranges which make up part of its exceptional uniqueness. There are also about 550 bird species for you to look out and due to its swamps area, it is remarkably one of the best breeding sites. The birds to sight at include ground hornbills, ostriches, red and yellow barbets, dwarf mongoose. As well, you can find pythons, butterflies, beetles, moths a mention but a few.
What to do in Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is ideal for varied safari experiences. While on safari in this park, you have a chance to take part in safari activities like guided walks, day tours to Masai and Barabaig villages, birding, game viewing, hot air balloon tours and many others.
Best time to visit Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park can be visited at any time of the year. However, the dry season is more preferable as most wildlife confine within specific area thus offering clear views over different wildlife species. The dry season usually starts from June to September and it experiences low rainfall amount. This area is warm and dry with day time temperatures ranging between 24 and 30 degrees Celsius and drop to 13-18 degrees Celsius at night. Short rains are usually received between November and December and long rains are experienced between March and May. March and April are the wettest months of the year.
Where to stay in Tarangire National Park
The notable areas for your overnight stay while you are on safari in Tarangire National Park include Tarangire Sopa lodge, Lake Burunge Tented Camp, Maramboi Tented Camp, Kirurumu Tarangire lodge, Lemala Tarangire camp, Oliver’s camp, Swala luxury tented camps, Tarangire treetops, Balloon camp Tarangire, Whistling Thorn camp, Tarangire safari lodge, Tembo Tarangire lodge and camp.
How to get to Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is reachable by both road and air. By road, drive from Arusha or Lake Manyara through the surfaced route to about 7 kilometers of the main entry gate. You can also take drive to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. Alternatively, you can take a flight from Arusha and Serengeti.
