Tarangire National Park

About Tarangire

Tarangire is Tanzania's sixth-largest national park and the ideal first stop on a northern safari. Roughly 2,850 km² of rolling hills, acacia woodland, seasonal swamps and ancient baobab trees surround the Tarangire River, which is the only reliable water for miles around in the dry season.

From about June to October, thousands of animals crowd the riverbanks: elephant herds that can number 300 or more, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, eland, impala and the stately fringe-eared oryx and gerenuk, which are more common here than elsewhere on the circuit. Lions often rest on termite mounds, and leopards and the park's famous tree-climbing pythons can be found in the branches.

Tarangire is also a birdwatcher's park, with more than 500 species recorded, from ostriches and secretary birds to colourful lovebirds, hornbills and the yellow-collared lovebird. The baobabs, some well over a thousand years old, make it one of the most photogenic parks in Africa.

It is just two hours from Arusha, which makes it a perfect warm-up on day one, and quieter than the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, with a relaxed, wild feel. Many guests choose to spend two nights here to enjoy the long, peaceful game drives.

Wildlife you may see

• Elephant (herds of 300 or more)
• Lion
• Leopard
• Buffalo
• Giraffe
• Zebra and wildebeest
• Fringe-eared oryx and gerenuk
• Tree-climbing python
• Over 500 bird species

Highlights

• Large elephant herds along the Tarangire River
• Ancient baobab trees and sweeping photographic scenery
• Dry-season concentrations of buffalo, zebra and wildebeest
• More than 500 recorded bird species and far fewer vehicles