Tarangire National Park, established in 1970, is a fantastic area for wildlife viewing. It is best visited in the dry season from July to September when the animals gather along the river.
One of the lesser-known game reserves in Tanzania, Tarangire rivals the Serengeti in the great number and diversity of its wildlife. It is a good choice for travelers who wish to encounter more animals, particularly elephants as it is renowned for frequent sightings and less tourists while on safari. The Tarangire National Park is also known as a wonderful birding destination. During the dry season, the Tarangire River is the only source of water in the area, which offers excellent sightings as it attracts the reserves’ abundant wildlife. The landscape is a photographers dream too, due to the high number of scenic baobab trees and its extensive marshlands that turn swathes of the reserve
During the dry season, Tarangire National Park has one of the highest concentrations of migratory wildlife. Wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland crowd the lagoons. The park is also known for its large population of elephants, and the baobab trees that dot the grassy landscape.
The park is excellent for birdwatching, with more than 300 species recorded in Tarangire. These species include buzzards, vultures, herons, storks, kites, falcons and eagles.
Attractions
As well as 300-strong herds of elephant, visitors will find big groups of buffalo and healthy populations of lion and leopard. During the dry season, Tarangire has the highest concentration of mammals in the country. There are wild dogs and rare antelope such as gerenuk, plus more than 550 species of birds to spot throughout the year.
Tarangire is the ideal park for those who want to explore beyond game drives. Walk through the savannah to study the smallest creatures and learn about tracking animals. Soar through the sky in a hot-air balloon at dawn or head out on a night drive to find nocturnal wildlife.
