The Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area are undoubtedly the most famous safari destinations in Tanzania. But if you travel a little further south, you will be off the beaten track and into the spectacular surroundings of Tarangire National Park. This lesser-known game reserve is often left off tourist itineraries in favor of its more famous neighbors; However, during the dry season, it has a higher concentration of wildlife per square kilometer than any other park in Tanzania. It takes its name from the Tarangire River, which is the only permanent source of fresh water in the area during the drier months.
The park is defined by lush grasslands dotted with ancient baobabs and termite hills in the sun, and is a key setting for the annual Great Migration.
Different fauna
Tarangire’s wildlife is as diverse as its habitats, which include grasslands, riparian forests, and evergreen wetlands. It is home to four of the Big Five (rhinos are the notable exception) and has one of the largest elephant populations in northern Tanzania. A host of different antelope species are drawn to the park’s excellent seasonal grazing, including dik dik, impala, eland, Grant’s gazelle, and waterbuck. The park is also known for three regional specials: the vulnerable fringe-eared oryx, the graceful gerenuk, and the dwarf mongoose, which inhabits many of its abandoned termite hills.
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During the dry season from June to November, the plains of Tarangire are home to thousands of wildebeest, zebra and Cape buffalo, all of whom flock here on their annual migration north to the Maasai Mara in Kenya. This abundance of prey attracts a large number of predators (many of which reside throughout the year, but are easier to detect during migration). Be on the lookout for prides of lions, cheetahs on the hunt, and leopards awaiting dusk in the park’s gnarled acacia trees. The spotted hyena and the endangered African wild dog are also highly sought after, while the smaller Tarangire cats include caracals and servals.
A place for bird watching
The national park is also one of the best birding destinations in Tanzania. More than 550 species of birds have been recorded here, many of them attracted to the Silale swamps, which remain green throughout the year. Swamps support more species of breeding birds than any other habitat on Earth. Many bird watchers come in search of endemics to Tanzania, including the rufous-tailed weaver, the ashy starling, and the yellow-necked lovebird. Other specials include the vulturina guinea fowl and the northern multi-colored charlatan, found at the extreme end of their range in Tarangire; and the locally rare bushveld bispito.
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Raptors are commonly seen and include iconic species such as the bateleur eagle and the lappet-faced vulture. A particular highlight for many first-time visitors to East Africa is the pygmy falcon, a small species that inhabits weaver bird colonies and is the smallest bird of prey on the continent. During the rainy season, the park’s rich insect life attracts countless migratory birds from Europe and Asia.
The best activities in Tarangire
There are many different ways to search for a game on Tarangire. You can drive or sign up for a guided jeep safari through your tour operator or accommodation. Many campgrounds also offer walking safaris, allowing you to venture into the bush with a trained field guide who will use his tracking skills to introduce you to the park’s wildlife up close. Tarangire is one of the few national parks in Tanzania that allows overnight trips within its boundaries. You cannot miss these nocturnal adventures, which give you the opportunity to spot a completely different cast of creatures than those encountered during the day.
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Unique experiences for those with money to spare include sunrise hot air balloon safaris and flight camp excursions. The latter are offered by several of the park’s luxury accommodations and involve sleeping under the stars in a private temporary camp deep in the African jungle. If you have time, consider combining your visit to Tarangire with a trip to the adjacent Lake Manyara National Park. Located just 43 miles (70 kilometers) away, it is famous for its tree-climbing lions and the vast flocks of flamingos that grace its namesake soda lake.
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Where to stay
There are several lodging options in Tarangire National Park. Those looking for a luxurious experience should choose Oliver’s Camp by Asilia or Sanctuary Swala. Located in the remote southern part of the park, Oliver’s has 10 decadent safari tents, all overlooking the Minyonyo pools and equipped with private baths and solar power. Sanctuary Swala’s 12 canvas pavilions have a private terrace overlooking the camp’s water hole. If you’re on a tighter budget but still want to stay within the park, consider Kichuguu, an affordable option with single, double, and family rooms, plus a community dining room.
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If you are planning a self-drive camping trip, there is a public campground located near the park’s main gate with restrooms, showers, and a kitchen area. You’ll need to bring your own drinking water, firewood, and all your ingredients and utensils, but at $ 30 per adult per night, this is definitely the cheapest (and possibly the most authentic) option in Tarangire. Just outside the park, Tarangire Treetops is a special option with 20 rooms built on stilts amid a thicket of baobab and marula trees. The central lodge is built around a 1000-year-old baobab tree and features a gourmet boma restaurant.
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Weather and When to Go
Tarangire National Park has a temperate climate with temperatures that change based on elevation rather than time of year. In general, they average around 80 F / 27 C during the day and around 59 F / 15 C at night. Instead of a conventional winter and summer, Tarangire has a dry and rainy season. The first runs from June to October and the second is divided into short rains (from November to December) and long rains (from March to May). In general, the dry season is considered the best time to travel, as it coincides with the arrival of the Great Migration and offers the best view of the game.
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By the time the rains begin, many of the animals are gone and their days are likely to be interrupted by afternoon showers. However, this is the best time to visit enthusiastic bird watchers, as the summer immigrants will have arrived and the resident birds are showing off their colorful breeding plumage. There is an increased risk of malaria at this time of year, although prophylactics are recommended for visitors to Tarangire throughout the year.
How to get there
If you plan to drive to Tarangire National Park, there are paved roads from Arusha (87 miles / 140 kilometers to the northeast) and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (100 miles / 160 kilometers to the northwest). The closest airports are Arusha Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport or Kuro Airstrip, located in the southern section of the park.
Self-driving enthusiasts can drive their own car in and around the park. Admission for independent travelers is $ 45 per day for non-resident adults, $ 15 for non-resident children, and nothing for children under 5 years of age. You will also need to pay a minimal fee for your vehicle ($ 40 if registered in another country, 20,000 Tanzanian shillings if registered domestically). Alternatively, many tour companies offer itineraries that include a visit to Tarangire. They usually take care of all the planning and include park fees and accommodations.
Take a look at the luxurious Best of the North and Beach itinerary from The Specialists of Tanzania, or the highlights itinerary for Tanzania Lodge and Tented Camps from African Overland Tours.
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Tanzania. You can request one in advance at your nearest consulate, or you can purchase one upon arrival at Dar es Salaam International Airport, Zanzibar International Airport, Kilimanjaro International Airport, or the Namanga Entry Point on the Kenya-Tanzania border. .
