Tarangire National Park

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Tarangire National Park

Located approximately 130 km (80 miles) southwest of Arusha, Tarangire National Park spans across 2,850 km² of diverse wilderness. Its expansive savannah grasslands are interspersed with open acacia woodland adorned by majestic Baobab trees.

The park draws its name from the iconic Tarangire River that traverses its terrain. It stands out as the prime destination in Northern Tanzania for encountering the peculiar Baobab, often referred to as the ‘upside-down tree’ due to its distinctive appearance.

Renowned for its rich biodiversity, Tarangire National Park boasts the highest concentration of animal species outside the Serengeti ecosystem. Among its most notable inhabitants are vast herds of elephants and the unique spectacle of tree-climbing lions.

The park shelters a comprehensive array of classic African savannah wildlife, supplemented by a selection of rare species such as the elongated-necked gerenuk.

Tarangire’s wildlife repertoire includes wildebeests, zebras, buffaloes, impalas, gazelles, hartebeests, giraffes, jackals, warthogs, olive baboons, bush babies, bat-eared foxes, aardvarks, caracals, genets, nightjars, honey badgers, wild dogs, and serval cats, among others.

Things to do in Tarangire National Park

Game safaris and Night Safaris – large herds of elephant populations

Tarangire National Park stands out for its vast population of majestic baobab trees and impressive herds of elephants, numbering around 2,500 individuals. Visitors can frequently observe these magnificent herds.

The game from the neighboring regions congregates in significant numbers close to the Tarangire River, which serves as the sole permanent water source in the vicinity. Keep an eye out for a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, spotted hyenas, wild dogs, and more.

Bird watching

Excellent birdwatching opportunities with about 550 bird species such as Yellow-collared lover birds, bateleurs eagles, gigantic lappet-faced vultures, brown parrots, and much more. The best place to view these birds is in the woodlands, swamps, and near the Tarangire River.

Canoe safari

Embark on a peaceful and scenic canoeing safari following the shorelines of small Momella Lake. On this 2- 2.5 hours canoe safari, you can view buffaloes, bushbuck, giraffes, hippos, and many water birds living in and close to the water.

Walking safaris

Get up close to wildlife as you embark on a captivating adventure. Keep your eyes peeled for the majestic Buffalo, graceful waterbuck, towering giraffe, whimsical warthog, dazzling zebra, elusive bush-buck, and mischievous baboons that populate the landscape all year round. Delight in the myriad bird species that grace the skies.

Embark on a walking safari spanning 2 to 3 hours, traversing the enchanting terrain with the Jekukumia River as your guide. Immerse yourself in the splendor of a picturesque waterfall, offering a revitalizing opportunity for a refreshing ‘shower’.

Venture into the shadowy Montane Forest, where inquisitive blue monkeys frolic amidst a tapestry of vibrant avian life. Witness the acrobatic prowess of the black-and-white Colobus monkey, a rare spectacle found uniquely in this region of the northern safari circuit.

Spectacular scenery famed for its ancient baobab trees

Tarangire national park is great for sightseeing as the park provides some of the most spectacular views of nature including the Tarangire River, the baobab trees, woodlands, and acacia landscapes.

Experience the Maasai Culture and their way of life.

Tarangire national park is situated near the Masai steep and offers community-based tours / cultural tours. Get to visit the nearby Maasai village and learn about the unique ways of living with their cultural aspects.

Where to stay in Tarangire National Park

Tarangire Treetops

Nestled within the confines of a secluded private game reserve adjacent to Tarangire National Park and the Maasai Steppe, Tarangire Treetops offers an unparalleled vista encompassing Lake Manyara, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the breathtaking Rift Valley wall.

Twenty meticulously crafted treehouses, thoughtfully adorned with a fusion of natural elements and contemporary design, boast expansive private balconies affording magnificent panoramas. Each sumptuous suite features an ensuite bathroom with a double shower, a private balcony, ceiling fans, and generous mosquito netting.

The heart of the retreat, the Main Lodge, is artfully constructed around a thousand-year-old baobab tree. Here, guests can indulge in culinary delights at the superb restaurant, unwind at the bar, cool off in the inviting swimming pool overlooking a nearby watering hole, and peruse the boutique store for souvenirs and essentials.

Exciting adventures abound, from morning and evening game drives to enlightening bush walks and immersive visits to a neighboring Maasai village.

For a touch of romance, intimate bush meals and captivating sundowners can be arranged, ensuring an unforgettable experience amidst the wilderness of Tarangire.

Tarangire Safari Lodge

The lodge boasts five circular bungalows designed in the fashion of the Maasai boma, providing ample space for families and groups requiring triple accommodation. Nestled away from the central lodge area, these bungalows ensure privacy and tranquility.

Each bungalow is equipped with expansive en-suite bathrooms featuring solar-heated showers and cozy bedding crafted from indigenous textiles. Additionally, the accommodation options include 35 tents and 5 bungalows offering twin, double, and triple rooms.

Guests can relish in the lodge’s amenities such as the open-air dining room, Lounge & Bar, Swimming Pool, and Baobab Boutique.

Tarangire Ndovu Camp

Tarangire Ndovu Camp provides an authentic tented safari experience within the renowned northern safari circuit. The camp boasts 12 canvas tents, comprising 10 standard suites and 2 interconnected family suites with two bedrooms each.

These tents offer ample space and are elegantly furnished, allowing guests to unzip the front and immerse themselves in the stunning Tarangire landscape. Each tent is equipped with essential amenities such as a storage chest, wardrobe, luggage rack, and bedside tables.

Additionally, the camp features a cozy lounge, a welcoming dining area, a well-stocked bar, a rejuvenating spa, a charming gift shop, a communal firepit, and a refreshing swimming pool.

The best time to visit Tarangire Park

The optimal times to explore the park are from December through March and June to October. During these periods, animals gravitate towards the Tarangire River for water, enhancing the chances of sightings.

To witness the impressive herds of elephants, it’s advisable to plan your visit towards the end of the dry season, around September/October.

For bird enthusiasts, the ideal window is between November and May, when migrant species arrive and resident birds adorn themselves in vibrant breeding plumage.

As the rains arrive, the park’s landscape bursts back to life, with once parched vegetation rejuvenating and transforming into a lush green backdrop once more.