Named after the river that flows through the park, Tarangire National Park is one of the lesser known Tanzanian National Parks, giving it a real air of undiscovered Africa. Famous for its tree climbing pythons, massive baobabs and large herds of elephant, Tarangire National Park is small but still home to a significant wildlife population, with a density of wildlife matched only by Ngorongoro. Birding is particularly good here; the swamps, tinged green year round, are the focus for 550 bird varieties the most breeding species in one habitat anywhere in the world. Tarangire works well as part of a northern circuit and can be visited en route to Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, or on the way back. Tarangire walking safaris are a wonderful alternative to driven safaris.

BEST KNOWN FOR

• Second only to the Serengeti ecosystem for concentration of wildlife during the dry season.
• Herds of 300 elephants and teems of antelope crowd the dwindlingwaters of the Tarangire River and its shrinking lagoons.
• Tarangire National Park One can see a large concentration of elephants year round. An incredible 550 speices of birds, the most breeding species in one habitat anywhere in the world.
• Bird species found here include African hoopoe, bataleur, Brown parrot, Goliath heron, Helmeted guinea fowl, Hamerkop, long-toed lapwing, Madagascar bee-eater, Yellow collared lovebird, and White-bellied lourie.

When to go

The dry season, July – September and temperatures are between 18 and 32 degrees Celsius.

The wet season, mid-October to mid-May and temperatures are between 21 and 27 degrees Celsius.

Rainfall is usually in the region of 1600 mm per annum and is heaviest from November through to April.

June and October is considered the best time to visit due to the sheer numbers of animals.

ACTIVITIES

• Walking safaris can be arranged with qualified guides.
• Game Driving around the Park.
• Tarangire Balloon Safari With the only sound being that of the burners heating the air inside the balloon’s billowing canopy, all those within the 8-man basket will revel in the spectacle of the rising sun across the Tarangireplains.Following this 50-minute breathtaking spectacle, the balloon will land softly on ‘terra firma’ and from here you will be taken to your open-air breakfast table where you will no doubt share the morning’s experiences.
• Day trips to the Barabaig tribe’s ancient Kolo Rock Paintings are another good option.