Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is located in northern Tanzania only 43 miles (70 km) directly southeast of Lake Manyara National Park.    The national park encompasses an area of 1,100 square miles (2,850 sq km), and it is part of the larger Manyara Region.

The Tarangire River traverses across the park and serves as the name source of the national park.  The river is also the leading source of water for wildlife.  The renowned Serengeti Migration of wildebeest and zebras migrates through this area during the dry season.

Tarangire is comprised of grasslands, granite rock formations, the lush river valley along the Tarangire River, swamps, and varied woodlands made of Acacia and Combretum.  The baobab trees blanket the area and add to the stunning landscapes.

The park is renowned for the abundance of elephants which serves as one of the draws to the park.  There are several predator species such as African wild dog, cheetah, caracal. Honeybadger, and of course the sought-after lion and leopard.  Tarangire is one of Tanzania’s Lion Conservation Units.

Some of the other wildlife found in the park include baboon, cape buffalo, dik-dik, eland, gazelle, giraffe, impala, mongoose, vervet monkey, wildebeest, and zebra.  It is also a spectacular place for bird watching with over 550 species.

Termite mounds are common and part of the African landscape.  There are numerous termite mounds spread across the region and their addition to the landscape is something the park is well-known for.

Tarangire is not part of the traditional safari route in Tanzania.  However, this also means it is less crowded and offers a more authentic African safari experience.  One of the reasons the park is less frequented than the Serengeti National Park or Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area is because the wildlife here tends to be more seasonal.

The Tarangire River draws animals in abundance and from all walks during the dry season.  The population and accessibility to wildlife around the river during the dry seasons competes with the wildlife of Ngorongoro.  Wildlife highlights include oryx and gerenuk, however, sightings can be rare.

Because the abundance of wildlife is seasonal, Tarangire can be a wildlife haven during the dry season and be a bust around the rainy seasons.  As part of the Tarangire ecosystem which features the migration of the wildebeest and zebras.  This is part of the dry season wildlife frenzy which can make the park one of the best safari destinations.

Photos

Tarangire National Park Photo Gallery

Highlights

A safari with game viewing is the highlight of Tarangire National Park.  The abundance of elephants is one of the leading highlights, however, the varied predators is also a significant attraction of the park.

Many people visit with hopes of experiencing the terrain which is blanketed by the stunning baobab trees.

Tarangire National Park Accommodations

Tarangire Treetops

The Tarangire Treetops offered by the Elewana Collection deliver one of the more adventurous accommodation options for those exploring Tarangire National Park.

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Tarangire National Park Trails

There are no trails for hiking in Tarangire.  This is a wilderness area with an abundance of wildlife.  The good news is that there are guided walking safaris that allow visitors to have a more personal outdoor experience with nature and the abundance of wildlife.