Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park derived its name from the long serving river that crosses the park in the middle called the ‘Tarangire River’. The river acts as the primary source of water for wildlife in the park, which is also one of the reasons of the large variety in the park’s ecosystem. Tarangire National Park is known for its majestic Baobab trees and these can grow to an enormous size and have a unique shape. The Park is also famous as it has the largest concentration of elephants in the world. You can see herds of up to 300 elephants around the Tarangire River since the River is the primary source of fresh water for the animals. In the dry season they come here to drink or just to enjoy a bath to cool of from the hot sun. During the end of dry season elephants dig into the riverbed to reveal underground water, or are looking for Baobab trees to slake their thirsty. In the park you might encounter good numbers of wildebeest and zebra as well as giraffe, buffalo, Thompson’s gazelle, greater and lesser kudu, eland, leopard and cheetah. It is also the only place in Tanzania where the oryx and gerenuk are regularly spotted. In addition, the park is also home to nearly 500 species of birds. Among which the most famous are the lovebirds that are yellow collared, Kori bustard, the stocking-thighed ostrich, the shy starlings
Attractions and activities
River Tarangire
The river is fed by seasonal sand rivers originating to the East and South-eastern parts of the park. It flows northward along the park and empties into Lake Burunge. Within the park, the river is linked to/with Silale, Gurusi and Larmakau swamps. It is undoubtedly that Tarangire River with its associated permanent swamps serves as critical dry season water sources for thousands of migratory animals in dry seasons, thus offering a fantastic game drive experience.
Wildlife
Witness a lot of migratory movement of elephants joined with other animals with greater Tarangire ecosystem. Many chances to explore plenty of wildlife like zebras, searching for underground streams in the dry river beds, flocks of up to about 300 elephants and many more. The common animal species here include elephants, impalas, gazelles, giraffes, lions, leopards, caracals, vervet monkeys, olive baboons, waterbuck, and many others. Guests who visit the park between June and November can expect to see large herds of zebra, wildebeest, and buffaloes. They are best done in the morning although night game drives can also be arranged.
The Baobabs tree
These trees are locally known as Mbuyu in Swahili language and are one of the largest trees on this planet. The trees in this park can reach up to 30 meters high and some trunks have 11 meters diameter. In fact, the oldest recorded baobab was 6000 years and was found in South Africa. Besides, the tree can be used for food, medicine, shelter and well as helps in rain making.
Nature walks
These are a great way to explore the park bringing you up close with nature, scenery and animals like zebras, elephants, etc. You are also able to come across different tree species, bird species as well as colorful butterflies.
Cultural tours
Visitors get to visit the Masaai community as well as their homesteads. This activity provides the opportunity for visitors to interact with local people and learn more about their culture. Visitors participate in making crafts like jewellery, music, dance, tasting local dishes, and many others.
Hot air balloon
This takes you floating through the skies offering you aerial views of the park. This includes views of tree canopies, animals on the ground below grazing or hunting, birds flying in the air, beautiful sunrises, and many others. At the end, this activity is climaxed with a bush breakfast experience.
Bird watching
Tarangire National Park has more than 500 bird species. These include swamp birds and migratory and endemic species which make the park a birders’ haven. Birding in the park can be done in the morning or evening with an experienced birding guide. Some of the bird species that may be spotted include yellow collared lovebird, crested francolin, kori bustard, ashy starling, secretary bird, and many others.
Elephant migration
The Park hosts the annual elephant migration whereby over 2,000 elephants migrate to this place in search of water and pasture. Here herds of elephants can be seen meandering across the plains and under the iconic baobab trees which makes it a not miss out activity at this place.
