Tarangire
Tarangire
Tarangire National Park is the sixth largest national park in Tanzania after Ruaha, Serengeti, Mikumi, Katavi and Mkomazi. The name of the park originates from the Tarangire River that crosses through the park, being the only source of water for wild animals during dry seasons. The park is famous for its huge number of elephants, baobab trees and tree climbing African pythons. It lies a little distance to the south east of Lake Manyara and covers an area of approximately 1,096 sq. miles.
Herds of up to 300 elephants scratch the dry river bed for underground streams, while migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland crowd the shrinking lagoons. It's the greatest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti ecosystem - a smorgasbord for predators – and the one place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope such as the stately fringe-eared oryx and peculiar long-necked gerenuk are regularly observed.
During the rainy season, the seasonal visitors scatter over a 12,500 sq miles range until they exhaust the green plains and the river calls once more. But Tarangire's mobs of elephant are easily encountered, wet or dry.
The swamps, tinged green year round, are the focus for 550 bird varieties, the most breeding species in one habitat anywhere in the world.
The Animals:
June to October is the best time to see large number of wildebeest, elephants, zebras, and hartebeest. Not all animals are migratory though; year round animals include:
Giraffe
Impala
Eland
Lesser kudu
Waterbuck
Gazelle
Rhino
Leopard
Giant python
Elephant
The Park is famous for migrant birds including:
Kori Bustard
Stocking-thighed Ostrich
Hornbill
Attractions and Activities:
Game Drives: Game drives are designed to take you close to the wildlife rich spots in Tarangire. This gives you an opportunity to view wild animals in their natural habitat as they go about their daily activities.
Game drives are often done in the morning and late afternoon. Early morning game drives start just before sunrise, when one is woken up to a cup of steaming hot highland coffee. As the sun rises, you are out on the savannah, taking in the fresh smell of the moist grasses and observing the scenic nature and it’s amazing wildlife. Afternoon game drives start late afternoon ending just before the darkness fall upon Tarangire.
You are accompanied by your driver-guide knowledgeable about the flora, fauna, landscape, and Tanzanian culture.
Guided Walking Safaris: Tarangire walking safaris are a wonderful alternative to driven safaris.
Walks take place in the centre of Tarangire National Park, away from roads, through open acacia woodlands, then along the river (conditions allowing) in open grassland towards the Minyonyo Pools.
The People of Tarangire & Cultural Visits: The Maasai are a proud semi-nomadic cattle-rearing people with a fascinating culture. They have reputation as fierce warriors and a community with a colorful lifestyle. They have a very special relationship with cattle which are essential to their life-style. The Maasai have survived a troubled history but are under increasing pressure to conform to modern society.
During a cultural visit, you get a chance to experience the Maasai way of life. The Maasai eagerly welcome guests into their homes to show their lifestyle and culture.
How to Get There:
By Road: The drive from Arusha seldom takes longer than 1.5 hours. The drive from Manyara is even quicker.
By Air: Charter flights between Tarangire and Arusha or the other parks on the northern circuit can easily be arranged, but most people visit by road.
