Tarangire National Park Tanzania

The Tarangire National Park is located between the meadows of Masai Steppe to the southeast and the lakes of the Great Rift Valley to the north and west. Among the rolling area where the park lies, it occupies an area of 2,600 square kilometers. The perennial Tarangire River takes over the northern part of Tarangire. Through the cut ditches, the River flows upwards up to when it leaves the corner of the park, in the North West flowing into Lake Burungi. There are a number of wide swamps that dry into green plains during the dry season in the south.

2850 square kilometers is the surface area that this park covers. This park gives you many chances as it is a habitat to plenty of wildlife like zebras, searching for underground streams in the dry river beds, flocks of up to about 300 elephants can be found. The shrinking lagoons are gathered around by migratory wildebeest, eland, gazelle, impala, zebras, kudu, rhino, hartebeest buffalo, and other smaller mammals. Also regularly spotted are the dry country antelope like the long-necked gerenuk and fringe-eared Oryx, Mongoose colonies are often hosted by abandoned drifts (anthills). The thick vegetation usually hides the main predators that are always there but cannot easily be seen just like any other parks in northern Tanzania.

You are recommended to stay for a few days in the south of the park that is also less crowded and gives you the opportunity to get a real feel of the backcountry while on your visit to the Tarangire.

Size of Tarangire National Park Tanzania

It covers an area of approximately 2,850 square kilometers (1,100 square miles.) The landscape is composed of granitic ridges, river valleys, and swamps.

Location of Tarangire national park Tanzania

Tarangire National Park is a national park in Tanzania’s Manyara Region. The name of the park originates from the Tarangire River that crosses the park. The Tarangire River is the primary source of freshwater for wild animals in the Tarangire Ecosystem during the annual dry season

How to get to Tarangire National Park

By Road

The distance from Arusha to Tarangire National Park is approximately 140 km and takes about three hours drive to access the park. Unfortunately, many people identify a safari to Tarangire as a loner Safari, however visiting this park in the dry season will offer you remarkable wildlife views especially if you explore the southern part of the park. Tarangire ranks as part of the famous northern safari circuit and is definitely visited alongside Serengeti and the Ngorongoro crater. Arusha town is a starting point to many for most of the safaris to this circuit.

By air

You can also use charter flights from Arusha then to Serengeti and then finally to Tarangire. From Arusha to the entrance gate, be assured of a comfortable drive that will take you only 2 hours, with which only 7kms of them are on a non tarred road. From Tarangire, it is quite easy to drive to the neighboring the Ngorongoro Conservation area or Lake Manyara National Park.

Things to do in Tarangire national park Tanzania

Game drives

The shrinking lagoons are gathered around by migratory wildebeest, eland, gazelle, impala, zebras, kudu, rhino, hartebeest buffalo, and other smaller mammals. Also regularly spotted are the dry country antelope like the long-necked gerenuk and fringe-eared Oryx, Mongoose colonies are often hosted by abandoned drifts (anthills). The thick vegetation usually hides the main predators that are always there but cannot easily be seen just like any other parks in northern Tanzania.

Birding in Tarangire

Enjoy spotting a large batch of colorful and exclusive bird species. Over 550 different bird species are housed with the swamps that are spread all over Tarangire. For bird lovers, who find themselves taken up for a long period of time, this makes Tarangire a famous safari destination for you.

Sightseeing Trips

As a dominant feature within this park, the Tarangire River stands out. Even when it is very dry, the park has thick vegetation with acacia shrubs and mixed woodland. The huge baobab trees that are scattered around in huge numbers make your safari a memorable one.

Walking safaris in Tarangire national park

There are a number of chances to explore the region on walk safaris even if the park is hidden and relatively unknown. Walking safaris give you a more learning experience about the smaller animals within the bushland and a better way of spotting the animals at close range without disturbing them.

Cultural encounters

Experience a better different world by taking a trip to a Masaai or Barabaig village with numerous ancient paintings, in a neighborhood with Kolo on Dodoma road.

When to visit Tarangire National Park Tanzania

The middle and the end of the dry season that runs from late June to October is the best time to view wildlife in Tarangire National Park. Most of the animals move out of the park during the wet season and viewing animals is remarkably less good.

From June to October, the animals gather around the Tarangire River and this is the best time to go to Tarangire Park. There is little rainfall from June to October hence making it the time with the best weather.

June to October still marks the high season with so many tourists filling the park.

While the low season comes from April to May. The peak of the wet season sets in during March and April, hence the worst weather then.

Where to stay in Tarangire National Park Tanzania

The park offers a number of beautiful luxury options perfect for holidaymakers interested in enjoying some safari luxury, great comfort, and the chance of camping. Below are some of the top luxury facilities in tangerine.

Tarangire treetops

This is the most well-known luxury facility in the whole of Tarangire National Park and it is located within a private reserve that borders this national park as well as the neighboring Maasai stepped. This facility offers some of the largest safari rooms you will find in the country constructed around giant baobab trees that offer views of Lake Manyara, the rift valley wall as well as Mount Kilimanjaro on a clear day. it has 20 private treehouses each with a very spacious balcony fitted with modern décor made using natural materials, and with en-suite facilities that include a double shower with hot and cold water. There are additional amenities such as a well-stocked bar, a clean swimming pool, and a fine restaurant. some of the activities you made enjoy from here include Masai culture Village tours, nature walks, and night game drives

Nimali Tarangire

This permanent Tented Lodge is located along the northern border of the Tarangire National Park within a private reserve and offers holidaymakers a non-restricted safari experience that combines comfort and character in plenty. Some of the various activities you can enjoy while staying here include walking safaris as well as night game drives that aren’t allowed in other national parks in northern Tanzania. It has 6 beautiful tented bedrooms that have been lavishly furnished each with a large private deck from where guests can enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding area.

Sanctuary Swala Camp

Located within one of the most secluded areas of this National Park the Sanctuary Swala Camp was established under the shades of huge acacia trees and offers uninterrupted views over the neighboring open Savannah land. It offers 12 lavish canvas tented rooms fitted with king-size beds, a cozy sofa, and an en-suite bathroom. There is unlimited Wi-Fi in each room, a fully stocked bar to enjoy cocktails and in fact, this is a true example of luxury in Tanzania’s wilderness. There is a swimming pool, a campfire as well as a spacious deck where guests can enjoy views of different wildlife from the comfort of their rooms.

Maweninga Camp

This is located on top of high granite rock and overlooks Lake Manyara as well as Lake Burunge. On a clear day, you can enjoy views of the high Mount Kilimanjaro from here. This amazing facility offers eco-friendly accommodation and each of its tents are constructed on a raised wooden terrace for clear views.