AREA: 2,850 sq. km. / 1,100 sq. miles

LOCATION: 150 km /93 miles South-West from Arusha

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 lions, massive baobabs and large herds of elephant, Tarangire National Park may be smaller but its density of wildlife is  matched only by those in the  Ngorongoro Crater. Birding is particularly good here; the marshes are homes for 550 bird varieties and the most breeding species in one habitat anywhere in the world.

Tarangire works well as part of a northern circuit safari and can be visited en route to Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, or on the way back.

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 dwindling waters of the Tarangire River and its shrinking lagoons.
• Tarangire National Park One can see a large concentration of elephants year round. An incredible 550 species of birds, the most breeding species in one habitat anywhere in the world.
• Bird species

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.

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
• Day trips to the Barabaig tribe’s ancient Kolo Rock Paintings are another good option.