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 Named
after Tarangire River,
Tarangire National Park
covers 2,600 sq. km dotted with splendid species of Baobab
trees. It
has some of the highest population density of elephants, and its
sparse vegetation, strewn with baobab and acacia trees, makes it
a beautiful and special location. Located just 110kms southwest
from the town of Arusha, Tarangire is a popular one/two full
days stop for travelers through the northern circuit on their
way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
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The park extends into two game controlled areas and the wildlife
are allowed to move freely throughout. Before the rains,
gazelle, wildebeest, zebra, and giraffes migrate to Tarangire
National Park’s scrub plains where the last grazing land still
remains. Tarangire offers unparalleled game viewing, and during
the dry season elephants abound. Families play around the
ancient trunks of baobab trees and strip acacia bark from the
thorn trees for their afternoon meal. Breathtaking views of the
Maasai Steppe and the mountains to the south make a stop at
Tarangire a memorable experience.
 Tarangire
is centred around the Tarangire River which provides permanent
water throughout the year. There are nine vegetation zones
ranging from acacia parkland and riverine grassland to deep
gully vegetation and rocky hilltops. Between them they support
large numbers of wildlife including large herds of giraffe,
zebra, impala, wildebeest,
buffalos, warthogs, elands, tree climbing pythons,
big cats (especially cheetah), as well as
herds of up to 300 elephants and more than 550 recorded bird
species.
The vegetation is predominantly denser here than in the
Serengeti, giving it a wilder feeling and making it more
challenging to spot the wildlife.
Best time to visit:
The Park is spectacular during the dry
season (from June – February) where many migratory wildlife
species come to the permanent water rivers.
Due to the permanent water of the
Tarangire River, the park is best in the dry season between
June/July and November, when it has Tanzania’s highest
concentration of wildlife converging around the river. |
