Tarangire National Park

About Tarangire National Park

Considered by many safari aficionados as Tanzania’s best-kept safari secret, the Tarangire National Park was proclaimed in 1970, enlarging the area of its predecessor to incorporate more of the greater Tarangire ecosystem. Tarangire is Tanzania’s 6th largest national park, encompassing an area of some 2850 km² (1100 mi²), nearly the size of the state of Rhode Island (USA) or Luxembourg (EU). It is named for the Tarangire River which runs from south to north through the reserve. ‘Tarangire’ is said to mean “winding river of warthogs” and while these are plentiful, there is much more to the park that makes it a worthwhile destination. Overlooked by many as one has to detour slightly from the ever-popular Northern Safari Circuit, the Tarangire National Park is a vast haven for species also found in the more popular national parks. It has several species not found in the other locations, such as the fringe-eared oryx some 3000 elephants converge on Tarangire during the dry season, with herds up to 300 strong. Excellent sights year-round. an abundance of these peculiar ‘upside-down trees’ are found within the park. Visitors can walk inside the “Poacher’s Hide” tree. A bird lover’s paradise, with over 500 species, including rare endemic species and summer migrants. Hundreds of these artworks from prehistoric man can be found, particularly in the Kolo district, outside of the park. Tanzania’s second largest migration occurs when wildlife converges on the Tarangire River during the dry season. Fringe-eared Oryx, the rare Coke’s hartebeests, long-necked gerenuk, dik-dik, grant’s gazelles, amongst others. very good sightings of lions, cheetahs, leopards, and spotted hyenas. Also the possibility of highly endangered African wild dogs. Setting out in the cooler hours of the day when the wildlife is most active, you will travel in a customized safari vehicle with an experienced guide in search of Africa’s big game. Full-day options are also available. Permitted operators may offer night drives, where they will have the opportunity to view the park’s nocturnal species, such as civet and aardvark. Permitted operators may offer walking safaris, where participants learn more about the plants and other finer details of the ecosystem. Drift quietly over the unsuspecting wildlife below on an early-morning hot-air balloon flight. With over 500 recorded species and numerous endemics and migratory visitors, the park is a bird lover’s paradise.