Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
In the past, Tarangire National Park was often overlooked by visitors to Tanzania, however it is now holding its own as one of the best dry season parks in the region.
During the dry months of July through to October, an enormous amount of wildlife is drawn inside Tarangire to access the water from the Tarangire River and the Silale Swamps, allowing for very rewarding game viewing experiences.
The park is home to some of the largest elephant herds of East Africa, and the scenery is particularly popular for the wide open, Serengeti-like plains, decorated with enormous and commanding Baobab trees.
Being only an hour and a half's drive from Arusha, Tarangire is easily accessible, and a great option to start or finish a road safari.
Day and Night Game Drives
Tarangire is one of the few national parks in Tanzania which allows night game drives, and these are a recent addition to the available activities. Only offered by certain camps, these give you a great chance to see some of the nocturnal species and behaviour of African animals.
Being out at night in the African bush can be a spine-tingling and enthralling experience, as it is usually at this time that predators are at their most active. You can sense the anxiety of the potential prey!
Elephants
Tarangire National Park is home to some of the largest elephant herds in East Africa, and there will be many an occasion when your vehicle will be surrounded by these beautiful beasts.
Elephants are some of the most intelligent and sensitive creatures around, and it is easy to grow very fond of these herds as you drive amongst them and witness their characters and emotions.
Plains and Baobabs
Tarangire is one of the most scenic parks you can visit, with enormous golden plains like the Serengeti, but with the legendary Baobab trees, which grow to enormous sizes and remarkable old age, especially along the banks of the Tarangire River.
Baobab trees have played a role in African folklore for centuries and are a vital source of survival for many animals.
Walking Safaris
Along with night game drives, the Tarangire National Park also allows guided walking safaris; again only from certain camps and in certain areas.
These guided walking safaris offer a great alternative to the usual game drives, and give you a chance to see the smaller things in nature which are often missed from the vehicle. You will be taught about tracking skills, interesting facts about the local fauna, and also have the excitement of viewing big game while on foot, giving you a very different perspective on the African bush.
