Tarangire National Park

Wildlife

Tarangire wildlife migration.

Every year during the dry season from June to November Tarangire hosts a wildlife migration which is not as dramatic as the Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti, but receives a somewhat large number of animals. As most of this part of the country is dry, the Tarangire River remains the only source of water and consequently attracts large numbers of wildebeests, elephants, gazelles, zebras and hartebeest, buffaloes plus various predators like lions that come to drink and graze around the river banks. During the rain months of November to May, The zebras as well as large herds of wildebeests move into the north-western direction towards the Rift Valley floor amongst the large numbers of animals that spread across the large open areas of the Masaai Steppe and dispersing all the way to Lake Manyara.

Game Drives and walking tours

The primary safari activity in this park is game driving however if you live outside the park boundaries you might be able to enjoy walking tours. And night safaris. Currently Oliver’s Camp organizes walking tours as well as fly camping safaris.

Getting to Tarangire

From Arusha, Tarangire is located at a distance of about 120 kilometers which is in the south east of Manyara NP. Being one of the most seasonal parks in northern Tanzania, Tarangire has a lot of migratory movement within greater Tarangire ecosystem.

The Swamps

The park comprises of an extensive network of swamps that are mainly found in the southern and eastern parts of Tarangire. These swamps offer habitat to a variety of birds and animals such as tree-climbing pythons, silale-swamp lions, African wild dogs, cape buffaloes, and even elephants. The Vulturine Guinea fowl, Donaldson-Smith’s nightjar, Yellow-collared lovebird, Great white pelican, White-faced Whistling-Duck, Mouse-colored penduline tit, Rufous-tailed weaver, Fulvous Whistling-Duck, Northern pied babbler, Von der Decken’s hornbill, Northern white-crowned shrike, Pink-breasted lark, Ostrich and Slate-colored boubou are some of the bird species that can be seen in such area.

 wildlife in tarangire national park

Tarangire and you will be able to encounter various animals. This park is home to one of the largeset elephant populations in Africa with several herds of up to 300 members per herd. In addition, there are large numbers of impalas, elands, buffaloes, giraffes, Bohor reedbuck, Coke’s hartebeest, Thompson’s gazelle, the greater and lesser kudu and on rare occasions, the unusual gerenuk and fringe –eared Oryx are also seen. A few black rhinos are also thought to be still present in this park. You will obviously see big numbers of elephants gather here as well as the wildebeests and zebras. Among the other common animals in the Tarangire are the leopards, lions, hyenas, and cheetah that seem to be popular within the southern open areas. The wild dogs are only seen once in a while

Animals of Tarangire National Park

· Bush elephants.

· Lions.

· Hippos.

· Leopards.

· Cheetahs (rarely seen)

· African buffaloes.

· Hyenas (rarely seen)

· Zebras.

The birds within the Tarangire are also quite many, there are over 545 species that have been identified here. The stunning yellow collared lovebirds and the shy starlings are in plenty here in addition to other species.

What is the best time to visit Tarangire National Park?

We would like to recommend you that June to October is the best time to visit Tarangire National Park. The region experiences its dry season during this month creates the ideal conditions for optimal game viewing.

ALTERNATIVE TEXT:

Tarangire National Park is a renowned wildlife conservation area located in northern Tanzania. It is part of the larger ecosystem that includes Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti. The park is named after the Tarangire River, which flows through the area.

Key features of Tarangire National Park:

1. Wildlife: The park is famous for its diverse wildlife population. It is home to large herds of elephants, which are one of its main attractions. Visitors can also spot other animals such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffalo, and various antelope species. Tarangire National Park is particularly known for its abundant birdlife, with over 550 bird species recorded.

2. Landscape: Tarangire’s landscape is characterized by a mix of grassy plains, swamps, acacia woodlands, and majestic baobab trees. The park’s unique scenery provides a picturesque backdrop for wildlife viewing and photography.

3. Migration: During the dry season (June to October), Tarangire National Park becomes a critical water source for animals, leading to large congregations of wildlife near the Tarangire River. This seasonal movement attracts a significant number of animals, including herbivores such as elephants, zebras, and wildebeests, which, in turn, draw predators like lions and leopards.

4. Walking safaris: Tarangire offers the opportunity for guided walking safaris, allowing visitors to explore the park on foot while accompanied by experienced guides. This immersive experience provides a different perspective on the park’s flora and fauna, as well as a chance to learn about the smaller aspects of the ecosystem.

5. Cultural interaction: Tarangire National Park is situated near several Maasai communities. Some tours and lodges in the area offer cultural visits, allowing visitors to learn about the Maasai people’s traditions, customs, and way of life.

6. Accessibility: Tarangire is relatively easily accessible by road from Arusha, which is a popular starting point for safaris in northern Tanzania. It is also possible to fly to nearby airstrips within or near the park.

Tarangire National Park is a fantastic destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, offering a unique and diverse safari experience.