The Elephant's Paradise

Tarangire National Park in Tanzania's Manyara Region gets its name from the Tarangire River, a crucial water source for wildlife during the annual dry season. The park's ecosystem is defined by the migration of wildebeest and zebras, attracting thousands of animals from surrounding areas during the dry season for grazing and calving.

Tarangire National Park spans 2,850 square kilometers (1,100 square miles) and features a diverse landscape of granitic ridges, river valleys, and swamps. The vegetation includes Acacia woodland, Combretum woodland, seasonally flooded grasslands, and iconic baobab trees that create a unique and picturesque setting for wildlife and visitors alike.

During the dry season from June to November, Tarangire National Park witnesses its own wildlife migration, albeit less dramatic than the Serengeti's Great Migration. The Tarangire River becomes a vital water source, attracting a variety of animals, including wildebeests, elephants, gazelles, zebras, hartebeests, buffaloes, and predators like lions. As the region gets dry, these animals gather around the riverbanks for drinking and grazing. In the rainy months from November to May, zebras and wildebeests move northwest towards the Rift Valley floor and spread across the vast open areas of the Maasai Steppe, eventually dispersing all the way to Lake Manyara.

How to get there

The most convenient way to reach Tarangire National Park is by flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), approximately 46km/29mi from Arusha. Alternatively, you can fly to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) near Dar es Salaam and then take a domestic flight to Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

Wildlife

Tarangire National Park is home to a diverse range of resident animals, including waterbuck, giraffe, dik dik, impala, eland, Grant's gazelle, vervet monkey, banded mongoose, and olive baboon. The park also boasts various predators like lion, leopard, cheetah, caracal, honey badger, and African wild dog. Notably, Tarangire is known for the oldest recorded elephant giving birth to twins.

Activities

Tarangire National Park offers a range of exciting excursions and activities, such as walking safaris and thrilling night game drives. Additionally, visitors can immerse themselves in local culture by visiting a Maasai village or the Hadzabe tribe. For a unique experience, a hot air balloon safari provides breathtaking views. Exploring the nearby Mto wa Mbu on a cultural tour or enjoying a mountain bike tour around Lake Manyara is also available.

Best time to visit

For the best experience, we recommend visiting Tarangire National Park from June to October. During this period, the park is in its dry season, providing optimal conditions for exceptional game viewing opportunities.

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