Arusha
Country : Tanzania
Tarangire National Park Travel Guide
Located just a few hours drive from the town of Arusha, Tarangire national park is a diverse and picturesque African wildlife sanctuary that is famous for its elephant migration, birding and authentic safari atmosphere. Tarangire national park is a popular stop for people travelling through the northern safari circuit on their way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. Being so famous for its safari tour, this park in Tanzania is one of the most famous spot which has attracted thousands of tourists from many years. Tarangire is surprisingly large, giving visitors the quietest game viewing environment of all the parks in the region. Set in the ecosystem that is ten times larger than Manyara Park, the conservation area is only owned by the Maasai people and visitors have an opportunity to learn about their culture and lifestyle. A Tarangire National Park safari boasts large herds of elephant and buffalo, and a remarkable concentration of big cats and is one of the best National Parks in Tanzania. Tarangire national park in Tanzania is well known as a wonderful birding destination and is a good choice for travelers to view large number of bird species. The huge baobab trees are of great attraction when you visit this national park and also make an excellent opportunity for photography.
Places To visit In Tarangire National Park
Matete Picnic Site
Situated on the northern banks of the Tarangire River and inside Tarangire national park, Matete is a famous picnic site in Tanzania attracting many tourists every year. Offering unprecedented views of Tarangire plains, Matete picnic site is an ideal spot to spend your day with your friends and family.
Poacher's Baobab Hide
Upon entering Tarangire National park, visitors have the chance to see the famous Baobab tree which is one of Africa’s most iconic trees. It is said to have been a hideout for poachers in the area, though now inhabited by the occasional bees or animal.
Tarangire Hill
Nestled amidst the plains of northern Tarangire national park, these hills serves as a as a destination for walking safaris, mostly for the views available from its top which include the Tarangire river and plains that surround it.
Silale Swamp Picnic Site
Silale Swamp picnic site is another famous spot in Tanzania to spend your day with your friends and family. It has facilities such as park benches and provides amazing views of the swamps from a higher vantage point.
Mibuyu Mingi campsite
Mibuyu Mingi is an open field that serves a campsite for the visitors traveling to Tanzania. Situated on the northern end of Tarangire National Park, this campsite is a must visit when in Tanzania. Campers will have to get their own tent, food and equipment as Mibuyu doesn’t provide their own to the visitors.
Ngorongoro Crater
Once a gigantic volcano, Ngorongoro Crater in Northern Tanzania is the largest intact caldera in the world. Nearly three million years old, the ancient caldera shelters one of the most beautiful wildlife havens on earth.
Serengeti National Park
Found in 1952, Serengeti national park in Tanzania is no doubt the most famous wildlife sanctuary in the world. The park attracts many tourists throughout the year due to its abundant population of wildlife and the safari tour which allows the travelers to explore the best of the sanctuary.
Best Time To Visit Tarangire National Park
Many parks in East Africa can be visited year around but Tarangire national park is a seasonal park which attracts tourists from across the globe. Situated as close as it is to the equator, Tanzania does not experience the same 'four seasons' you might find in Europe or North America. Instead the city experiences alternated wet and dry season. The best time for visiting this park is from July to October before animals start migrating out of the park. During dry season, animals gather around the Tarangire River making it peak season with so many tourists filling the park. The days are warm with clearer sky makes it the best time to go to Tarangire.
Things To Do In Tarangire National Park
Let the experts guide you to the best of this mesmerizing destination
Game viewing
One of the famous things to do in Tarangire national park is game viewing. Tourists can explore the adorable national park by taking game drive to the wild and encounter Tanzania’s largest herds of elephants alongside animals like Giraffes, fringe eared Oryx, tiny ashy starling, greater kudu, gazelles, hartebeests to name a few.
Bird Watching
Tarangire national park is home to many bird species and it is said to have over 500 species of birds such as Yellow collared lover birds, bateleurs eagles, gigantic lappet faced vulture, brown parrots and much more. The best place to view these birds is at the woodlands, swamps and near the Tarangire River.
Experience the culture
Tarangire national park is situated near the Masai steep for those visitors who are interested in cultural safari tour. They can visit the nearby Massai village and learn about the unique ways of living with their cultural aspects.
Nature Walk tour
Guided nature walk in Tarangire national park is one of the best things to do in Tanzania as it allows the travelers to experience the wilderness on foot. The nature walk is mostly done in morning and evening time and last for about one to three hours with an experienced tourist guide.
Sightseeing
One of the most memorable experiences you can witness at Tarangire national park is sightseeing as the park provides some of the most spectacular views of nature including the Tarangire River, the baobab trees, woodlands and acacias landscapes.
Camping at Oliver’s Camp
Oliver’s camp in Tarangire offers adventurous fly camping trips and very good walking safaris. The camp has recently started night safaris within the park itself. The best way to enjoy the beauty of nature is to camp with your friends that is sure to make your trip to Tanzania worthy.
How to Reach Tarangire National Park
By Road: To reach Tarangire, you have to get down at Arusha and from there you can begin your safari tour to Tarangire National Park. Most safaris to this circuit start from the town of Arusha.
By Air: The nearest airport to Tarangire national park is Kilimanjaro International AirPort which is located 46 km from Arusha. It is also possible to fly to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) near Dar es Salaam and book a domestic flight to Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport.
