Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park covers 2,850 square kilometers and is part of a larger Maasai Steppe ecosystem of about 30,000 square kilometers. The park is known for its diverse landscapes, including wide-open plains, Acacia and baobab-studded ridges, valleys along the Tarangire River, and vast seasonal swamps.

During the dry season, from July to November, Tarangire becomes a major wildlife haven. Large numbers of buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, ostriches, giraffes, and elands gather around permanent water sources like the Tarangire River and Silale Swamp. Lions and leopards are also commonly seen. The park’s huge baobab trees are a notable feature and are considered ecosystems on their own.

Tarangire is a top spot in Tanzania for watching elephants up close, especially around waterholes or springs. It’s also one of the few places where you can find oryx, gerenuk, and kudu, and occasionally even cape hunting dogs. Bird watchers will enjoy Tarangire’s rich variety of species, including many raptors like martial and bateleur eagles, as well as the tiny but fierce pygmy falcon.

The park offers different experiences throughout the year, from the dry, dusty season with animals clustered around shrinking water sources to the green season with newborn animals and lively bird activity. Activities include game viewing by vehicle, walking safaris with an armed guide, and night game drives.