TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

Tarangire National Park takes its name from Tarangire River and exceptionally, it features among a few safari parks which offer tourists on Tanzania safari with unique and authentic experiences. This park straddles within the Northern circuit of Tanzania, Lake Manyara region and it is famous for its large herds of elephant migration which make it an excellent Tanzania safari destination. It was gazetted as a national park in 1970 and occupies an area of 2850sq.kms.

History of Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park has an exceptional history which is worth exploring on Tanzania safari. Its history can be traced back to 1970 when it was established. It derives its name from the Tarangire River which crosses the park which also serves as an essential source of water for the park’s wildlife. Tarangire National Park sits in an area of 1100sq.miles and it is rated as the 6th largest park in Tanzania. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, the Maa speaking pastoralists moved and occupied some parts of the parks at the time replacing the Nilotes and the Bantu.

By 1880, their population increased (number of the Masai) and in 1900, they suffered pleuro pneumonia and small pox. Between the 1880s and 1950s, the Maasai were displaced and European farmers leading to the establishment of several parks. It was in 1970 that Tarangire Game Reserve was upgraded into a national park.

Wildlife in Tarangire National Park

What makes Tarangire National Park a famous park is its huge concentration of wildlife. It hosts distinct wildlife species like the dwarf mongoose, tree-climbing lions, wildebeests, hartebeests, elephants, generuks, impalas, gazelles, oryx, giraffes, elands, warthogs, Kudus, buffaloes, zebras, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, wild dogs, and many others.

• Birds in Tarangire National Park

It is estimated that Tarangire National Park hosts about 550 bird species and on Tanzania safari, the birds to expect to identify include Northern pied babblers, vulturine guinea fowl, pink breasted lark, Von der Decken’s hornbill, ostriches, bare-faced go-away bird. Donaldson Smit’s nightjar, red and yellow barbets, African grey flycatchers, red barbets, lapped faced vultures, Bateleur eagles, brown parrots, Northern white-crowned shrike, great white pelicans, rufous tailed weavers, ashy starling, yellow collared love bird, as well as the different species of migratory birds that come here to breed around November and April.

Tourist activities to do in Tarangire National Park

• Wildlife viewing

Wildlife viewing in this park takes you through the park’s wilderness area offering you incredible sight of wildlife species such as dwarf mongoose, tree-climbing lions, wildebeests, hartebeests, elephants, generuks, oryx, giraffes, elands, warthogs, Kudus, buffaloes, zebras, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, impalas, gazelles, wild dogs.

• Birding

Birding in this protected area lets you look out birds such as Bateleur eagles, brown parrots, Northern pied babblers, vulturine guinea fowl, pink breasted lark, ostriches, bare-faced go-away bird. Donaldson Smit’s nightjar, red and yellow barbets, African grey flycatchers, red barbets, lapped faced vultures, yellow collared love bird, rufous tailed weavers, Von der Decken’s hornbill, Northern white-crowned shrike, great white pelicans, ashy starling.

• Guided nature walks

The best way to uncover what makes Tarangire National Park an exceptional wilderness area is by taking part in a guided nature walk. This lets you visit various habitat for you to sight a variety of wildlife, birds and enjoy the amazing view of the landscape.
Other safari activities to do in this park include cultural tours in Masai and Barabaig villages, hot air balloon tours.

• Best time to visit Tarangire National Park

Wildlife viewing in Tarangire National reserve is best carried out starting June, July, August, September, and October. These are the dry months and they characterized by low or no rain, less vegetation, and most wildlife confine in few water sources to drink water hence providing the best wildlife viewing experiences. November to April is a perfect time to embark on birding since most migratory birds confine in the park to breed.

• Where to stay in Tarangire National Park

The best lodges and other accommodation units for a night stay in Tarangire National reserve include Nimali Tarangire Tented Camp, Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge, Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp, Sanctuary Swala Camp (Luxury), Tarangire Safari Lodge, Kirurumu Tarangire Lodge, Kikoti Tented Camp, Tarangire Sopa Lodge, Ang’ata Tarangire Camp (Mid-range), Whistling Thorn Tented Camp (Budget).

Tanzania Safari Destinations

Related Tanzania National Parks – Where to go for a Tanzania Wildlife Safaris Tour