Tarangire National Park is one of the best places in Tanzania to do game drives, it comprises many wildlife species highlighting the Large herds of African elephants. The park is named after the river Tarangire covering an area space of approximately 2,600 square kilometers along the northern circuit of Tanzania in the Manyara region. It is being managed by the Tanzania National Park Authority. The park was first gazette in 1957 as a game reserve and was later upgraded to the status of a national park by 1970. It is normally a great stop for travellers to northern Tanzania.
Tarangire National park is home to abundant wildlife species including the so-called big five of the wilderness, Examples of types include lions, leopards, hyenas, Jackson hartebeest, oribi, waterbucks, elands, wild dogs, wildebeests, and over 500 species of birds like African harrier hawks, ground hornbills, sunbirds, African fish eagles, grey crowned cranes to mention a few, these are best sighted during game drives through the well-distributed trails of the forest.
Game drives in Tarangire National Park are done using 4×4 wheel car drives to beat the tough terrain of the African wilderness, these are characterized by an open roof to view wildlife and space for perfect picture moments, the day drives are done in sessions, in the morning beginning at 6:30 am, afternoon time at 2:30 pm and evening time at 4:30 pm east African time, the morning time is the most recommended to do game drives when animals are active, predators are out to hunt while other species are out to graze, the run of the wild is super amazing to experience. Game drives last for 2-3 hours per session, guests can however decide to do an all-day activity with a packed lunch. Night game drives, Tarangire National Park is one of the few places in the country where night game drives are allowed, these are accompanied by an experienced guide and ranger in search of nocturnal species mostly predators.
Game drives are best experienced during the dry season between the months of December-February and June – September, the grasses during this time tend to be thinner which makes it easy to spot wildlife, and the trails drier. Seasonal rivers of the park dry up and water is left to mostly river Tarangire which drains the park unconditionally animals gather around the river to drink fresh waters and green pastures.
Besides game drives, other activities of the national park can be done for example hot balloon air safaris, guided nature walks that give rewarding views of the surroundings, and visiting the Masaai people, who are the original inhabitants of the region, will get to indulge into the culture of the Masai, they will perform through their traditional songs and music. What to pack during a game drive experience includes long-sleeved shirts and trousers, drinking water on board, boots, insect repellents, and any other items of a personal nature.
In conclusion, Tarangire National Park can be accessed from Arusha, it takes approximately 3 hours drive to the destination, trips to the destination can be combined with other destinations for instance the Serengeti National Park and the Lake Manyara National Park.