Tarangire National Park is perfectly located along the northern circuit of Tanzania, its strategic location has led to it being known despite it being underrated most of the time, it is the 6th largest national park of Tanzania covering an area space of approximately 2,600 square kilometres, it is famous for its large herds of African elephants (Africana Loxodanta), there are about 3,000 elephants that migrate to the park, it is dramatic to so many of them concentrated in one point. The baobab tree is the signature look of the biodiverse environment, the trees are characterized by their thick trunks which can store water, and the species can survive up to 600 years.
Tarangire National Park is generally a growing savannah grassland, acacia woodland, thickets, bushes, swampy areas, rivers and lakes, it is drained by the river Tarangire after which it was named, these act as home to many animalspecies besides the African elephants for example, cape buffaloes, elands, giraffes, waterbucks, bush bucks, wild dogs, wildebeests, leopards, lions, jackals, spotted hyenas, oribi, hartebeests to mention a few and over 500 species of birds, some of these are endemics to the rift valley region.
Hot air balloon in Tarangire National Park is one of the best things to do while in the national park, imagine being above the park while watching animals in groups run their way through the park, the stunning stamping antelopes are not to miss, the activity begins at the Nyuki campsite, going northwards towards river Tarangire, a source of water to the animals, the activity sparks off with an early morning breakfast by 6:00 am guests are meant to have already set off for their day’s events.
While they set up the hot air balloons, passengers get to experience the whole setup, a briefing is then conducted by the pilots on how the activity is going to be and safety precautions, it takes an hour to do the activity and the routing entirely depends on the wind of the sky. The return is arranged on game drive which sometimes ends in sundowners depending on what the lodge has offered.
Besides hot air balloon safaris, there are other activities of the park including game drives, these are done in sessions beginning in the early morning, afternoon, evening and night times in search of nocturnal activities, day drives are best recommended in the morning when animals are more active. Birding in the Tarangire National Park, there are over 500 species of birds that are present in the ecosystem, expect to see many birds along the river Tarangire. Visiting the Masai people, these locals will show you their way of life, traditions and how they used to live traditionally, they perform their songs and dances, and guests have the chance to join in the activities.
Hot balloon air safaris in Tarangire National Park are best done during the dry season between the months of December-February and June –September when the trail winds are calm, with less rain hence ease for movement of the balloons.