Tarangire National Park is angelically situated along the northern circuit of Tanzania, it is named after the river Tarangire running along the floor of the conservation area, it covers an area space of approximately 2,600 square kilometres with vast wildlife species it is the 6th largest protected area of Tanzania. The park was first established as a game reserve in 1957 and later upgraded to a national park status by 1970, it is known for its high concentration of African elephants (Loxodanta Africana). The national park is being managed under the Tanzania National Park Authority. Tarangire is one of the least known parks in the country and yet with so many rewarding views of mammal species.
Tarangire National Park is a protected area comprising large baobab trees, sausage trees, acacia woodlands, marshy swampy areas, seasonal water pools, and open grasslands, the baobab tree is of great significance to the Masaai people use it for medicinal purposes, this species typically depicts the trueness of the African dry wilderness it can live up to 600 years with water stored in its trunk, these have adapted to growing in dry environments. The vast vegetation cover is home to many wildlife species, example types include the rare fringe-eared Oryx, long-necked gerenuk, lions, leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, African elephants, Masai giraffes, Kudus, elands, water bucks, warthogs, gazelles, wild dogs, dik-dik, wildebeests, there are over 500 species of birds have been recorded in the national park the park receives migratory birds annually mostly in the wet season.
Often Tarangire National Park is shadowed by the famous Serengeti National Park however for travellers that reach out to the destination it is a great place to see wildlife species that are spotted on game drives, these are the major activities done here, game drives are conducted in the early morning in search of morning risers by 6:00 am, at 2:30 pm and evening times, Tarangire is one of the few places of Tanzania where doing night game drives is allowed, these are done in search of nocturnal species. Birding in Tarangire National Park is a paradise of birds one can have a great rewarding experience with birds, several bird species can be spotted here for example African harrier hawk, black-headed herons, Kori Bustard, lilac breasted roller to mention a few, besides the mentioned safaris experiences one can engage in visiting the Masai people, and enjoy Hot Balloon Air safaris.
Tarangire National Park can be visited all year round but is best during the dry season between the months of January February and June-September, the park is relatively dry and animals tend to gather around the only river Tarangire which is a permanent water source, the region is placed approximately 2 hours’ drive from Arusha city.
In conclusion Tarangire National Park is one of the great places to visit while in Tanzania, it is strategically located, and easy to access, for beginners on an African Safari, this is by far the best place of choice.