Tarangire National Park is a gem in Tanzania often underrated because it is shadowed by the other parks of the northern circuit but is one of the best places to see wildlife in the country, it is popular for large herds of the African elephants, these roam freely within the park together with other species some of which are endemics to the destination. The vegetation of the biodiverse environment is characterized by acacia woodland, sausage trees, thickets, shrubs and baobab trees signature of the conservation area, these are of great importance to the Masai people as they are mostly used for medicinal purposes. Tarangire National Park is the 6th largest national park in Tanzania covering an area space of approximately 2,600 square kilometers.
Wildlife in Tarangire national park is abundant, several mammal species, birds, amphibians, and reptiles live within the ecosystem, Examplesof species include the African elephants, giraffes, leopards, lions, hippos, cheetahs, spotted hyenas, zebras, warthogs, wildebeests, Jackson cokes hartebeest, waterbucks, wild dogs, Rhinos, bushbucks, elands, jackals, oryxgeneric, impalas, gazelles, dik-dik, olive baboons, greater and lesser kudus, to mention a few. African elephants are the highlight of Tarangire National Park, hundreds of the species migrate into the conservation area in search of green pastures and water along the river Tarangire, and it is angelic to spot a group of elephants inclusive of the long-horned males.
Birds of Tarangire National Park, there are over 500 species of birds that have been recorded here some of these are endemics to the Great Rift Valley region, Examples of birds include the stocking thighed ostrich, Kori bustard, yellow-collared love bird, Rufous-tailed weaver, white billed go way bird, crested francolin, lilac breasted rollers, barbets, hammer kops, owls’ plovers, swifts to mention a few. Birds are best seen during the wet season when the park receives migratory species, it is a fruiting time hence attracting more birds from other destinations.
Wildlife in Tarangire National Park is as significant, as it is toppled with the presence of other attractions of the national park like the baobab trees, these catchy tree species stand out with thick tree trunks and stunned roots, and the rise up to 30 meters tall and believed to survive up to 600 years while in the wilderness. The Masaai people, in the Emanyata Cultural Boma, these display their typical Masaai way of living, through cultural performances, dance and drama guests do have the chance to get involved in the activities.
Wildlife in Tarangire National Park is best visited during the dry season between the months of December-February and June -September when the trails are much drier and easier to access. the grasses during the dry season thin out and give great views of wildlife, Visits to Tarangire National Park give great experiences, majority of guests consider the longer travel plan along the northern circuit.
In conclusion, Tarangire National Park can be accessed any time of the year, it is situated a few kilometres from Arusha, approximately 3 hours drive, and there are scheduled or charter flights that can be arranged offered by domestic flight handlers.