Introduction
Covering 1,096 square miles (2,850 km²), Tarangire National Park is one of the most scenic reserves in Africa—and one of our favorites at Masai Holidays. Named after the Tarangire River, the park is nestled in the Manyara region and is the sixth largest park in Tanzania. Large numbers of baobab trees enhance a landscape of granite ridges, mixed acacia and commiphora-combretum woodland, and grassland. It is the best area on the Northern Circuit to see lions in trees and large herds of elephant.
Wildlife
Tarangire’s wildlife includes buffalo, eland, elephant, Maasai giraffe, oryx, zebra, and wildebeest. Other prominent species include Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle, hartebeest, impala, lesser and greater kudu, reedbuck, and gerenuk. Lion and leopard are frequently seen, and there is a good chance of finding pythons in trees. Cheetah, spotted hyena, and African wild dog are also present, as are banded, slender, dwarf, and marsh mongoose.
Birdlife
Approximately 550 bird species have been recorded. Specialties include the northern pied babbler, Eastern chanting goshawk, black-faced sandgrouse, slender-tailed nightjar, coqui francolin, magpie shrike, and D’Arnaud’s barbet. Lappet-faced vulture, yellow-necked spurfowl, Fischer’s lovebird, white-bellied go-away bird, rosy-patched bushshrike, and ashy starling are among the characteristic species.
Best Time to Visit
Birdwatching is best from December through May. Although not frequented as often by tourists as Ngorongoro and Serengeti, Tarangire should not be missed. Wildlife viewing is excellent, especially in the dry season from July to October, when many animals congregate near the only permanent water source in the area—the Tarangire River and its tributaries. June, November, and December are also good times to visit.
Migration Cycle
At the beginning of the short rainy season in November, certain herds of migratory species including wildebeest and zebra begin leaving the park, soon followed by elephant, buffalo, Grant’s gazelle, Thomson’s gazelle, and oryx. Giraffe, waterbuck, lesser kudu, and other resident species remain behind. The migratory animals start returning at the end of the long rains in June.
Where to Go
Lemiyon Triangle
The northernmost part of the park, characterized by large numbers of stunning baobab trees. This landscape is dotted with umbrella acacia, grasslands, and wooded areas. Elephant, wildebeest, and zebra are often seen.
Matete Region
Located in the northeast; open grasslands with scattered umbrella acacia and baobab trees. Lion, fringe-eared oryx, and klipspringer are seen often, alongside bat-eared fox.
Burunge Circuit
On the 50-mile (80 km) Burunge Circuit, visitors pass through acacia parklands and woodlands, where they are likely to see elephant, eland, and bushbuck.
Kitibong Hill
The eastern side comprises acacia parklands, with thicker woodland on the western side. This is a good place to find large herds of buffalo.
Southern & Central Exploration
Gursi Region: Seasonal wetlands here support large populations of water birds.
Larmakau Region: Located in the central eastern part, featuring extensive swamps that tend not to see many travelers.
Nguselororobi: Predominantly swamps interspersed with woodlands and plains in the south.
Mkungunero Area: Boasts freshwater pools that attract a variety of birdlife.
Accommodation
Little Chem Chem
Set on a private reserve adjacent to the park, overlooking Lake Burunge and surrounded by baobabs. Features five tents with private fire pits. Activities include morning, afternoon, and night game drives, guided walks, and conservation safaris with the anti-poaching team.
Chem Chem Safari Lodge
Located in the Tarangire/Lake Manyara Corridor. Features eight luxury tents with private wooden decks, a dining room, lounge, library, sundeck, pool, and spa. Offers walks with Maasai guides.
Manyara Ranch Conservancy
A 35,000-acre private reserve featuring eight deluxe tents. Wildlife includes bull elephants, giraffe, oryx, eland, kudu, lion, cheetah, leopard, and wild dog. Offers night drives (off-road allowed), village visits, and hides.
Tarangire Treetops Lodge
Set in a private reserve 45 minutes from the entrance. Each of the 20 tents is built around a baobab treetop. Activities include walking and night game drives.
Maramboi Tented Camp
Located 10 miles from the park in a migratory corridor. Features 20 tents and 10 lodge rooms with private verandahs and a pool.
Tarangire River Camp
Located near the main entrance with 20 tents. Offers game drives and cultural visits to local Maasai and Datoga tribes.