Tarangire, Tanzania
The name of the park originates from the Tarangire river that crosses through the park, being the only source of water for wild animals during dry seasons. During the dry season thousands of animals migrate to the Tarangire National Park from Manyara. The park should be part of any safari in northern Tanzania.
The park is reputed to have the highest concentration of elephants in the world, something on the order of 3,000 or so. Within a few hours of driving along the park’s rugged, dusty roads, you’re likely to come across many hundreds.
Attractions
The park is famous for its huge number of elephants, baobab trees and tree climbing lions. Visitors to the park can expect to see any number of resident zebra and wildebeest in addition to the less common animals. Other common animals include waterbuck, giraffe, and olive baboons.
The swamps are the focus of the largest selection of breeding birds anywhere in the world. Yellow-collared Lovebirds are a common bird sighting in the trees along the Tarangire River.
Best time to visit
The game viewing from June though to October. Most of the animals migrate out of the park during the wet season and wildlife viewing is considerably less good.
Getting There
Most safaris to this circuit start from the town of Arusha. The best option to get there is to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is situated 46km/29mi from Arusha. It is also possible to fly to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) near Dar es Salaam and book a domestic flight to Arusha Airport (ARK).