Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park, located in the Manyara region of Tanzania, is a hidden gem on the northern safari circuit. This park is renowned for its iconic baobab trees and huge herds of elephants, making it a must-visit destination for anyone planning a safari holiday in Tanzania.
Collapsible content
More About Safaris in Tarangire
With its permanent water source, the Tarangire River attracts a wide range of wildlife throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for safaris. During the dry season, which is the peak season from June to September, Tarangire offers a superior safari experience compared to neighbouring Lake Manyara National Park, with fewer crowds and a higher concentration of wildlife.
Despite being the country’s 6th largest national park, Tarangire remains one of the least visited parks in northern Tanzania, making it an exclusive destination for safari enthusiasts. So, if you want to witness the annual animal migrations and experience the thrill of seeing large quantities of wildlife, a tailor-made Tarangire safari should definitely be on your list.
Wildlife in Tarangire
Tarangire National Park is a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts as it boasts an impressive array of mammals and birds. The park is home to the highest concentration of elephants in Tanzania and offers excellent opportunities for sightings of other iconic African wildlife such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest. In addition, there are over 500 species of birds that can be found in the park, making it a paradise for birdwatchers.
One of the unique features of Tarangire National Park is the presence of the baobab tree, which dominates the landscape and provides a striking backdrop for wildlife photography. Visitors can also expect to see large herds of buffalo, impala, and gazelle, as well as elusive species like the kudu and the fringe-eared oryx. The swamps and marshes of the park also attract a variety of waterbirds, including storks, pelicans, and flamingos.
For those looking for a more immersive safari experience, guided walks are available to explore the park's diverse flora and fauna on foot. Night drives also offer the opportunity to see some of the park's nocturnal animals, including the elusive leopard and aardvark.
Best Time to Visit
Tarangire National Park, located in northern Tanzania, is a popular safari destination known for its large herds of elephants, baobab trees, and diverse wildlife. If you’re planning a safari in Tarangire, it’s important to know the best time to visit for the best wildlife viewing experience.
The dry season, which runs from June to October, is the best time to visit Tarangire National Park for wildlife viewing. During this time, the park’s wildlife congregates around water sources, making it easier to spot them. The vegetation is also thinner, making it easier to see the animals in the park.
If you’re interested in bird watching, the best time to visit Tarangire National Park is from November to May. This is the park’s wet season, and the park’s birdlife is most active and abundant during this time. You can spot over 550 bird species in the park, including the endemic Ashy Starling and Yellow-collared Lovebird.
It’s important to note that the rainy season can make the roads in the park difficult to navigate, and some lodges may close during this time. The rainy season also means that there are more mosquitoes in the park, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions to avoid getting malaria.
To avoid the busiest tourism season, it’s best to avoid visiting Tarangire National Park during the months of July and August, as well as during the Christmas and New Year holiday period. Visiting during the shoulder season, which runs from November to March, or the low season from April to May, can also help you avoid the crowds.
Month-by-Month Guide to Weather
January:
The park is hot with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F), with highs of up to 33°C (91°F) and lows of around 22°C (72°F). January is a relatively dry month with an average rainfall of 28mm and 4 rainy days.
February:
The park remains hot with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F), with highs of up to 33°C (91°F) and lows of around 22°C (72°F). February is also a relatively dry month with an average rainfall of 38mm and 5 rainy days.
March:
Temperatures in the park remain hot with an average temperature of 27°C (81°F), with highs of up to 32°C (90°F) and lows of around 22°C (72°F). March marks the start of the wet season with an average rainfall of 85mm and 8 rainy days.
April:
The park is warm with an average temperature of 26°C (79°F), with highs of up to 31°C (88°F) and lows of around 20°C (68°F). April is a relatively wet month with an average rainfall of 152mm and 13 rainy days.
May:
Temperatures in the park start to cool down slightly with an average temperature of 24°C (75°F), with highs of up to 28°C (82°F) and lows of around 18°C (64°F). May is still a wet month with an average rainfall of 97mm and 10 rainy days.
June:
The park is cooler with an average temperature of 22°C (72°F), with highs of up to 26°C (79°F) and lows of around 16°C (61°F). June marks the start of the dry season with an average rainfall of 18mm and 2 rainy days.
July:
The park is cool with an average temperature of 21°C (70°F), with highs of up to 25°C (77°F) and lows of around 15°C (59°F). July is a dry month with an average rainfall of 9mm and 1 rainy day.
August:
The park remains cool with an average temperature of 22°C (72°F), with highs of up to 26°C (79°F) and lows of around 15°C (59°F). August is also a dry month with an average rainfall of 7mm and 1 rainy day.
September:
The park starts to warm up again with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F), with highs of up to 29°C (84°F) and lows of around 18°C (64°F). September is a dry month with an average rainfall of 5mm and less than 1 rainy day.
October:
The park is hot with an average temperature of 27°C (81°F), with highs of up to 31°C (88°F) and lows of around 20°C (68°F). October is a dry month with an average rainfall of 16mm and 2 rainy days.
November:
The park remains hot with an average temperature of 27°C (81°F), with highs of up to 32°C (90°F) and lows of around 20°C (68°F). November marks the end of the dry season and the start of the short rains with an average rainfall of 68mm and 8 rainy days.
December:
The park is warm with an average temperature of 27°C (81°F), with highs of up to 32°C (90°F) and lows of around 21°C (70°F).