Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is a captivating wildlife destination renowned for its large elephant herds, iconic baobab trees, and diverse landscapes. Spanning approximately 2,850 square kilometers, the park is a significant part of the larger Manyara and Tarangire ecosystem. Its name originates from the Mbugwe word “Tara” (river, also snaking) and the Hadzabe word “Ngire” (warthog), reflecting the area’s numerous warthogs. During the dry season, the park becomes a crucial refuge, drawing wildlife migrating to the permanent waters of its river.

The park’s scenery features rolling savannah dotted with thousands of baobab trees, also known as the “upside-down tree,” providing a distinctive and picturesque backdrop for wildlife viewing. These ancient trees can live up to 3,000 years, with trunks exceeding 100 feet in circumference, making them a prominent feature. The Tarangire River, fed by seasonal sand rivers from the east and southeast, flows northward, emptying into Lake Burunge and connecting with vital water sources like the Silale, Gurusi, and Larmakau swamps.

Serving as a critical dry season water source, the Tarangire River supports thousands of migratory animals, offering exceptional game viewing between July and October. The park is particularly noted for its substantial elephant population, often seen in herds numbering hundreds. The park also supports healthy populations of various herbivores, including wildebeest, zebra, hartebeest, eland, and giraffe, alongside predators such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. Birdlife is abundant, with over 550 recorded species, making it a significant destination for ornithologists.