Things to do in Tarangire National Park – Activities in Tarangire National Park

Located within the northern safari circuit, Tarangire National Park is a spectacular game to visit for wildlife safaris. Tarangire is one of the lesser-known game reserves in Tanzania -teeming with large numbers of wildlife all year round.  Most popular safari packages to Tanzania will take you to the northern safari circuit in Tanzania and surely Tarangire shouldn’t be missed because of several Things to do in Tarangire National Park. If you are planning a safari to Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park and you are wondering What are some of the Activities in Tarangire National Park, here is all you need to know.

The most popular Things to do in Tarangire National Park include; wildlife viewing on game drives, nature walks, and Bird watching tours. For any wildlife lover, you won’t be disappointed in Tarangire National since it rivals the popular Serengeti National Park in terms of wildlife numbers and diversity. Tarangire is less famous and is one of the best places to visit for those who are interested in wildlife viewing with fewer tourists during wildlife safaris in Tanzania. One of the most popular things you will see in Tarangire is the scenic giant baobab trees that are widespread in the park.

Giant Boabab in Tarangire

Best Things to do in Tarangire National Park – Major highlights of safaris to Tarangire National Park

There are several safari activities and experiences in Tarangire National Park that will give you the feel of the vast Tanzania wilderness, from the time you set foot in the park until when you depart. Here is a complete guide to Activities to do in Tarangire National Park in Tanzania.

1. Game viewing on Game Drive Safaris

One of the best ways of exploring the vast Tarangire National Park is by embarking on game drive safaris. Game drive safaris in Tarangire will allow you to explore different areas of this park as you catch sight of some amazing wildlife in their natural environment. The Park features large numbers of games, that can be best viewed during the dry season, when the Tarangire River is the only source of water in the area.

Expect to encounter elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, lions, and hyenas during your wildlife safari/game viewing/Game drive safari. If you are lucky enough, you may also spot the occasional animals including the black rhino, leopard, and cheetah. Game drive safaris in Tarangire will surely give you an unmatched experience of a wild African safari drive. Game drives in Tarangire National Park are conducted in 4*4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs and windows to allow you to spot different wildlife species and also take pictures during safaris. Tarangire game drives are perfect for those who wish to see large numbers of wildlife and still have the whole national park to themselves. There is less interruption during game drive safaris in the park, so expect a thrilling experience.

1. Nature Walking Safaris

You might have experienced a thrilling adventure on your game drive in Tarangire but a Nature walking safari will surely leave you amazed. The Nature walks in Tarangire will allow you to get up close to nature, getting a sight of all that you can’t see on a game drive. Nature walks allow you to spot the small resident species and nature as you walk through the park. Nature walks in Tarangire are conducted by expert and armed ranger guides who lead the expedition and will provide you with valuable insights into the wildlife species, the environment, and animal behaviors. You will be safe during these nature walks since most of the areas where they are conducted have no predators and on top of that, the guides are always vigilant and armed.

1. Bird Watching

If you are a bird lover, the Tarangire is a perfect destination for you. Bird watching in Tarangire National Park is a rewarding experience for bird lovers. The park has a diverse range of habitats, including riverine forests, acacia woodlands, and open grasslands, making it an ideal destination for spotting a wide variety of bird species.

Tarangire National Park is home to over 550 bird species, making it one of the most prolific birding areas in East Africa. The park’s diverse avifauna includes both resident and migratory species, providing ample opportunities for birdwatchers to observe various plumages, nesting behaviors, and bird calls.

Checklist in Tarangire – Things to do in Tarangire National Park

Yellow-collared Lovebird: This small and colorful parrot is endemic to Tanzania and can be spotted in the park’s woodland areas.

Red-faced Cisticola: This tiny bird, known for its distinctive reddish face, can be found perched on grass stalks or singing from shrubbery.

Ashy Starling: Tarangire is a great place to spot this glossy, slate-gray bird, which often gathers in large flocks and creates a stunning visual display.

African Fish Eagle: With its striking white head and neck, brown plumage, and piercing call, this iconic bird of prey can be seen near Tarangire River, where it feeds on fish.

Yellow-billed Oxpecker: Known for its symbiotic relationship with large mammals, such as zebras and elephants, this bird perches on their backs, feeding on parasites.

Best time for bird watching in Tarangire

The best time for birdwatching in Tarangire is during the dry season, which spans from June to October. During this time, vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot and identify different bird species. Migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa also arrive during this period, increasing the overall bird diversity in the park.

Tarangire River – Things to do in Tarangire National Park

The Tarangire River is a significant water source that runs through Tarangire National Park, playing a crucial role in supporting the park’s wildlife. It serves as a lifeline for many animals, providing them with water, food, and prime habitat.

During the dry season, which typically occurs from June to October, the Tarangire River is one of the few reliable water sources in the area. As the surrounding landscape becomes parched, animals congregate around the river, creating incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. Elephants, in particular, heavily rely on the river during this time, utilizing it for drinking and bathing. Other herbivores like zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, and giraffes also flock to the river, leading to incredible concentrations of wildlife in the park.

Aquatic life in the Tarangire River

The river supports a variety of aquatic life, including fish and amphibians, which not only contribute to the overall biodiversity of the park but also serve as a food source for other animals. Predators, such as crocodiles and lions, are often found near the riverbanks, taking advantage of the abundance of prey brought together by the river’s presence. The Tarangire River thus creates a dynamic and interconnected ecosystem that sustains a wide range of wildlife within the park.

Wet season in Tarangire

During the wet season, which lasts from November to May, the Tarangire River experiences increased water flow due to rainfall. The river swells and floods certain areas, transforming the landscape and influencing the movement patterns of animals. Some areas become inaccessible to both wildlife and humans, as the water levels rise significantly. However, this period can also offer unique opportunities to witness the cycle of renewal as new vegetation sprouts and animals dispersed throughout the park, making it a fascinating time for birdwatching and observing breeding behaviors.

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