Tarangire National Park Blog
When thinking of safari in Tanzania it is hard not to immediately think of the infamous Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater, as these have long been the ‘big names’ for those searching for an authentic and thrilling safari experience in East Africa. These parks remain premier destinations, however for those who want a longer safari or are perhaps return visitors to Tanzania then I definitely recommend looking at Tarangire National Park, which forms part of the wider Northern Tanzania circuit, and is situated about 4 hours from Kilimanjaro Airport.
Tarangire National Park really is a true safari gem. I visited in June 2023 and was so glad I stayed 2 nights here, as it gave plenty of time to explore this captivating park. We were treated to two separate tree climbing lion sightings, the second with 3 magnificent lions, seated high in the trees keeping a watchful eye over a single bull elephant passing below! We were also fortunate to see a napping leopard from a distance. The other part that stood out for me was the sheer volume of zebras we saw here. Thousands of them all heading down to the waterhole, sometimes lined up in single-file and other times just chasing each other down the road right in front of us; it was such a spectacular sight to behold.
Tarangire National Park stands out as an enchanting wildlife sanctuary, boasting breathtaking landscapes and a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna. The park is the sixth largest in Tanzania covering an expansive area of approximately 2,850 square kilometers, and boasts an excellent density of wildlife. The park’s diverse landscapes are a sight to behold, ranging from vast grasslands and seasonal marshes to picturesque riverine forests. However, what truly sets Tarangire apart is its iconic collection of ancient baobab trees, which span the horizon and provide a striking backdrop for both nature and wildlife photography.
The park is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Tanzania, drawing wildlife enthusiasts from around the world wanting to see these large herds of elephants gracefully meandering across the savannah, while predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs stealthily roam the plains in search of their next meal. Other notable residents in the park include giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, buffalo, and a variety of antelope species. Birdwatchers will also be delighted by the park’s rich avian diversity, with over 550 species recorded, including the stunning yellow-collared lovebirds and the iconic lilac-breasted roller.
One of the greatest wildlidfe spectaculars on earth is the annual wildebeest migration. It is well documented that the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara are they key areas to visit to witness this phenomenon. However it is lesser known that Tarangire National Park also plays a crucial role in the annual Great Migration. From July to November, the park becomes a temporary haven for massive herds of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles as they follow the rains in search of fresh grazing lands. Witnessing this incredible spectacle is a testament to the unyielding force of nature and is a true highlight of any visit to Tarangire.
As well as offering excellent wildlife spotting opportunities and beautiful landscapes the park also serves as a beacon of conservation and community engagement. The park collaborates with local communities to foster sustainable tourism practices, providing employment opportunities and educational programs that are essential to the long-term preservation of the area. Efforts are underway to protect the park’s delicate ecosystems, combat poaching, and raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation. By visiting Tarangire, travellers contribute to these initiatives and help safeguard the park’s natural heritage for future generations through the conservation levies that are paid in advance as part of your safari package.
As with many parks in Tanzania there are a range of lodging options in Tarangire to suit a variety of different budgets. Some of my favourites are below:
Mid-range Comfort – Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp is by far one of my favourite lodges in the park. Simple, authentic design with excellent service and relaxing views out across the savannah. I prefer tented lodges as I just feel more like I am on safari when sleeping under canvas! However, other than having canvas walls instead of brick there is nothing budget or camping like about this experience. Good size en-suite rooms, comfortable beds and all the amenities you need. The food is high quality, and there is nothing more relaxing that a cool drink on the deck waiting for sunset after a day exploring the park.
Luxury Style – Maramboi Tented Lodge – This newly renovated lodgeijust outside the park offers the next level in style and comfort. There are two types of room the standard suites and the luxury suites, with the latter recently being newly renovated and each now has its own private pool! Both room types offer excellent sized rooms, with all the amenities you require including your own fresh water cooler. All rooms are also position to face out towards the base, so the views are exceptional, and there is a good chance you will see zebra, wildebeest, warthog and antelope wight outside your deck area.
Ultimate High-end – Tarangire Treetops not only offers ultimate luxury it also offers a truly unique safari experience as the camp is ethically and sustainably built above the ground around ancient baobab trees. The 20 suites here offer some of the largest lodgings in East Africa all with exceptional views over the top of surrounding marula and baobab trees. These views are easily enjoyed by the open-fronted room design affording views across the Tarangire plains from your expansive but private balcony. Inside the suites the luxury continues, with a focus upon high-end local craftsmanship and comfortable furnishings
