Things to do in Tarangire National Park
Don’t believe that every park in Northern Tanzania is overcrowded. At about 140 kilometers from Arusha lies Tarangire National Park. This 2,850 km² expanse is among the wildlife-rich parks in the North, but it’s often overshadowed by its sister parks: Serengeti and Ngorongoro. What makes Tarangire famous? Tarangire is popular for its large elephant herds. And of course, it’s home to Africa’s highest concentration of elephants—over 1,000 elephants in just 1,100 square miles. The landscape is even more striking with giant baobabs dotting the plains. So, there’s much to explore while you’re in Tarangire. Here are some of the best things to do.
Game drive.
We often recommend a full-day game drive in Tarangire before going to the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater. The park is a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Arusha. That means you obviously visit it for a full-day game drive and return to your accommodation in Arusha. The concentration of wildlife is promising enough to make your day full of scenes.
Day game drives usually start early in the morning from your hotel in Arusha. After two hours of driving and sorting out paperwork at the gate, you start exploring wildlife. During peak months, Tarangire teems with a variety of wildlife species, from elephants, wildebeest, buffalo, and zebras as they move close to the Tarangire River to quench their thirst.
During the game drive, expect to encounter unusual species like the tree-climbing lions that may have ventured out of their original home: Lake Manyara National Park. Watch out for hippos, crocodiles, and monkeys in the riverine forests. And you can also search for hyenas, leopards, and impalas.
Balloon safari.
Tired of land-based adventures? Then fly on a colorful balloon. This thrilling adventure is a must-do, as it offers the best views beyond traditional game drives. You will view the landscape from another perspective and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
For the best experience, balloon flights are conducted in the morning. Why? The morning is the right time to view wildlife because animals are more active. On top of that, the sunrise is spectacular, so most operators aim for sunrise. Lastly, this timing allows you to proceed with other safari activities later in the day.
The guide will pick you up at around 4:00 a.m. and drive to the launch site. Keep an eye out for nocturnal animals like lions, leopards, and hippos. At the launch site, the pilot will guide you through a safety brief as the crew puts everything in place. You’ll then board, and as soon as the pilot blows blasts of hot air into the balloon, it rises above the ground. Depending on the wind, you may be flying as low as on top of the trees. For the next few minutes, you’ll fly over the vast wilderness. Celebrate this experience with a blissful bush breakfast. Then proceed with usual activities.
Walking safari.
There are those creatures you can’t see from the height of a safari vehicle. These creatures can be as small as dung beetles. That’s where a walking safari comes in. A walking safari is a gentle stroll in the vast wilderness to explore a wide range of plants and animal species. It’s also the best way to reduce carbon emissions and to get close to nature.
A walking safari can be as simple as a nature walk guided by lodge staff around the camp. It can also be a half-day adventure to explore nature up close. During this activity, you slow down and marvel at the beauty of butterflies, rock hyraxes, and colorful birds. The adventure also reminds you of how ancient ancestors colonized bushes without vehicles.
However, it’s important to consider safety when planning for a walking safari. Wear good walking shoes and long pants (even for females, since skirts may cause scratches). Stay close to your guide or ranger: dangerous predators may take advantage.
Night game drive.
As the sun sets, a new world is unveiled: the world of nocturnal animals. Tarangire is among the few parks that allow driving at night. Your day game drive may have rewarded you with the views of elephants, buffalo, zebras, and giraffes, but you may have missed elusive animals, like leopards, jackals, genets, wildcats, and other birds like nightjars and owls.
However, some lodges don’t offer this night drive, especially those located outside the park. Our travel advisors will match you with lodges and camps that offer this incredible experience. Since slots may be limited, we recommend booking in advance. After dinner at your lodge, our guide will take you through the wilderness. Our guide will be looking for lions and leopards along the dry banks of the Tarangire River.
Night safaris are often offered at an extra charge of around $250, including all permits. Camps that organize this activity include Oliver’s Camp, Sanctuary Swala Camp, Tarangire Treetops, and Tarangire Sopa Lodge.
Birdwatching
If you love birds, there’s no excuse! Visit Tarangire. Apart from having a favorable count of about 500 bird species, it’s easier to spot birds in this park. Notable birds to look for include the yellow-collared lovebird, superb starling, ground hornbill, ostrich, and more. For an exciting birdwatching trip, plan your visit between November and May, when most birds are in their breeding season.
In conclusion
Tarangire is a standalone park where wildlife is at its pinnacle. Despite being in the best safari zone, the number of safari vehicles remains low. As you plan your next Tanzania safari, include Tarangire and don’t just go there for several hours—spend at least two days. Trust Focus East Africa Tours for your next Tanzania safari.
