Attractions in Tarangire National Park
Attractions in Tarangire National Park.
Tarangire National Park is one of the best-kept secrets of East Africa. Welcome to the park where you can witness elephants, procession across golden savannas or baobabs standing as old towers against the sky. The Serengeti tends to hog all the attention, but Tarangire simply gets down to the brass tacks, providing a raw and unedited Tanzania safari experience that visiting aficionados can never get enough of.
The gem of a park, beautiful enough to feature on the itineraries of many Tanzania tours, is located close to Arusha, a few hours away, and gives access to rich wildlife and gasp-worthy landscapes along with some genuine encounters with culture. Whether you are a first-time safari participant or a seasoned explorer, Tarangire is worthwhile at the top of the Tanzanian safari itinerary.
Best things to see in Tarangire National Park
The Elephant Kingdom
Tarangire is well known to harbour one of the greatest concentrations of elephants in Africa. During the dry season, large herds of 300 elephants flock around the Tarangire River. The sight of these giants as they interact, bathe, socialise and raise their young is an emotional experience that will never be forgotten.
However, elephants are not the only celebrities. Here, you will also get huge groups of buffalo, giraffes, zebra and wildebeest among others. Wildlife population is in abundance, during high season, there is never a better comparison, the wildlife being close to any of the more renowned parks on the continent.
Baobab Wonderland
It is studded with huge trees called baobab, which are more than 1000 years old. These vegetative giants provide a spectacular scenery and are the main source of livelihood for animals in dry seasons. Local folklore goes so far as to say that the gods have grown baobabs upside-down–a claim you may well be ready to believe once you have seen the surrealistic roots.
Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Bird lovers would have a dream of visiting Tarangire, which has more than 500 bird species. Here, you will encounter everything, from lush lilac-breasted rollers and yellow-collared lovebirds, to very little-known species, such as the ashay starling and the rufous-tailed weaver, which is endemic to Tanzania. Whether you are a novice with a smartphone or a professional with a telephoto lens, you will not want to be deaf or blind.
The River Tarangire
The Tarangire River flows throughout the year and is the bloodstream of this park. It also attracts wildlife in the entire region, especially in its dry season (June to October). The banks are used by crocodiles to sunbathe, antelopes to drink, and bigger animals such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs prowl around waiting to attack. A river-based game drive is assured of some of the most spectacular animal viewing in East Africa.
Walking Safaris and Night Game Drives
Most parks in Tanzania do not allow any activities at night, but Tarangire has some night game drives where visitors can have a chance to see the nocturnal antics of the night animals such as aardvarks, civets, and bush babies.
To create a more realistic experience, attempt one of the walking safaris. Animals (tracks), plants, and ecological balances are viewed up close in these led-by-expert-rangers trekking offerings. It is personal, thrilling and a whole new experience from the conventional game drive.
Silale Swamp and Gursi Wetlands
Silale Swamp is a water catchment that supports the animals every year. The swamp in itself attracts all wildlife, especially lions and elephants find their way here to quench their thirst and enjoy a cool drink. During the wet months, the place is filled with migratory birds and green open scenery.
The Gursi Wetlands are close by and less famous, but spectacular too. The surprises are found everywhere in these seasonal marshes where the hippos are relaxing in their pools and the giraffes rummaging through the acacias.
The local Culture and History
Maasai People
Tarangire National Park is not only about animals, but also about the Maasai people, who are one of the iconic tribes in Tanzania. The Maasai with their red shukas (robes), fancy beadwork and rich traditions provide a cultural touch to your visit.
Certainly, in Tanzania Tours, there are village excursions to meet with Maasai people so close to the park region where guests can hear the usual Maasai songs as well as possibly participate in a modest, ceremonial dance.
Native Tribes of Tarangire Region
In addition to the Maasai, the Barabaig and the Datoga tribes are located in the area as well. Their distinct languages and customs, as well as crafts, depict a larger narrative of the cultural weave of Tanzania. To know more about the place, a well-built tour and travelling package will give you contact with the local guides.
Rock Paintings and Old Footprints
Even though Tarangire National Park is not associated with renowned archaeological findings, the area around this park has brought an illusion of prehistoric artefacts and paintings on rocks, taking a step back in time to the past of this locality. In the nearest places, there are some stone tools and fossilised footprints, dating back thousands of years, which are perfect for the traveller willing to explore the early history of human evolution or even anthropology.
When to go to Tarangire National Park
Dry Season (June to October): It is the high season of the Tanzania safari. The Tarangire River is the centre of wildlife convergence; therefore, animals are easily visible. The roads are improved, and the climate is warm and sunny most of the time.
Green Season (November to May): Be prepared to see wonderful greenery, reduced amounts of tourism and have the chance to see excellent birdwatching. But the wildlife will be more scattered, and some lanes will be sloppy. Visit it in September when the park is full of life, but not so much as in July and August.
How to Reach There
Air: The closest airstrip to the park is Kuro Airstrip, which can only be reached by domestic flights to Arusha or Serengeti.
By Road: It takes approximately 2-3 hours by road to Arusha, the main point of entry into the Tanzanian tours. Round-trip transportation is an option which most tour operators provide during a Tanzania safari.
Packing List
Binoculars. This is a necessity in seeing birds and other animals afar.
Camera and zoom lenses. To cover those baobab-elephant scenes.
Neutral Dressing. Earth colours are the most appropriate; do not use bright colours.
Insect Repellent and Sunscreen. One of those things you do not think about till you need it.
The hidden gems are worth exploring.
Poacher’s hideout: An oversized fig tree that is big enough to go inside. It is where poachers used to be; now it is a nice photo opportunity.
Sunset Over Tarangire Hill: A peaceful scenery that is ideal for a sundowner. Tell your guide to show you there, it is overlooked by nine out of ten of the tourists.
Maasai Markets: Mto wa Mbu and Maasai Markets are located about an hour’s drive away, and they are a nice little town with authentic handicrafts, local food and the possibility to see a bit of everyday Tanzanian life.
Conclusion
Tarangire National Park is not based on the hype; it is a show. Whether it is huge herds of elephants and magnificent trees of baobab, colourful birds and pleasant conversations in the local culture, it is something to be heard at every corner of this park
