Best Time to Visit Tarangire National Park
Best Time to Visit Tarangire National Park
One of the most interesting Tanzania safari destinations is Tarangire National Park in northern Tanzania. This park boasts giant baobab trees, wildlife like no other and the massive elephant herds continue to attract fewer crowds than its more famous neighbors in Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater (this one as well). When to visit Tarangire National Park really depends on the type of experience you want. Prepared with a lot of information on average rain falls, wildlife patterns and seasonal and pre and post rain highlights, this article will take a deep dive into the climate and wildlife patterns of Tarangire to guide you in your planning process.
Tarangire Climate and Seasons are the overview.
Tarangire National Park experiences a tropical climate, with two distinct seasons: the rainy (or wet) season and the dry season. However, there are certain distinct characteristics of both seasons that will influence the whole safari experience, from wildlife sightings to scenery and accessibility.
or The Dry Season (June to October).
Temperatures: Temperatures lie between 25°C and 30°C (77°F and 86°F) during the day, but evenings can be cooler, particularly in the month of July and August, with temperatures falling to about 14°C to 16°C (57°F and 61°F).
Rainfall: Low rainfall, clear skies, and a slowly drying out landscape typifies the beginning of the dry season.
From November through May is the Wet Season.
Temperatures: During the wet season daytime temperatures are the same as the dry season, about 25°C to 30°C (around 77°F to 86°F). It, however, tends to be more humid, with night time temperatures being warmer than during the dry season.
Rainfall: There are two periods for the wet season, the short rains are November to December and the long rains are March to May. The park gets quite green during these months, however there is more chance of rain, particularly in the afternoons.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing: It is the Dry Season (June to October).
Best time to view wildlife in Tarangire National Park is dry season. Whilst during this time the surrounding areas become dry and animals migrate towards the river, Tarangire River being the park’s primary water source. Thanks to this natural congregation there are excellent game viewing opportunities.
Highlights of the Dry Season
Wildlife Concentration at the Tarangire River: The Tarangire River is the only permanent water source in the region and, in the dry season, is a magnet for thousands of animals. Quenching their thirst are large herds of elephants and zebras, wildebeests and buffaloes, as well as antelopes, and large herds of predators, lions, leopards, and hyenas, hunt near the water.
Elephant Migration: One of Tanzania’s largest elephant population is found in Tarangire. The dry season is a fantastic time to see elephants, herds of sometimes hundreds of these gentle giants gather near the river.
Easier Wildlife Spotting: Dry conditions decrease the density of microhabitat available for animals, thus making it easier to see animals that are heading towards the few remaining water destinations. Especially for eluding the elusive predators, like leopards and cheetah.
Pleasant Safari Conditions: Because there is little precipitation and clear skies, the dry season is the best time for game drives and a walking safari. There are roads and there are less mosquitoes in this time.
Downsides of the Dry Season
While the dry season is perfect for keen wildlife watchers, it can also be Tanzania’s busiest time of year, with most safari tourism concentrated between July and September. Popular viewpoints and lodge may be more busy and accommodations more expensive.
Birdwatching and Lush Landscapes: From November to May it is The Wet Season.
The dry season is good for spotting large mammals, but birdwatchers and those who wish to see the park while it’s green will appreciate the wet season. During the wet season Tarangire becomes lush paradise and in it’s own way as much a place of beauty and tranquility as it is in the dry season.
Highlights of the Wet Season
Birdwatching: Along with a variety of migratory birds, Tarangire is one of the best places to birdwatch. With more than 550 recorded species, visitors can see everything from colorful kingfishers and bee eaters to the larger species including the Kori bustard and the African fish eagle. Waterfowl and waders are attracted to those wetlands and rivers and the woodlands teem with smaller species.
Fewer Tourists: In the dry season the park receives significantly more tourists than the wet season, and therefore safari experiences are much more intimate. As the season winds down for those who don’t want the crowds, this is an excellent time to visit.
Lush Scenery: In the wet season the landscape changes, the plains are no longer brown and dry but now covered in a green and the park is full of flowers. The park’s iconic baobab trees will offer dramatic contrast against the lush surroundings and will be enjoyed by photographers.
Young Wildlife: Many animals have their births in the wet season, from January to March. They can view newborn zebras, wildebeests and impalas, and see predators whose numbers are on the increase because of the bounty of juvenile prey.
Lower Prices: There are a lot of lodges and camps that have priced this as an off season and charge very little, if at all.
Downsides of the Wet Season
Wildlife Dispersal: The dry season is different to the wet season as it attracts all wildlife to the river, but in the wet season, the wildlife spreads out across the park. This makes it harder to see large herds — or predators.
Increased Rainfall: Although the rains create life in the park, they have the potential to make the park inaccessible – some roads can be muddy or completely impassable. Typically, and especially during the long rains from March to May, this is the case. Showers come frequently in the afternoon, but they don’t hang on all day.
Best Time for Bird watching
While birdwatchers will want to visit during the wet, from November to May, this is not the best time to see the big animals gather around a herd of elephants. Birdwatching season starts with the arrival of migratory birds during the short rains of November. This period is ideal for spotting species such as:
Yellow-collared lovebird
Red-and-yellow barbet
Violet-backed starling
White-faced whistling duck
Rufous-tailed weaver
Tarangire is home to a diversity of habitats including swamps, woodlands and rivers making a year round bird watching destination.
