Tarangire National Park, one of the hidden jewels of Tanzania. This park measures 2,600 sq km’s and boasts a concentration of wildlife second only to Ngorongoro Crater. It features an impressive amount and array of bird-life and plant life.
The park offers views of grass and floodplains with impressive baobab and flat topped acacia trees scattered throughout. During the dry season the park may look quite ordinary, but activities continue even more earnestly due to the now increased competition.
Many of the animals leave the area of the Tarangire River at the beginning of the short rainy season (October/November) as water may be found elsewhere in the park, with less chance of predators homing in for a meal. The second “migration” occurs at the beginning of the rainy season in March.
You’ll depart from Arusha after breakfast and begin the two hour drive to Tarangire National Park.
Along the way you’ll take in the changing landscape as Arusha’s urban jungle is replaced by wide open plains and quaint Masai villages. Checking in at the park offers a good chance to see mischievous monkeys darting about in the shade and you can also pose with a gigantic Baobab at the park’s entrance.
Once inside the park, you’ll see the eponymous Tarangire river lined with acacia and Baobab where game amble to and fro throughout the day. During the dry season, thousands of animals from the Masai steppe migrate to the Tarangire region looking for water so you can see dozens of different species in a small amount of time.
Exclusive to the park are endangered animals such as the Greater Kudu, Fringe-Eared Oryx, and the Ashy Starling.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the park’s picnic areas and take in an unparralelled view of the Tarangire River. Keep an eye on your food though, as the local monkey population will be only too happy to make off with a tasty treat if given the opportunity!
You’ll return to Arusha late in the afternoon.
