Tarangire National Park is perhaps Tanzania's best-kept secret. Elephants and big cats abound in this wildlife-rich park of lush acacia and baobab trees. Named after the Tarangire River that flows through the park, this park has so many superlatives that it's nicknamed the "little Serengeti."

Although Tarangire is Tanzania's fifth-largest national park, it rivals the Serengeti in sheer abundance and diversity of wildlife, including four of the Big Five. Also known as a great bird watching destination, Tarangire National Park is particularly picturesque, dotted all across with baobab trees.

What Makes Tarangire National Park So Special?

If you are visiting Tanzania for the wildlife, Tarangire is a must-visit destination. Period. In Tarangire, you'll see herds of up to 300 elephants lumbering through the bush. When the wetlands dry up during the dry season, the few remaining water sources attract a lot of wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, giraffe, antelope and many more animals.

Not only prey ainmals, of course. Lions and other predators like leopards are frequent visitors. And the park is home to over 500 exotic bird species.

Another great feature about Tarangire National Park is that you can go on a walking safari to experience the wilds of Africa on foot and marvel at the exotic flora and fauna. Tarangire is also one of the very few parks where night game drives are allowed.

Still unconvinced?

Here are six awesome reasons to explore Tarangire National Park on your Tanzanian safari.

Elephants Call It Home

To say that Tarangire is full of elephants is an understatement. An estimated 2,500 roam the park’s 1,100 square miles in massive herds. In fact, Tarangire is home to one of the highest concentrations of elephants in the world.

Elephants are so abundant that they are easy to spot, even during the green season when wildlife spreads out throughout the park. During the dry season, they can be seen digging for groundwater in the dried-up Tarangire River. So, if you want to see wild elephants living large in Africa, be sure to go on a safari in the Tarangire National Park.

Baobab Trees Dot the Landscape

Tarangire is the baobab capital of the world. Wondering what a Baobab is?

Also referred to as the “tree of life” and pictured scattered across a vast savannah, baobab trees are large deciduous trees resembling giant columnar towers--and impressive to behold. The thick branches of the baobab give the place a distinctive skyline and a beautiful game-watching backdrop.

The larger they are, the older they are, some exceeding 1,500 years! The baobab trees of Tarangire are larger than any other baobab species on the planet. You'll find dense clumps of baobab trees throughout the park, earning Tarangire its unofficial title as the baobab capital of the world.

With sturdy trunks and root-like branches, these "inverted" trees play an important role in the Tarangire ecosystem, providing locals with medicinal ingredients and wildlife with food, water, and shelter.

A Birdwatcher's Paradise

Are you an avid birdwatcher? Home to over 500 species of birds, many of them rare, the Tarangire National Park is well worth a visit. Birds flock to Tarangire all year round but will be easier to spot during the green season from March through May.

And even if you can't tell a turtle dove from a blue crow, or a red turtledove from a western starling, any nature lover can appreciate birdsong and colorful plumage. Look for starlings in the baobab trees, hornbills in the woodlands, and ostriches running across the savannah.

Witness a Mini Migration

During the park's dry season from June to October, nearly all the watering holes go dry, leaving the diminishing stream of the Tarangire River as the park's primary water source. And as these water sources slowly disappear, up to two hundred thousand animals make their way to the riverbank to quench their thirst and search for food.

Although this migration is not nearly on the scale of the Serengeti wildebeest migration, this "mini migration" brings wildebeest, elephants, gazelles, zebras, lions, and leopards together in close proximity. While there is no "truce" between prey and predators at watering holes, most predators only kill what they can eat. The sparse, dry vegetation makes for ideal wildlife sightings and drama on display, as prey animals maintain an uneasy, watchful existence while predators lie in wait.

The Silale Swamp’s Biodiversity

Located in southern Tarangire, the Silale Wetland is more than just a beautiful sprawling landmark of wetlands and lush green grasslands. It is a rare source of life-sustaining water for hundreds of thousands of animals, perfectly complementing the needs of the changing seasons.

During the green season, this swampy plateau absorbs and retains water throughout the rainy months, slowly releasing the water back into the dry Tarangire River as the water table drops. These wetlands are green all year round and a draw for thousands of animals, always searching for food and water. Visitors can observe herds of elephants in the area, with big cats moving around, always on the prowl for potential prey.

Night Game Drives

Eager to see nocturnal wildlife? Tarangire National Park is considered an ideal location for night game drives. With the Lake Manyara ecosystem nearby, this place becomes a hotspot for all kinds of nocturnal wildlife activity. The African bushes are bustling with wild animals at night, so be ready to witness animals you may not find during the daytime.

On night game drives, you can drive deep into Tarangire Park and watch the animals like you have never seen them before. Some animals that are inactive during the day - like leopards, aardvarks, pangolins, porcupines, genets, and civets - can be more easily spotted at night.

Contact Us

We hope this blog post gave you the encouragement you needed to place Tarangire National Park at the top of your list of must-visit destinations in Tanzania. And if you're wondering about logistics or how to get started planning your safari, we're here to help. Contact us and let us know your preferences. Our experts will guide you through the planning process and help you create an amazing itinerary.

At Sababu Safaris, our team is committed to providing the best wilderness experience possible without compromising comfort and safety.

Tarangire National Park - A Hidden Gem of Tanzania