Tarangire National Park, the sixth largest national park in Tanzania situated in the Manyara Region, derives its name from the Tarangire River that gracefully traverses the park.Renowned for hosting the highest concentration of elephants in Tanzania, Tarangire showcases a unique and distinctive landscape adorned with scattered baobab and acacia trees. While not abundant in vegetation, its spectacular scenery makes it a captivating and unparalleled destination to explore.

A mere few hours’ drive from Arusha, Tarangire serves as a favored stop for travelers venturing through the northern circuit en route to Ngorongoro or Serengeti. The park encompasses two game-controlled sections, allowing wildlife to freely roam across the entire area.

During the dry season, prior to the arrival of rains, vast herds of gazelles, wildebeests, zebras, and giraffes migrate to the expansive plains of Tarangire, seeking refuge in one of the last remaining grazing lands. The park offers exceptional opportunities for game viewing, particularly showcasing large congregations of elephants.

Witness the remarkable sight of up to 300 elephants scraping the dry riverbeds in search of hidden underground streams, while migratory wildebeests, zebras, buffalos, impalas, gazelles, hartebeests, and elands gather around diminishing lagoons. Tarangire boasts the highest concentration of wildlife outside of Serengeti, providing ample prey for predators. It is also the sole region in Tanzania where dry-country antelopes such as oryx and long-necked gerenuks can be regularly observed.

Home to a staggering array of more than 550 bird species, Tarangire National Park stands as a true haven for bird enthusiasts, offering unparalleled opportunities for avian observation.Within the park, one may come across abandoned termite mounds that serve as habitats for colonies of dwarf mongooses, as well as witness the captivating duetting performances of red-and-yellow barbets, which effortlessly draw attention to themselves through their resounding calls.

Tarangire is renowned for its tree-climbing pythons, as well as its lions and leopards that find solace basking in the branches, blending seamlessly with the foliage of the sausage trees—a perfect camouflage for their tails.