Tarangire National Park

Land of the giant tuskers

Named after the Tarangire River, which is a magnet for wildlife at the height of the dry season, this national park is well worth a visit. Tarangire is rightfully famous for its elephants – especially the giant tuskers (which have thus far thankfully escaped the poaching onslaught) – and impressive baobabs.

While elephant lovers should not miss an opportunity to visit Tarangire, it is in truth home to a wide diversity and large numbers of wildlife. Lion, leopard, cheetah and wild dog are all present in the park. On the herbivore side, large herds of zebra, wildebeest and buffalo are a common and enthralling sight, especially during the second half of the year when the lack of water draws them to the perennial river inside the park. Rhino is the only notable species missing from this attractive park, which also boasts over 550 bird species – more than enough to keep even the most discerning birders occupied from dawn to dusk.

Like Lake Manyara and Arusha national parks, Tarangire’s close proximity to Arusha is a double-edged sword. Easy road access makes the park accessible and means tourists can avoid the expensive charter flights or long drives required to reach most of the country’s other national parks, but on the downside the place can also become very busy – especially during the peak tourism months of July to September.