Tarangire National Park

Elephants and baobabs galore - there was something to see every minute we were out on the road.

Wildlife - to see herds and herds of elephants - and a mix of sizes within each herd - is truly magnificent. Tarangire is the place to see elephants, especially after calving season. We went in December and had two game drives - one in the late afternoon and one in the early morning. The early morning one was better as the elephants were all seeking shade in the afternoon sun and so did not venture near the roads. (Cars are not allowed to leave the roads). There were many highlights but one was something you don't even think of looking for: two dung beetles rolling their ball of dung. Another was a dancing crane. Maybe it wasn't dancing but it was moving so gracefully and elegantly it was like a dance.
Parts of the park were flooded after the heavy rains of November and early December but the accessible areas were very varied in terrain and scenery. It is not a very big park and you can see parts that will already feel familiar on your second drive.
We stayed at the Tarangire Lodge within the National Park - it is a simple but beautiful lodge with a huge outdoor seating area overlooking the river. It is on a hill and so you can see for miles around. Come equipped with binoculars of course. Good food even for vegetarians. This lodge is not as big as some so there was a cosy feeling in the dining room.
Our trip had been organised through Shah Tours in Moshi as we did a package for Kilimanjaro, Tarangire and Ngorongoro. The safari car was quite good with the open roof but these seem to be standard with most companies that provide such game drives. The guide could have been better but again there are so many local national park guides that are well informed. The drive from Moshi via Arusha to Tarangire was remarkable too - you see so many Masai dressed in the most colourful cloth and little children splashing about in the water.

Much wild animals and bushes are available as shades for animals and creation of attractive environment

A very recommendable park with a great variety of animals and landscapes. With its river at the heart of the park it offers also a very scenic landscape. We didn't regret it at all visiting this beautiful park.

Great Introduction to Wildlife in Tanzania

Tarangire was our first Safari of the week and was a great introduction of things to come. Visting at the end of May and just after the wet season the grass was long and lush so a little difficult to see the smaller animals. We almost immediately came across a family of baboons who were very active and climbing up and down "their" tree. Later we saw our first elephants but from a distance which was still great to see. Further on we met a lone elephant who got very close to our vehicle but was not aggressive in any way. We didn't see any big cats on this day visit but plenty of bird life to include superb starlins, hornbill, hammerkopf and love birds. Also plentiful were the majestic giraffe. Views from the small picnic site were beautiful overlooking the river, where we later saw a family of elephants drinking

Wide open views, diverse habitats and wonderful accommodations as well as close proximity to the international airport make Tarangire easily accessible without air travel. We stayed at Treetops and enjoyed fine food and beverage, friendly staff and wonderful bird watching from our door. Trips into the park provided a wide range of plants and animals including close encounters with many of the expected mammalian and avian species. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommended.

Paradise of the elephants

Facilement accessible par une très bonne route depuis Arusha,le parc national du Tarangire est surtout intéressant pour ses éléphants en matière de faune. Mais c’est bien ses paysages qui m’ont le plus touché. Notamment la rivière Tarangire presque a sec au mois d’aout laissant un sillage impressionnant au sol dominé par ses immenses berges .Il faut prendre la peine même si la piste n’ai pas toujours facile de descendre jusqu’au Silale au sud du parc immense marécage ou les éléphants se distinguent à peine dans les hautes herbes.

Located slightly off the main safari route, Tarangire National Park is a lovely, quiet park in Northern Tanzania. It is most famous for its elephant migration, birding and authentic safari atmosphere. The majority of travellers to the region either miss out Tarangire altogether or venture into the park for a matter of hours - leaving swathes of Tarangire virtually untouched!

Tarangire is a great introduction to seeing lots of elephants. Last trip we encountered Leopards too, which was a great thrill for everyone.

Excellent place for elephants and ungulates, the great Baobob trees which are common here provide a great experience. Stunning in fact.

Not up to expectations

I remembered this park as a highlight of former safaris with an amazing variety of wildlife. This time it was disappointing, not only on account of lush vegetation. The roads are simply terrible, an offence for the drivers. The shabby appearance already of the gateway gives the impression that this park is badly managed.