Tarangire National Park

Wildlife & Animals

Expert

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

From July to November the Tarangire River is a magnet for migratory animals such as wildebeest, zebra, eland, Coke’s hartebeest, gazelle, buffalo and elephant – of which there are more than you can imagine. Lions are quite easily spotted at this time, as well.

ElephantAbundant

GiraffeCommon

HippoCommon

BuffaloAbundant

ZebraAbundant

WildebeestAbundant

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

LionCommon

LeopardRare

CheetahRare

HyenaOccasional

Wild DogVery Rare

Wildlife Highlights

Tarangire National Park is home to several dry-country antelope species, such as the rare fringe-eared oryx and the peculiar, long-necked gerenuk. The swampy areas in the south of the park offer some interesting wildlife-viewing opportunities. Wallowing elephants and buffalo are a given, but you might also be lucky to see the Silale Swamp lion pride and sometimes even wild dogs.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

July to November, when most of the water in the bush has dried up, is the best time for wildlife viewing. Large herds of animals migrate to the park from the surrounding areas. Animals are easier to spot because vegetation is thinner and wildlife gathers around the Tarangire River. From about December, many animals migrate out of the park again, and wildlife viewing is not as good.