Tarangire National Park

Wildlife & Animals

Expert

By Philip Briggs

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

Tarangire is outstanding seasonally for wildlife. In the Dry season, the Tarangire River is a magnet for migratory animals such as wildebeest, zebra, common eland, hartebeest, gazelle, buffalo and elephant – of which there are more than you can imagine. Lion are quite easily spotted at this time, as well.

ElephantAbundant

GiraffeCommon

HippoCommon

BuffaloCommon

ZebraAbundant

WildebeestAbundant

White RhinoNone

Black RhinoNone

LionCommon

LeopardRare

CheetahRare

HyenaOccasional

Wild DogVery Rare

Wildlife Highlights

Tarangire is home to some dry-country antelope, such as the rare fringe-eared oryx and peculiar, long-necked gerenuk. The swampy areas in the south of the park offer some interesting wildlife viewing opportunities including wallowing elephants and buffalo, the Silale Swamp lion pride and sometimes wild dog. Big pythons can sometimes be found in trees when the swamps are drying up.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

The Dry season (from June to October) 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 congregates around the Tarangire River when other water sources dry up. During the Wet season (November to May) many animals migrate out of the park again, and wildlife viewing is not as good.