What is in Tarangire national park? Tarangire national park is considered to be the sixth largest park in Tanzania’s Manyara region and one of the lesser-known parks in Tanzania. It is situated in the south east part of Manyara national park in the Northern part of Tanzania. The name of the park comes from Tarangire River that crosses the park and the river is the only source of fresh waters for animals in Tarangire eco system. It occupies the total area of 2,850 KM squared and its 150Km from Arusha. Tarangire national park is a seasonal park with lots of wildlife between July and November (Best game viewing months) since its dry season animals are attracted to Tarangire river (The main source of fresh waters) over 5,000 elephants migrate.
Tarangire national park is small with twenty six mammal famous with largest concentration of elephants in the world, giant baobab trees, beautiful landscape , lions , cheetah , leopards, zebras, spotted hyenas, Giraffes ,buffaloes , enlands, monkeys ,antelopes mention but a few and 500 bird species that include; yellow and red barbet , sperkle fronted weaver , red billed teal ,spur winged goose, helmeted, barbet, starling ,swift ,stripped swallows etc. The park is surrounded by good vegetation that covers like; acacia trees, baobab trees which are scattered in different areas. Tarangire national park is known as a birding /bird watching destination and also features large number of games during dry season when Tarangire river is the source of water especialy largest concentration of elephants
How to get there; It takes approximately 3-4 hours’ drive (150km) from arusha town to tarangire national park and 45 minutes or an hours to fly from Arusha Airport /Kilimanjaro international airport to the Kuro airstrip (Only airstrip) that is located in the northern part of the park , it also provides easy access to some park’s wildlife areas . Tarangire national park can also be accessed from Serengeti and lake manyara . The park has different gates that includes; Tarangire main gate , sangaiwe gate in the western part of tarangire national park etc. For one to access the park promises has to have permission letter that is given at any of the gate.
Tarangire national park charges Entrance fee; that’s the money charged by (government body) TANAPA Tanzania national parks Authority in charge of Tourism from Tourists Before accessing the park promises. The entrance fee is valid for 24 hours when one is staying inside the park and when one is staying outside the park you pay per entry.
Entrance fee include; Non foreign residents are charged 59USD per person 2023/2024 rate and children are charged 18usd per child during peak season and in low season non- foreign resident are charged 53usd per Adult and children 12$per child still .East African Tanzania citizen pay 18,000tsh per adult per day and 2,360TSH per child per day Park Entrance permits are given at All the gates
There are more different activities to do while in Tarangire National Park which include;
_Game drives / Viewing both in the night and during the day in the park which enables you to spot different animals like African elephants , hyenas, the big five especially during dry season when animals are taking water on the river .
_Hot air balloon rides that gives good view of the Tarangire River and a memorable experience. Its perfect for game viewing. June to October is the perfect time for hot ballon safari in the park . its charged 599$ per person.
Birding /bird watching activity especially for bird lovers since the park has many species of birds include; Black headed lap wing, Black Billed Barbet, Senegal thick knee, yellow fronted tinkerbird, long –toed lapwing, long tailed nightjar among others.
Hand craft safaris especially the masaai , Camping , Flying safaris, night walking safaris, cultural visits in the local villages that will entertain you with traditional dances.
Tarangire national park has different categories of accommodations/lodges/hotels/guesthouses that includes;
Budget lodges and Mid- range lodges include; Roika tarangire lodge, sangaiwe tented camp , burunge tented camp , maramboi tented lodge , whistling thorn tented camp , Mawengine tented camp Boabab tented camp among others.
Luxury lodges in tarangire national park include; Tarangire sopa lodge , Tarangire safari lodge , sanctuary swala camp, Nimali tarangire camp, Mbali mbali Tarangire camp among others.
