Situated in Tanzania’s Manyara Region, Tarangire National Park derives its name from the River Tarangire that crosses the park. The park was first established as a game reserve in 1957 and was later gazetted a national park in 1970. This incredible Tanzania safari destination covers an area of about 2,850 square kilometres and is located just south of Lake Manyara in the northern region of Tanzania. Tarangire is about 118 km from Arusha (the regional capital city) and it is a 70-kilometre drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Due to its proximity to Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire is usually a great stop-off for visitors on Northern Tanzania wildlife safaris.
Tarangire National Park has a spectacular concentration of wildlife with more than 58 species of large mammals and 550 bird species. The park is famous for its large population of elephants and unending lines of epic baobab trees. Due to their unusual form and essential practical uses, these unique tree species should be reason enough to visit Tanzania during wildlife safaris in East Africa. The strange appearance of baobab trees with its stunted root-like branches gave rise to the traditional belief that the trees displeased a deity who promptly plucked it in anger and thrust it back into the ground upside down. The great writer on Africa Ryszard Kapuściński wrote: ‘Like elephants among other animals, so are baobabs among trees: they have no equals’. Tarangire’s baobabs can reach up to 30m high, some trunks have an 11 m diameter, and some of these trees have reached the grand age of around 1000 years. The hollow trunk sometimes holds rainwater (up to 125,000L), making it a useful reservoir in times of drought.
The park is also known for the sun-blistered termite mounds that dot the landscape as well as grassy savannah plains and vast swamps. And cleaving the park in two is the Tarangire River, the only permanent source of water for animals in the Tarangire ecosystem during the annual dry season (June-November). This river attracts large herds of thirsty nomads wondering hundreds of parched kilometres knowing that here, always, there is water. More than 3,000 elephants and numerous wildebeests combined with zebras, gazelles, and impalas move to the plain during peak months in search of water and grasses, making the Tarangire River a regular meeting spot. A Tanzania tour to Tarangire National Park is more recommended during this time of the year.
Tarangire is also a hunting ground of all of Africa’s big cats, with particularly healthy populations of lion and cheetah, as well as regular sightings of leopard and painted wolves or African wild dogs. Other Africa wildlife safari steples in the park include giraffes, buffalos plus unique antelopes such as the elusive Coke’s hartebeest and peculiar long-necked gerenuk. This diversity of animal species make Tarangire National Park a stirring wildlife encounter for visitors during a Tanzania holiday.
Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park is filled with a variety of animal species. The park is home to over 58 large mammal species. Elephants and their annual migration are among the major highlights of a Tanzania wildlife safari in Tarangire. During the dry season (June to November) large herd of up to 3,000 elephants moves into the park in search of water and grasses, making the Tarangire River a regular rendezvous spot. Seeing these giants meander across the plains and under the iconic baobab trees is a truly memorable experience that travellers would ever have during their Tanzania trips.
In the same season migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelles, hartebeests and elands also crowd the shrinking lagoons. This is the greatest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti ecosystem. Despite this impressive number of animals, Tarangire National Park is usually assigned only short Tanzania wildlife tours as part of a larger northern-circuit itinerary. Yet it deserves much more, at least in the dry season.
Also, among the other common animals to see in Tarangire National Park are the leopards, lions, hyenas, and cheetah that seem to be popular within the southern open areas. The Matete woodland is the best location in the park for consistent leopard sightings. These elusive cats are frequently spotted in the branches of acacia tortillas trees.
The wild dogs are only seen once in a while. The Tarangire ecosystem, with the park as its heart and soul, has more than 700 resident lions, and sightings are common. The park also hosts the rare Coke’s hartebeests and other dry-country antelope such as the stately fringe-eared oryx and peculiar long-necked gerenuk. The oryx also inhabits the Matete area, although the numbers of these antelope have now dwindled to low numbers.
Other common resident animals include waterbucks, giraffes, dik-dik, impalas, elands, Grant’s gazelles, vervet monkeys, banded mongoose, and olive baboons, honey badgers, and greater kudu. The marsh area is another great wildlife watching spot in the park. Even in the dry season, there are usually some water sources that attract game in large numbers, which are followed by big and small predators.
African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) wild dog is one of the rare species that visitors will encounter during their Tanzania tours in Tarangire National Park. These wild dogs are locally known as Mbwa mwitu in the Swahili language. The English language has several names for Lycaon pictus, including African hunting dog, Cape hunting dog, painted hunting dog, painted dog, painted wolf, and painted lycaon. These dogs are extremely rare and endangered mammals that exist only in Africa with 20% of their global population found in Tanzania. In Tarangire National Park, they can be seen in the beautiful Kitibongo region. Wild dogs are one of the most efficient hunters in the world. They run after prey in packs sometimes for more than 4 hours. Little wonder that they are christened suyian – meaning “swift” in the local ‘Maa’ language of the Maasai people.
The Latin name, Lycaon pictus, means “painted wolf” and refers to the animal’s mottled coat. These interesting looking dogs have a mottled arrangement of different coloured fur that covers their bodies like a tie-dye T-shirt. Each animal has its own unique coat pattern, and all have big, rounded ears. Some geographic variation is seen in coat colour, with northeastern African specimens tending to be predominantly black with small white and yellow patches, while southern African ones are more brightly coloured, sporting a mix of brown, black and white coats. Much of the species’ coat patterning occurs on the trunk and legs. Little variation in facial markings occurs, with the muzzle being black, gradually shading into brown on the cheeks and forehead. A black line extends up the forehead, turning blackish-brown on the back of the ears. The back of the head and neck are either brown or yellow. A white patch occasionally occurs behind the forelegs, with some specimens having completely white forelegs, chests, and throats. The tail is usually white at the tip, black in the middle and brown at the base. Some specimens lack the white tip entirely or may have black fur below the white tip. These coat patterns can be asymmetrical, with the left side of the body often having different markings from that of the right.
Sneeze communication and voting among African wild dogs
African wild dog populations have been observed “rallying” before they set out to hunt. Not every rally results in a departure, but departure becomes more likely when more individual dogs “sneeze”. These sneezes are characterized by a short, sharp exhale through the nostrils. When members of dominant mating pairs sneeze first, the group is much more likely to depart. If a dominant dog initiates, around three sneezes guarantee departure. When less dominant dogs sneeze first, if enough others also sneeze (about 10), then the group will go hunting.
Hunting, feeding and social behaviours of Africa wild dogs
African wild dogs live in packs that are usually dominated by a monogamous breeding pair. The female has a litter of 2 to 20 pups, which are cared for by the entire pack. These dogs are very social, and packs have been known to share food and to assist weak or ill members. Social interactions are common, and the dogs communicate by touch, actions, and vocalizations.
During hunting, African wild dogs run in cooperative packs of 6 to 20 animals and are efficient, determined hunters. These dogs mostly hunt common medium-sized antelopes. It and the cheetah are the only primarily diurnal African large predators. Lycaon pictus hunts by approaching prey silently, then chasing it in a pursuit clocking at up to 66 km/h for 10 to 60 minutes. The average chase typically only goes as far as 2 km, during which time the prey animal, if large, is repeatedly bitten on the legs, belly, and rump until it stops running, while smaller prey is simply pulled down and torn apart.
The African wild dogs have a higher success rate when it comes to killing prey even though they are smaller than lions and leopards. Lycaon pictus hunting strategies differ according to prey, with wildebeest being rushed at to panic the herd and isolate a vulnerable individual, whereas territorial antelope species, which defend themselves by running in wide circles, are captured by cutting off their escape routes. Medium-sized prey is often killed in 2–5 minutes, whereas larger prey such as wildebeest may take half an hour to pull down.
In African cultures
According to Enno Littman, the people of Ethiopia’s Tigray Region believed that injuring a wild dog with a spear would result in the animal dipping its tail in its wounds and flicking the blood at its assailant, causing instant death. For this reason, Tigrean shepherds would repel wild dog attacks with pebbles rather than with edged weapons.
The San of Botswana see the African wild dog as the ultimate hunter and traditionally believe that shmans and medicine men can transform themselves into wild dogs. Some San hunters will smear African wild dog bodily fluids on their feet before a hunt, believing that doing so will give them the animal’s boldness and agility.
The Ndebele people of South Africa have a story explaining why the African wild dog hunts in packs: in the beginning, when the first wild dog’s wife was sick, the other animals were concerned. An impala went to Hare, who was a medicine man. Hare gave Impala a calabash of medicine, warning him not to turn back on the way to Wild Dog’s den. Impala was startled by the scent of a leopard and turned back, spilling the medicine. A zebra then went to Hare, who gave him the same medicine along with the same advice. On the way, Zebra turned back when he saw a black mamba, thus breaking the gourd. A moment later, a terrible howling is heard: Wild Dog’s wife had died. Wild Dog went outside and saw Zebra standing over the broken gourd of medicine, so Wild Dog and his family chased Zebra and tore him to shreds. To this day, African wild dogs hunt zebras and impalas as revenge for their failure to deliver the medicine which could have saved Wild Dog’s wife.
2. b) Elephants in Tarangire National Park
Locally known as Oldome in the Maa language of the Maasai people, Tembo or Ndovu in the Swahili language, elephants (Loxodonta africana) are the famous inhabitants of Tarangire National Park. Like great battleships drifting through the park, elephants can often be witnessed in large numbers here. Elephants are very sophisticated creatures who live in tightly knit family units. The largest and oldest females serve as the leaders of this family unit, which may consist of several generations of elephants. At maturity (about thirteen years of age) all males will leave his female friends behind – all the sister, mother and grandmother elephants -to live alone or in temporary all-male herds. If you are ever threatened when watching a herd of elephants, it is likely that the aggressor will be an older female protecting her family unit. Most of the time elephants are quite gentle, especially when interacting with other close family members. They are intelligent, loyal, and develop strong bonds with one another.
fully grown male elephants do not normally come into contact with family units except when a female comes into heat, and thus she is followed by several male admirers and is usually mated by more than one. Some squabbling may break out between the rivals, although it seldom leads to serious injury. When the female comes out of season, her association with the fully grown male elephants ends immediately.
Even the largest most intimidating predators usually leave adult elephants alone. The only exception would be babies; only 80 cm tall at birth, these little tikes would be easy targets for lions if they were not so well protected by their family. At the first indication of danger, elephants will huddle together and place the calves in the centre of the adult herd. Depending on the reaction of the threat, the herd will either retreat or the largest matriarch female will put on a show to intimidate the intruder. During the display, the demonstrating elephant will spread her ears wide and shake her head dramatically from side to side. Sometimes, a dummy charge will follow accompanied by loud trumpeting. This tactic usually works as there are not many natural things in this world that are more intimidating than a large, angry, charging elephant!
Elephants do sometimes lay down to sleep, however, there is no truth in the myths about “elephant graveyards”.
Areas along the riverbanks where the water has receded are excellent places to observe elephants digging for a drink in the sandy bed where the water table lies just below the surface. Elephants, as well as other animals, seem to prefer the clean, cool water from such digging to hot muddy water that is already pooled at the surface. The digging starts by scraping the loose sand with the forefeet, but once the hole has started to form the trunk is also incorporated as a digging tool. Although their objective is a cool drink, elephants often seem to make a game of this behaviour, putting on quite a show with splashing water and caking themselves with splattered mud. Elephants seem to be the only species intelligent enough, and with enough size, to be capable of such excavations, although other animals have learned to take advantage of them. Amazingly, adult elephants drink between 90-140 litres of water per day.
Elephants in Maasai culture
The Maasai and the Elephant have lived on the same land for many centuries. They have shared the same resources and suffered similarly in times of scarcity. A mutual form of respect has existed between the two for a long time.
This may partly be because elephants play a role in many Maasai beliefs, practices, and traditions. One belief is that the elephant is the second god, second to Enkai, God of All in Maasai culture, because of its powerful voice and immense size.
Elephants have been considered majestic, sacred, even wise, by many ancient cultures. In the Maasai culture, if the birth sac of an elephant is found, it’s seen as a good omen.
The elephant’s size, strength, and renowned wisdom have inspired many tales, sayings, and riddles synonymous with these virtues. “Meek olenkaina ilala lenyena” (“the elephant doesn’t hang up his teeth”, in other words, never tires of his tusks) is one example. Stories of elephants are passed down through generations, captivating audiences today just as they in the past.
Also, many other African cultures revere the African Elephant as a symbol of strength and power. South Africa, uses elephant tusks in their coat of arms to represent wisdom, strength, moderation and eternity. The elephant is symbolically important to the nation of the Ivory Coast. The Coat of arms of Ivory Coast features an elephant head escutcheon as its focal point.
With more than 550 bird species, Tarangire is said to be the best destination for Tanzania birding safaris. The swamps which are normally green all year round are the commonest breeding area for various species in the entire park. The drier areas of the park are occupied by the Stocking-thighed Ostrich (the world’s largest bird), the Kori Bustard (the heaviest flying bird in the world), and smaller groups of hornbills.
In the Tarangire National Park, you can also see the three endangered bird species of Tanzania: Rufous-tailed weaver, Ashy starling, and Yellow-collared Lovebird. The swampy floodplains in Tarangire’s southern and eastern parts are important breeding grounds for the Eurasian migrants. Tarangire’s woodlands are inhabited by Hoopoes, Hornbills, White-bellied Go-away-birds and Brown parrots. This area is also inhabited by game birds such as Yellow-necked spurfowl, Helmeted Guinea fowl, and Crested Francolin. Commonly seen birds are also Lilac-breasted rollers, barbet and mousebirds, striped swallows and starlings, swifts, Hammerkops, bee-eaters, cordon Bleus and owl’s plovers.
The hills in the Tarangire National Park are the homelands of over 50 raptor species such as the Bateleur eagles, the Steppe Eagles (which migrate from Russia), the giant Lappet-faced Vultures and the tiny Pygmy Falcon. Crested eagles perch in trees along the water channels, while below them the water is dotted with flocks of great white pelicans, white-faced whistling ducks, and red-billed teals. Superb starlings and white-headed babblers can be spotted foraging in the picnic area.
Kori Bustards in Tarangire National Park
A Tanzania birdwatching tour is a great opportunity for travellers to spot the Kori Bustard one of the most thought after birds for bird watchers during their tours in Tanzania. Locally knowns as Tandawala mkubwa in the Swahili language, the Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori) is arguably the world’s largest flying bird native to Africa. Other local names for the Kori are “Kgori” (Tswana) and “Gompou” or gum-eating birds (Afrikaans). It is a member of the bustard family and in fact, the male kori bustard may be the heaviest living animal capable of flight. This species, like most bustards, is a ground-dwelling bird and an opportunistic omnivore. Male kori bustards, which can be more than twice as heavy as the female, attempt to breed with as many females as possible and then take no part in the raising of the young. The nest is a shallow hollow in the earth, often disguised by nearby obstructive objects such as trees.
Physical Description
The Kori Bustard is cryptically coloured, meaning there are many blotches and spots all over its body. It is mostly grey and brown, finely patterned with black and white colouring. The crest on its head is blackish in colouration, with less black on the female’s crest. There is a white eye stripe above the eye. The chin, throat, and neck are whitish with thin, fine black barring. A black collar at the base of the hind-neck extends onto the sides of the breast.
The feathers around the neck are loose, giving the appearance of a thicker neck than they really have. The belly is white and the tail has broad bands of brownish-grey and white colouration. The head is large and the legs are relatively long. The eyes are pale yellow, while the bill is light greenish horn coloured, relatively long, straight and rather flattened at the base. The legs are yellowish.
The female is visibly thinner legged and slimmer necked. The juvenile is similar in appearance to the female, but is browner with more spotting on the mantle, with shorter crest and neck plumes. Male juveniles are larger than females and can be the same overall size as the adult male but tend to be less bulky with a thinner neck, shorter head crest, paler eyes, and a darker mantle
Weight and height: The male kori bustard has a length of 3 ft to 4 ft and a wingspan of 75 to 76 cm. Male birds may typically weigh between 7 and 18 kg. The larger excepted males can scale up to 16 to 19 kg and a few exceptional specimens may weigh up to at least 20 kg. Reports of outsized specimens weighing 23kg and even “almost” 40 kg have been reported, but none of these giant sizes has been verified and some may be from unreliable sources. The female kori bustards weigh an average of 4.8 to 6.1 kg, with a full range of 3 to 7 kg.
Behaviour
Kori bustards spend most of their time on the ground, with up to 70% of their time being on foot. Being a large and heavy bird, it avoids flying if possible. When alarmed it will first run and, if pushed further, will take to the air on the run with much effort, its wings making heavy wingbeats.
This bustard is a watchful and wary bird. Their behaviour varies, however, and they are usually very shy, running or crouching at the first sign of danger. They have a hesitant, slow manner of walking, and when they detect an intruder they try to escape detection by moving off quietly with the head held at an unusual angle of between 45° and 60°. Generally, the kori bustard feeds during the morning and in the evening, spending the rest of the day standing still in any available shade.
During the mating season, these birds are usually solitary but for the breeding pair. Otherwise, they are somewhat gregarious, being found in groups often including 5 to 6 birds but occasionally groups can number up to 40 individuals. Larger groups may be found around an abundant food source or at watering holes. In groups, birds are often fairly far apart from each other, often around a distance of 100 m (330 ft). Foraging groups are often single-sex. Such groups do not last long and often separate after a few days. These groups are believed advantageous both in that they may ensure safety in numbers against predation and may bring the bustards to prime food sources.
Voice: Less vocal than other bustards, the kori bustard is generally silent but, when alarmed, both sexes emit a loud growling bark. This is described as a ca-caa-ca call, repeated several times for up to 10 minutes. This call carries long distances. The male’s mating call is a deep, resonant woum-woum-woum-woum. or oom-oom-oom or wum, wum, wum, wum, wummm. This call ends with the bill snapping which is only audible at close range.
Cultural Connections
Kori bustards are prominent in many native African cultures, variously due to their imposing, impressive size, spectacular displays by adult males or the cryptic nature of the nesting females. According to recent ethnographic studies, the Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania are those who have the most Local Ecological Knowledge of the Kori Bustard and its habits, learned from their hunting practices.
This bird features in dances and songs of the san people of Botswana and paintings of these bustards feature in the ancient San rock art. It was associated with royalty in Botswana since they reserved it for their own consumption, and since 2014 it is also the
Conservation Status
The kori bustard is generally a somewhat scarce bird. Nonetheless, because it has such a large range and its rate of decline is thought to be relatively slow, the kori bustard is not currently listed in a threatened category on the IUCN Red List.
This pristine area is tucked in the northernmost end of the park and forms a triangular-shaped zone. The most striking form of vegetation here is the impressive baobab trees that loom alongside the road with their colossal silvered trunks and mass of gnarled branches. Lemiyon is another perfect site in Tarangire for a birding safaris in Tanzania. Lemiyon hosts vast flocks of red-billed quelea birds and also offers good raptor viewing.
Animals and birdlife tell only half the story of a Tanzania wildlife tour in Tarangire National Park. Dominating the park’s 2850 sq km, Tarangire’s great stands of epic baobabs should be reason enough to go for a Tanzania vacation. Baobab trees (Adansonia digitata) are known as Mbuyu is the Swahili local language. They are also known as the rat tree, or monkey-bread or bottle tree, this is one of the largest trees on the planet. There’s nothing quite like the baobab whose thick, sturdy trunk and stunted root-like branches make up an instantly recognizable symbol of Africa. Its unusual form gave rise to the traditional belief that the tree displeased a deity who promptly plucked it in anger and thrust it back into the ground upside down. Or as the great writer on Africa Ryszard Kapuściński wrote: ‘Like elephants among other animals, so are baobabs among trees: they have no equals’.
Tarangire’s baobabs can reach up to 30m high, some trunks have an 11m diameter, and some trees have reached the grand age of around 1000 years; the oldest recorded baobab, attaining a venerable 6000 years, was in South Africa. During your safaris in Tanzania’s Tarangire National Park, you will realize from the baobabs around the park that elephants love baobab bark, although it’s rare that they can actually kill the tree, most baobabs regrow their bark with no lasting damage done. The baobab is found in most parts of Africa and there are only two species in mainland Africa, with a further six in Madagascar and one in Australia.
The baobab tree also called the “tree of life” for it has several useful properties and can be used as shelter, food, medicine, and its nutritious juices and beer – is an icon of the African continent. The hollow trunk sometimes holds rainwater (up to 125,000L), making it a useful reservoir in times of drought. The tree’s large pods (which resemble pendulous Christmas decorations) contain seeds encased in a sherbet-like substance that can be eaten or made into a juice-like drink. The pods themselves are used to make cups or bowls (often for drinking palm wine) and as fuel; they burn slowly and are especially good for smoking fish. The leaves of the baobab can be eaten when chopped, boiled and made into a sauce. They can also be dried and ground into a paste to use as a poultice for skin infections and joint complaints.
The fresh fruit is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, carbohydrates, and phosphorus. In Tanzania, the dry pulp of baobab is added to sugarcane to aid fermentation in brewing (beermaking).
In Angola, the dry fruit is usually boiled and the broth is used for juices or as the base for a type of ice cream known as gelado de múcua.
In Zimbabwe, the fruit is used in traditional food preparations which include “eating the fruit fresh or crushed crumbly pulp to stir into porridge and drinks”.
In the European Union (EU), prior to commercial approval, baobab fruit powder was not available for use as a food ingredient, as legislation from 1997 dictated that foods not commonly consumed in the EU would have to be formally approved first. In 2008, baobab dried fruit pulp was authorized in the EU as a safe food ingredient, and later in the year was granted GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status in the United States.
Southwest of Tarangire Hill, a couple of hundred meters west of the main north-south track through the park, Poacher’s Hide is a marvellous old baobab with a slightly concealed entrance and an internal cavern once used as a hideout by poachers. Poacher’s hide baobab has a diameter of around 10 meters and is estimated to be over 300 years old, and is one of the largest trees in the park. Passing through a small doorway inside of the tree, the cavernous interior has clearly been used in the past for shelter, perhaps for twenty or more hunters-gatherers.
The swamps in the park include Silale, Gurusi, and Larmakau. These extensive swamps are important water catchments. The swamps are found in the Eastern and Southern parts of the park, they feed the Tarangire River that flows North West and then empties into Lake Burunge. This lovely park was established to protect these essential water sources for wildlife. They are today form an important dry season refuge in particular for elephants and Buffaloes. They are also ideal for Tanzania birding tours in Tarangire Park.
The remote Silale Swamp is one of the top highlights of the Tarangire ecosystem. The swamp acts as a giant sponge during the green season and slowly releases water during the dry season. Huge masses of herbivores stream into the park for its water supply, which in turn attracts lions, leopards, and wild dogs. Even the great rock python can be seen living alongside the swamp. These thick, massive reptiles often stay stationary for months at a time – giving visitors the perfect opportunity to observe them.
The Tarangire River is the wildlife jewel in the crown of the Tarangire ecosystem. The park also is named after this life-giving river that provides the only permanent water for wildlife in the Tarangire Ecosystem during the annual dry season.
The dry season usually occurs between July to November. A Tanzania wildlife safari to Tarangire National Park is more recommended during this time of the year as animals visit the river to quench their thirsty least once a day. The river provides refuge for the largest elephant. Section of the river can dry up with the water disappearing below the sand surface and elephants can be observed digging the sand to extract the underground water. Other animals that can be seen along the river banks include wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, and gazelle. Predators like lions and leopards are drawn like a magnet to this smorgasbord of concentrated prey.
Fever-Tree
The yellow-barked Fever-Tree grows in groves along the clay shores of the river. Statuesque and almost ghost-like in appearance, it thrives in the poorly drained clay soil where many other species of tree fail to grow, thus being the most dominant type of tree along the river banks. Called the “Fever Tree” by early travellers and explorers, it was mistakenly thought to cause malaria since many people contracted the disease when camping in its locality. However, the relationship was purely coincidental, as the malaria-carrying mosquito simply favours the same moist, riverside conditions as the tree!
The game loops of the Burungi Circuit offer a superb off the beaten path experience for visitors while on their Tanzania wildlife tours. This adventurous and remote game loop is approximately 50 miles long and traverses the western boundary of the park. A strikingly beautiful and unusual looking little antelope often hides in the thick bush that blankets this area called the Lesser Kudu. It is also quite possible to see Africa’s largest antelope, the eland, along the Burungi Circuit. Elands are massive animals weighing up to 2,000 pounds
The Matete woodland boasts superb leopard viewing and a chance to see the rare oryx antelope. This region gets its name from the high elephant grass and spiky reeds that grow on the river banks on the western side of the region. Matete is the best location in the park for consistent leopard sightings. These elusive cats are frequently spotted in the branches of acacia tortillas trees. The exquisite antelope called the oryx also inhabits the Matete area, although the numbers of these antelope have now dwindled to low numbers.
The beautiful Kitibong region is home to large buffalo herds and the rare wild dog. Magnificent herds of thickly-set buffalo, tossing their heavily bossed horns, teem through these acacia parklands in the Kitibong region. African Hunting dogs are also seen in this area. These interesting looking dogs have a mottled arrangement of different coloured fur that covers their bodies like a tie-dye T-shirt. These dogs run in packs of 6 to 20 animals and are efficient, determined hunters.
Besides Tanzania wildlife safaris, a tour to Tarangire National Park is more unique when you visit the Maasai community. The Tarangire Emanyata cultural boma which is a typically pseudo-Maasai village is a place where the Maasai people display cultural performances and their beautiful crafts before visitors. The Maasai are welcoming for any guest to learn and experience their culture. Visitors on cultural safaris in Tanzania will learn and experience the nomadic life of Maasai, their age set division of labour, how they living indoor, learn their history, foods, taboos and medicine healing. The women in Maasai village are also skilled in making different crafts such as beaded earrings and jewellery beaded necklaces, bangles and anklets. Beadwork is usually done in the afternoon when chores are complete but the men have still not returned from herding.
The Masai people are renowned nomadic pastoralists. These people have been herding their cattle for thousands of yours. A proud, nomadic warrior race who count their wealth in cattle and children, the Maasai are struggling to integrate themselves in a dwindling world. For the Maasai, cattle are more important than homes. They measure their wealth and health by the size and well-being of their cattle. A gift of cattle is one of the highest honours that a Maasai can receive.
The most popular Tanzania safari activity in Tarangire is the day time game drives which extremely occur during the dry months to view large herds of elephants, antelopes and Africa’s deadliest predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
There are 5 routes that lead to most parts of the park that provide the best option for game viewing. The Lemiyon route features the park headquarters and campsites in the northern part of the park. The route offers a chance to explore the charming herds of mammals encountered during the dry season. The lookout tress with hollow sections inside provides a majestic experience of sleeping inside the tree in the heart of the wilderness.
The Gursi and Lamarku routes are found in the southern part passing through large tracts of open grasslands where ostriches can be encountered, the grasslands lead into the swampy areas of the park where hippos can be seen. Several water pools at the extreme southern end attract various birds and fortunate visitors might bump into the cheetahs.
The western lake Barungi route is quite long but important to spot the nocturnal leopards and the endangered Black Rhinos. The route passes through a group of 250 species of shrubs and trees and the beautiful picturesque lakeside views that disappear in rolling hills.
The Kitibong Hill route offers hiking around the kitibong hill dominated by acacia woodlands and flood plains down the hill are best for spotting elephants and buffalos
Night game drives
Night game drives are an opportunity for the guests to see the nightlife of the park and reveal the elusive magic of nocturnal Africa. An experience that is not often permitted in Tanzania’s national parks. Inside the park, Tarangire Safari Lodge can arrange night drives for guests for US$80 per person, plus a US$23.60 ranger fee per group; expect other lodges to follow suit in the not-too-distant future. All of the camps and lodges outside the park boundaries offer night drives in the conservancies and rangelands beyond the park. Ask at the gate about the park’s own night drives (adult/child US$59/29.50).
Tarangire National Park an exquisite destination for birding in Tanzania. Tarangire is home to more than 550 species of birds. Uniquely, the park offers amazing birdwatching experience that even visitors who do not have the interest of watching birds will be stunned by the overwhelming numbers of birds especially the striking ‘air raptors’.
All year round, Tarangire is an amazing bird watching safari destination in Tanzania, however, it is at its best once the migratory species begin arriving from Europe and North Africa from November to April. The resident species begin Nesting almost at the same time therefore it is really easy to see the birds while in breeding plumage.
The best place to view these birds is at the woodlands, swamps and near the Tarangire River. Some of the commonly seen Raptors in the park are the martial eagles, bateleur eagles, long-crested eagles, spotted eagle owls, fish eagle as well as the tawny eagles. Other birds to see in Tarangire National Park include Kori bustards, ostriches, great white pelicans, white-faced whistling ducks, red-billed teals, superb starlings and white-headed babblers. All these can be spotted foraging in the picnic area.
Lemiyon Triangle in the northernmost end of the park is also another exciting birding sport in the park. This area features vast flocks of red-billed quelea birds. It also offers good raptor viewing.
Tarangire offers a beautiful environment for morning and evening Nature walk of about 1 to 3 hours with an experienced and armed guide who will be knowing various areas that can be hiked. The walk can be done to scenic environments such as climbing to the top of the nearby mountain and bushwalking safaris where one will get a chance to see a variety of birds and animals. The visitors will use mainly nature trails which will make them become deeply connected with nature.
Three-hour walking safaris (US$23.60 per person plus US$23.60 per group) can be organized from the park gate. Most of the lodges can organize walks with their own trained guides, but only for their guests.
One of the most memorable experiences you can have during your safaris in Tanzania is sightseeing in Tarangire. This park offers the most spectacular view of nature. Tarangire River which is surrounded by magnificent baobab trees and swamps is one the best nature can provide. The river is the rendezvous spot for a variety of animals during dry including elephants, zebras, gazelles, buffaloes plus many more. Elephants can be observed on the dry parts of the river bed digging mud in search of water. The huge baobab trees that are scattered around in huge numbers make your Tanzania trip a memorable one.
The Silale swamp covers about 30 square kilometres is another area for sightseeing in the park. It gives visitors a chance to see a variety of wildlife including predators and massive tree-climbing pythons.
Experience a better different world by taking a Tanzania cultural tour to a Maasai or Barabaig village with numerous ancient paintings, in the neighbourhood with Kolo on Dodoma road. The park is situated near the Masai steep. These people are one of the 120 tribes of Tanzania that are living their reality and are not forced by anything to change their culture which makes them unique compared to other tribes.
Tourists can visit the Masai village and learn about their unique ways of living in terms of their dressing, housing (bomas), dancing, music, and cuisines. Visitors can also buy crafts made by the Maasai such as mats, beads, baskets, and others for a good memory of their safari in Tanzania when they go back home.
Tourists can also visit one of the schools and villages supported by Nimali in the surrounding areas. Interact with the local community and learn more about their day to day challenges. Play and share stories with the children at the schools
Nimali Tarangire is a luxury tented camp located on the eastern boundary of Tarangire National Park. The camp is situated alongside a riverbed and is well hidden amongst the acacia & baobab trees. Natural materials have been merged with contemporary decor, to provide guests with an unforgettable stay. The dining area opens up to a traditional boma and swimming pool that overlooks the waterhole. The waterhole attracts an abundance of wildlife.
Accommodation at Nimali Tarangire
This intimate camp consists of ten expedition-style tents of light, airy canvas on slightly raised decking, with beautiful views of the riverbed and dramatic boulders beneath. Each guest tent is large and stylishly furnished with a sense of exploration offering a large, leather-strapped travelling chest, private deck and en-suite facilities of flush loo, double vanity basin and revitalizing rain shower.
The spacious decks are perfect for private dining and in-room spa treatments. Fans and open-sided walls (with mesh) allow the rooms to remain cool and comfortable during the heat of the day. Early mornings are a particularly special time when the riverbed is dappled with the first rays of sunshine and guests, savouring coffee whilst sitting on the deck, often see elephant enjoying a hearty breakfast on the opposite side of the bank.
Two of the tents are linked together and designed for families or couples travelling together. Connected by a large lounge overlooking a private deck and complete with a plunge pool, these suites are a mix of contemporary and earthy furnishings, complete with fixed bathroom walls and wooden doors. Each tent is expansive with plenty of room for a writing desk and a reading corner.
Tents:
10 x double tents with king-size or twin beds.
Note: Two of the tents are connected by a lounge with deck and plunge pool which can accommodate a family or couples travelling together or can be used individually.
In-room amenities
Facilities and services at Nimali Tarangire tented camp comprise;
Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp is a luxury thatched camp in the heart of the Maasai nation and an inaccessible corner of the Tarangire. The lodge is located in total privacy amongst giant acacia trees. Not only offers guests unique safari accommodation but spectacular views of the Tarangire National Park. The camp is just located near Kuru Airstrip.
Accommodation at Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp comprises;
12 fully furnished, deluxe tents, each tent has its own en-suite facilities with a shower, hand basin, and washing facilities. Soaps, shampoos and insect repellents are supplied, as well as a hairdryer.
There are plug points at your disposal to charge equipment. Bathrobes are supplied in each tent, as well as ponchos with hoods and warm lining; to protect from both rain and cold weather. Each room has super wide windows that offer panoramic views of the Tarangire National park.
In-room amenities
Acacia Tarangire Luxury Camp facilities and services comprise;
Complimentary WiFi in your location and the camp area.
Electricity; The Camp runs almost entirely on solar energy, thus dramatically allow to have access to electricity 24 Hours.
Restaurant; offers superb cuisine all come together to create an experience that is completely different from any other.
Dining by the Bush; The camp can set up a buffet outside where you can enjoy a hearty meal in the bush. It has a range of dishes available prepared by our in-house chef. it can also prepare for all types of diet from meat lovers to vegans. All our meals are prepared each day using fresh produce and ingredients cleaned in the most hygienic way. Enjoy the serene tranquillity of your surroundings as you satisfy your gastronomy fix. Be one with nature, with your family and friends. Truly, there’s nothing more exotic than this!
Bonfire & Outdoor Barbecue; Set right outside the camp, bonfire and barbeque in the wild is a simple yet authentic experience that not only keeps you warm. It relaxes your senses and makes you better appreciate the beauty of the wilderness. Grab a cold beer, and slip on your comfy PJs and sit down with your friends and loved ones as you recall the adventures of your day! We set-up bonfire on a daily basis, weather permitting. For the barbeque, we can arrange upon request. Just let us know when you make a booking.
In the heart of Maasai country and a remote corner of the Tarangire, in total seclusion amongst giant acacia trees and looking out beyond the flat savannah, Sanctuary Swala offers a very exclusive safari experience. The picturesque landscape is filled with ancient baobab trees, ambling elephants and birds in flight. Built to the highest eco-friendly standards, this camp has a particularly low-carbon footprint.
Accommodation at Sanctuary Swala Camp include;
12 spacious canvas pavilions each ensure unrivalled tranquillity, overlooking a popular watering hole. The wood-floored open-plan rooms have been staged with elegant neutral-toned interiors, matching safari-chic furnishings with rich African textiles, blending seamlessly with the raw and natural beauty of Tanzania’s cinematic savanna. King-size beds swathed in neutral linens mingle fresh design with a new take on safari living. Indoor and outdoor bush-view showers ensure more magical moments because connecting with wildlife is key: the floor-to-ceiling 180° views, and the pavilions’ private decks mean you won’t miss a sight. Intriguing art has been thoughtfully placed, and each furnishing considered based on its eco-friendly design; from repurposed artefacts to bespoke creations. Sanctuary Swala treads with the lightest of footprints, without compromising on luxury.
Facilities and services at Sanctuary Swala Camp include;
Restaurant: As evening sets in, enjoy drinks and canapés around the campfire; followed by a three-course plated dinner as you discuss the great game viewing and events of the day. The camp’s signature dish – and a definite favourite amongst guests – is our mouth-watering dessert called “Chocolate Kilimanjaro.” It resembles the white snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro and simply melts in your mouth – but don’t take our word for it, try it for yourself when you visit this very special camp. If you are celebrating a special occasion, we could arrange a private dinner under the stars on your tent deck.
Lounge and library
Wi-Fi; Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in the main area and in guests’ tents.
Lemala Mpingo Ridge sits on top of an escarpment with sweeping views across the perennial Tarangire River and valley below and will match the same outstanding standards of comfort and service as the other properties in Lemala’s collection. Guests at Lemala Mpingo Ridge will enjoy a real sense of wilderness and excellent game viewing, and it’s both a relaxing standalone destination and a great place to start a safari that also combines Lemala properties in the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti.
Accommodation at Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge comprises;
Facilities and services at Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge comprises;
The Ecoscience property is situated on the North-Eastern border of Tarangire National Park, 20 km south of the village of Makuyuni (itself on the main tourist road to the Serengeti national park).
The local village is called Mswakini Juu. The 80 ha property borders an important migration route of elephants, zebra, and other animals. The area is locally called “the small Serengeti plain”. Most of the land is kept natural. At the Northern edge, we built our luxurious boutique lodge and our science centre. Ecoscience is set in a very fragile savannah environment, where the issue of fire is a real concern. We do ask our guests to refrain from smoking to help ensure our security.
The luxury boutique lodge is designed by Spanish architect Maria Rodriguez-Carreño Villagomez. The architecture of luxury rooms and restaurant is based on the Maasai hut, in an original, modern and minimalistic version.
Accommodation at Ecoscience Science Center and Luxury Lodge comprise;
Luxury Boutique Lodge Rooms
Scientist Tents
Facilities and services at Ecoscience Science Center and Luxury Lodge include
Restaurant and Bar
Wifi; Free Wi-Fi available in the Main Scientist Tent, available to all our guests. Also in all science centre tents.
Electricity; Electricity provided by solar panels (and back-up generators) 220 V.
Tarangire Safari Lodge is situated on a panoramic bluff in Tarangire National Park, with one of Tanzania’s most spectacular views, encompassing acacias and baobabs, plentiful wildlife and the Tarangire River. Since 1985, Tarangire Safari Lodge has been well known for its location and panoramic views and has catered to wildlife enthusiasts and those seeking rest and relaxation among one of Tanzania’s most popular national parks.
Accommodation at Tarangire Safari Lodge comprises;
Tents
The quintessential safari tents, with thatched roofs and large, mesh-screened windows, provide the perfect opportunity to connect with the sights and sounds of nature.
Each tent has a comfortable verandah, ideal for bird and game viewing or reading your favourite book after a dusty safari.
With a choice of twin, double, or triple accommodation, all tents are equipped with en-suite bathrooms with solar-heated showers, ample cupboard space for your gear, and cultural touch of local textiles.
Bungalows
The five circular bungalows, built in a similar style to the Maasai boma, offer a more spacious option for family and triple accommodation.
These airy rooms are situated near a large watering hole, creating the opportunity to watch wildlife from your shaded verandah. The bungalows are set away from the main lodge, providing privacy, and all are equipped with large en-suite bathrooms with solar-heated showers, and comfortable bedding made from local textiles.
Facilities and services at Tarangire Safari Lodge comprises;
Dining: The open-air dining room provides a distinctive setting for our international home-style cuisine. The signature buffets offer fresh fruits and vegetables, and a wide variety of flavorful dishes sure to satisfy every palate. Requests are welcome for dinner under the stars on our terrace, where you may choose from a range of local wines and enjoy dinner by candlelight. Warm, friendly staff members are ready to assist and cater to all our guests’ needs and dietary requirements.
Lounge & Bar: Visitors can relax and put their feet up, and sip a refreshing drink in the bar and lounge area. Fresh Tanzanian coffee and teas are complimentary from 5:45 are to get your day started before heading on safari. Free Wi-Fi is available in this area.
Swimming Pool: Set among the shade of acacia trees, the inviting swimming pool provides a great location for a poolside cocktail or an afternoon dip. Changing rooms are nearby, and there is also a shallow splash pool for children to safely enjoy.
Baobab Boutique: Whether you’re looking for a gift to take home to a loved one or a memento for yourself, The Baobab Boutique has a variety of handmade crafts by Tanzanian artisans and unique, speciality items to choose from. There are gifts for all ages, many of which support local women and craftsmen throughout Tanzania.
Power: Power for the rooms is provided from 6am – 10am and 6pm – 11pm. Recharging facilities are available during this time and the “charging station” is found at our main bar. With power off at 11 pm, we kindly request guests to make sure that any device they might need during the night is battery powered. Please note there will be a surcharge if electricity is required all night.
Built to blend in with the vastness of its surroundings, Tarangire Sopa Lodge lies hidden among the kopjes, ancient baobab, and grasses of the Tarangire National Park. Many can be seen around the lodge, allowing visitors a close encounter. After enjoying a long leisurely game drive between herds of wild animals and along miles of Africa’s seemingly endless roads, you come over a slight rise and the lodge appears almost immediately below you.
Rooms at Tarangire Sopa Lodge comprise;
75 spacious rooms, all with a private lounge on entering with a minibar. Each room has 2 queen size beds with a mosquito net around them. 4 of these rooms are suitable for the physically challenged. 4 interconnecting rooms suitable for families.
While at the circular guest suites with their high, conical roofs fan out to either side of the public areas, it is worth mentioning a word of caution here. Because the lodge is not fenced in any way, wild animals are at liberty to come and go as they please and transits to your room and back might be – but rarely – delayed by an elephant or two. This is the only reason the guards will insist on taking you to and fro at night.
Once inside the coolness of your room, you will be delighted at its space and airiness, and also the views from its sheltered veranda. With its mini-bar, two double beds and an extremely spacious, well-appointed bathroom, you can only wish that you were staying an extra night.
Facilities and services at Tarangire Sopa Lodge
The camp is situated in the heart of Tarangire National Park overseeing the Tarangire River and close to Kuro Airstrip this camp has spectacular views of Tarangire Hill. It is also only 5 Km away from Silale Swamp Plains where Elephants gather in their thousands regularly. Kudos Airstrip is 1 Km away from Camp. This is the best Camp to experience the bush otherwise, here you may go on Night Game Drives and walking Safari in the company of an Armed Ranger, fly over the Baobab forest with a hot air balloon or simply enjoy a private Bush Lunch or Dinner in the wilderness.
Accommodation at Ang’ata Tarangire Camp comprises;
8 Guest Tents including a 2 tent Family unit, a lounge, and a dining tent. Each guest tent has an en-suite bathroom with a shower, vanity desk and flush toilets. Depending on request a King-size bed, 2 Twin beds or triples are available.
Facilities and services at Ang’ata Tarangire Camp include;
Lounge area: the lounge is the place to meet other travellers and share your day’s Safari stories while enjoying a complimentary cup of Tanzanian Coffee or Tea.
Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners: are served in the dining tent, we also offer private bush lunches on the crater floor freshly prepared by our Chefs on a daily basis.
Bush TV (local name for campfire) is lit when the weather permits.
Located 6 kilometres from Tarangire National Park and 3 hours’ drive from Arusha. Kikoti is also reachable by a charter plane arriving at Kuru, with a shorter drive to the camp. Kikoti’s rooms are raised luxury bandas, with spectacular views of the hills, looking down into the national park.
Accommodation at Kikoti Tented Camp include;
8 double and 10 twin rooms, all built from natural materials in tune with their environment, with a design that echoes safari tents from years past.
Simple and elegant, the rooms are decorated in warm caramel and creams, with stylish en-suite bathrooms. Water is tanked in on a weekly basis as there is no natural supply by the camp, however hot water is available and the lights run from solar power. Alternatively, you can sit out on your private veranda, in one of the wicker chairs and watch the world pass. Wildebeest, water buffalo, hyenas and zebra have been known to wander underneath the rooms, providing a close-up wildlife experience.
Facilities at Kikoti Tented Camp include;
Restaurant: serving three-course meals with a blend of European, African and Asian cuisines plus Coffee as well as tea, some soft drinks plus alcoholic beverages that are served all through the day.
Lounge bar
Located near the new Sangaiwe gate to Tarangire National Park with stunning views over Lake Burunge, Sangaiwe Tented Lodge offers travellers to Tanzania luxury tented accommodation, great service, and fresh food. Enhance your T safari experience by joining the lodge on your visit to Tarangire on the northern circuit in Tanzania.
Accommodation at Sangaiwe Tented Lodge;
Accommodation is in beautifully constructed tented rooms set on wooden platforms with a solid attached bath, toilet and dressing area. The Lodge features thirteen (13) tents and each elevated tent has twin or double beds, a writing desk, ample places for luggage and indoor and outdoor seating.
Decks all have stunning views to Lake Burunge and the Rift Valley. Additionally, there is are two-bedroom family cottages with one twin room and a double room, both en-suite and joined by a common sitting area. Each room has its own veranda.
Sangaiwe Tented Lodge Lodge Facilities;
Osupuko is a Maasai word meaning a “Virgin Land” or “Natural Paradise”. Tarangire Osupuko Lodge overlooks the famous Tarangire National Park, which is crossed by the wildlife-attracting Tarangire River. The gently rolling landscape is sprinkled with Baobab trees and towering termite mounds, dense African bush and sweeping grasses.
Rooms at Tarangire Osupuko Lodge include;
8 spacious, en suite bungalows designed to bring the park’s beauty indoors. These refined Masai huts have large windows so guests can always see grazing wildlife. Other features are a huge veranda for sunrises, a comfy couch for sunsets and inside and outside showers that offer views across the sweeping Great Rift Valley.
Facilities and services at Tarangire Osupuko Lodge comprises;
Maramboi Tented Camp offers permanent camp facilities and endless vistas of rolling golden grasslands and palm lined desert between Tarangire and Manyara Lake. A visit to the area is essential for anyone interested in evolution and the origins of Mankind and an explanation of the Rift Valley and Africa’s big picture. It is a complete semi desert experience focusing on safari walks and game drives.
Accommodation at Maramboi Tented Lodge include
Our permanent camp has 38 spacious tented rooms, individually built on a raised deck with en-suite bathroom. There are 6 family rooms, perfect for guests with children. The bathrooms have a built-in shower and each tent has its own terrace from where guests can enjoy views of Lake Manyara and the Rift Valley. Room Services include Mosquito Nets, Solar Electricity, Mineral Water, Free Parking, Fan, Room Service
Suite Tent (capacity: 2 & 3 persons)
Stylish tent build on wooden platforms with en-suite facilities overlooking Lake Manyara. Double, twin or triple rooms. All rooms feature a balcony with views.
Family suite room
Spacious room with beautiful views to the Rift Valley.
Six Suite rooms interconnected, ideally for families. Include sitting space, private verandah with terrace furniture and en suite facilities.
Interconnected Tents (Capacity: 3, 4 & 5 persons)
Two interconnected tents built on wooden platforms, overlooking Lake Manyara. Each tent with private facilities.
Facilities and services at Maramboi Tented Lodge include;
Kirurumu Tarangire Lodge is built on the site of the old Tamarind Camp. Tarangire Lodge borders the park boundary and is ideally situated being only 10 minutes off the main tarmac road and only 15 minutes’ drive from the main Tarangire park gate.
Accommodation at Kirurumu Tarangire Lodge include;
10 tented cottages consisting of 2 Double Rooms, 2 Family Rooms, and 6 Twin Rooms – all include personal verandah that looks over Tarangire National Park
Facilities and services at Kirurumu Tarangire Lodge include;
Whistling Thorn Camp is established in a standard African thorn-tree bush within the Great Rift Valley with beautiful views of the Great Escarpment. It is found within a private concession which is next to the boundary of Tarangire National Park, and this actually makes it a perfect place for game viewing. It is managed by Maasai locals and offers a legitimate African feel which will certainly reward you with an unforgettable experience.
Whistling Thorn Tented Camp accommodation;
The camp accommodates up to 20 guests in spacious, canvas tents under grass-thatched ramadas, giving them an aesthetically pleasing look. Each tent, with either two single beds or one king-sized bed, has shelving, a writing desk and an ensuite bathroom with a flush toilet and luxurious hot showers. The hot water is available whenever requested and is brought to guests’ tents in buckets – a very rustic approach that works splendidly. A shaded veranda with chairs, table, and washbasins overlooks flat-topped acacia tree plains where giraffe, zebra, and elephant come to graze.
Whistling Thorn Tented Camp facilities and services;
Restaurant: serves three and four-course meals, beginning with freshly baked bread and warming soups, followed by fresh local vegetables, salads, and meats, finishing up with decadent desserts.
Bar; with a great assortment of drinks that include beers, wines, spirits as well as various soft drinks.
Welcoming performances; This camp is owned by the local Maasai residents whose vibrant and lively songs, as well as dances, are included in camp life.
Usually, the majority of guests that go into Tarangire do so as part of a longer safari itinerary. Tarangire National park is part of the well-liked Northern Safari Circuit of Tanzania and is mainly visited along with other parks such as Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti NP. Usually, most of the safaris on this circuit begin in Arusha city. The most recommended option to reach Arusha town is to fly into the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), which is located approximately 46 kilometres or 29 miles from Arusha. It is as well possible to directly fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), found close to the capital city Dar es Salaam and then fly to Arusha Airport (ARK).
Another cheaper alternative is to reserve a cheaper flight into Kenya’s capital city Nairobi, and then take a shuttle bus to the town of Arusha. You will be Picked-up early in the morning and finally arrive in Arusha at 4 pm. Usually, your tour operator will receive you at the airport and then make all ongoing arrangements, as well as the charter flight into the park as per your arrangements.
Although there are charter flights connecting from Arusha as well as the Serengeti NP to Tarangire, you can enjoy a 2 hours thrilling drive from Arusha to the park entrance gate, and just the last 7 kilometres of the road are not tarred. Another fortunate thing is that it is quite easy connected from here to any other national park in the north such as Lake Manyara or the wider Ngorongoro Conservation area.
Cate
Samuel
Robert
If you're looking for exceptional safari recommendations or require professional assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to us.
