Tarangaire national park

Size: 2850 sq km (1,096 sq miles),Location: 118 km (75 miles) southwest of ArushaSouth of the large open grass plains of southern Maasai land lies the best-kept secret on the northern safari circuit, Tarangire.

Named after a nearby river called Tarangire, it has the same attractions as the parks up-north- the only difference is that this place is not usually as crowded as the other ones.This is a year-round park with distinct seasons offering different experiences, from dusty, dry and baking with animals clustered around the rapidly reducing river, to the fecund green season full of new-born animals and chattering birds.

Wildlife

A lot of migratory animals aim to reside here during the dry season. You can see groups and herds of animals like 600 elephants followed by zebras, buffalos and oryxes who ventured from the Maasai to the Tarangire in search for water. There are also a few lions prowling around and looking for unsuspecting preys around the jungle. Some of the other animals that you may see here are antelopes, warthogs, hippos, cheetahs, leopards, foxes, jackals and waterbucks.

Birdlife

Like in any part of Africa, this part is also known for its avian diversity. There lives here a variety of birds beaming with wonderful colors. Some examples of these are the Yellow-collared lovebirds, various types of storks, herons, kingfishers and the paradise whyder.

Major Attractions

• Thousands of animals congregate at the Tarangire River

• 550 species of birds

• Tree climbing pythons

• Strategically placed quality safari lodges

Vegetation

Tarangire offers wonderful panoramas of wide savannah grasslands dotted with open acacia woodland studded with large Baobab trees.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Tarangire for wildlife viewing or walking is during the dry season, from June to October.

November to February is the time of plenty with succulent green shoots appearing just in time for the newborn wildebeest and zebra. By March everything is lush and wild flowers and butterflies are out in force. Birds are at their busiest and more than 550 species have been recorded.

Climate

For much of the year temperatures remains between 70-80°F (21-27°C) but nights and early mornings get colder in the months of June, July and August.

Dry Season: the dry months of June to September are the best times for game viewing as thousands of animals come to the Tarangire River. January and February is usually dry.

Rainy Season: The short rains are in November and December and the long rains fall from March to May, with April and May being the height of the rainy season and best avoided as many camps are closed.