6 Amazing Reasons to visit Tarangire National Park

6 Amazing Reasons to visit Tarangire National Park: Tarangire national park is an underrated wildlife reserve that is located in the northern part of Tanzania. The park was established in 1970 and covers a total area of 2850 square kilometers which is composed of woodland vegetation, large baobab and acacia trees, wildlife species including over 3000 herds of elephants, wildebeests, buffaloes, zebras, gazelles, impalas, hartebeests, elands, leopards, lions, different bird species among others. Tarangire national park was named after Tarangire River which is a water body that flows through the park and a primary source of water that attracts large numbers of animals which come to drink water and colorful bird species. There are various reasons why you should go on a safari in Tarangire national park including

Abundant wildlife: Tarangire national park is known for harboring abundant wildlife including large herds of elephants, wildebeests, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, elands, greater kudus, hartebeest, gazelle, hippos, predators like lions, wild dogs, hyenas, leopards and cheetahs which are rarely seen, rare animals like fringe eared Oryx, long necked gerenuk, primates like vervet monkeys, baboons among others. Large populations of animals in the park can be viewed during the game drive and guided nature walks which are best done in the dry season during the months of June to October.
Abundant birdlife: The national park is known as a birders paradise because it’s a home of more than 550 bird species including European migratory birds, aquatic species, endemic species which are only found in Tanzania and near endemic species which are also found in the neighboring countries. Bird species in the park can be seen in the swampy floodplains, woodlands and baobab trees during birding activity, game drives and guided nature walks. Some of the bird species that you will spot include hartlaubs turaco, fischers lovebird, red and yellow barbet, ostrich, kori bustard, ground hornbill, willow warbler, helmeted guinea fowl, bateleur eagles, steppe eagle, northern pied babbler, rufous tailed weaver, vulturine guinea fowl, ashy starling, bare faced go away bird, great white pelican, pink breasted lark, slate colored boubou, Donaldson smiths nightjar among others.
Beautiful scenery: Tarangire national park harbors incredible wildlife including acacia trees, sausage trees, ancient baobab trees which is also known as the tree of life because it lives up to 1000 years old and grow up to 30 meters high. The baobab trees have seeds which act as food for the animals, thick bark which is used by elephants to sharpen their tusks, root like branches and bloated trunks which can store between 300 and 1000 liters of water. The national park also harbors Tarangire River which is the main source of water for the vegetation and also attracts large populations of animals which come to drink water hence making the river one of the best wildlife viewing areas.
Fascinating safari experience: Tarangire national park is one of the less visited national parks in Tanzania compared to Serengeti national park, Lake Manyara national park and Ngorongoro conservation area therefore tourists who go on a safari will enjoy the park with less crowds, enjoy great sightings of different bird species, animals like elephants, buffaloes, leopards, lions, giraffes, zebras, views of baobab trees with few safari vehicles.
Closure to Arusha town: Tarangire national park is located about 2 to 3 hours drive from Arusha town which is the starting point for most northern circuit safaris, due to its close proximity to Arusha the park is one of the easily accessed national parks in Tanzania where you can drive to the park and back just in one day. The national park is also close to the famous Serengeti national park and Ngorongoro conservation area therefore tourists can as well connect to other national parks.
Interesting activities: The national park offers interesting activities such as game drive which is best done early in the morning giving you an opportunity to view animals when they are still active, birding activity where you will be able to view different bird species, guided nature walks where you will get up close and personal with different animals in their natural environment and hot air balloon activity where you will have aerial views of the park, animals, birds, tree canopies, views of the sunrise, beautiful landscapes among others.

When to visit Tarangire National Park

Tarangire national park can be visited anytime throughout the year though the best time is during the dry season from June to October because during this period there is little rainfall in the park therefore vegetation will be thin which gives you an opportunity to clearly view animals. During this period animals gather around the water bodies to drink water which helps you to have great views of abundant wildlife and also take good photos.

The park can also be visited in the wet season during the months of March to May and November because this is the best period for bird watching where bird lovers will have an opportunity to view migratory birds.

Tarangire national park is the best destination to visit for tourists who are hungry for experience and want to have great wildlife sightings. For more information or booking you can contact Focus East Africa Tours.