Tarangire National Park Hightlights
One of Africa's most underrated parks, thanks to its proximity to Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park is usually assigned only a day visit as part of a larger northern-circuit itinerary. Dominating the park's 2850 sq km, Tarangire's great stands of epic baobabs should be reason enough to visit. And cleaving the park in two is the Tarangire River, its meandering course and (in some places) steep banks providing a dry-season lure for animals and thus many stirring wildlife encounters for visitors.
The impalas also exist in large numbers as well, eland, buffalo and giraffes.Bohor reedbuck, Thompson’s gazelle, greater and lesser kudu and the Coke’s hartebeest. Among the other common animals in the Tarangire are the leopards, lions, hyenas, and cheetah that seem to be popular within the southern open areas. The birds within the Tarangire are also quite many, there are over 500 species that have been identified here. The lovebirds that are yellow collared, the shy starlings are in plenty and widespread in Tanzania. Mainly, the dry open woods like e acacia thickets, as well as many of its significant baobab trees make up the vegetation of the Tarangire.
Pros & Cons
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.Weather in Tarangire is temperate and enjoyable. Wet seasons consist of: ‘long rains’ (March to May) and the ‘short rains’ (November to December). It usually rains in the afternoon and seldom for the entire day. It rarely gets too hot, but the evenings and mornings tend to get cold. Warm clothes for early morning game drives are recommended.
Weather & Climate
Tarangire has a fractured Wet season (November to May). Light showers, or the ‘short rains’, tend to close out the year, while the ‘long rains’ see heavier falls from March through May. In between is a brief dry period that gives a taste of what’s to come in the Dry season proper (June to October).-
June, July, August, September & October – Afternoon temperatures are close to 26°C/79°F. Days are clear with calm skies. It cools down at night with temperatures dropping to about 14°C/57°F.
Afternoon temperatures are usually around 28°C/82°F, and night temperatures are around 16°C/61°F. November & December – 'Short rains' – October through December brings about four weeks of rain, the start of which is unpredictable. It will rarely have a negative effect on your trip, as it would be unusual for it to rain all day. January & February – A dry spell occurs after the short rains. The exact timing is difficult to predict. March, April & May – 'Long rains' – On most days, rain occurs, although it rarely rains the entire day. Cloudy skies are common. Cold fronts commonly roll in during April and May causing temperatures to get much colder.
Best Time to Visit
In the wetter months (November to May) tourists are fewer and the local wildlife more dispersed, with water easily found around the park. The animals are much easier to find during the Dry season (June to October), as they head to the area’s remaining water sources. Pack plenty of warm clothes for early-morning game drives at this time of year, as it’s cold when the sun is low in the sky.The middle and end of the Dry season, from late June to October, is the best time for wildlife viewing in Tarangire National Park. Most of the animals migrate out of the park during the Wet season, and wildlife viewing is considerably less productive.
Animals migrate into the park from surrounding areas. Wildlife is easier to spot because they stay near the rivers. The weather is beautiful and sunny. There are fewer mosquitos and malaria risks are lower. Warm clothing is essential from June to August since morning game drives are cold.
The vegetation is lovely and green. Rates may be lower because it is low season. It is prime bird watching time since migratory birds are present. Many animals migrate out of the park and wildlife viewing is not as good as the Dry season. March to May is the peak of the Wet season.