It is the vast number
of baobabs that first capture the eye as you enter Tarangire
National Park. The gently rolling countryside is dotted with
these majestic trees, which seem to dwarf the animals that
feed beneath them.
Tarangire National Park covers approximately 2600 sq km and,
in the dry season, is second only to Ngorongoro Crater
Conservation Area in concentrations of wildlife. Tarangire
lies to the south of the large, open grass plains of southern
Maasai land, and derives its name from the Tarangire River,
which provides permanent water for wildlife in the area.
Tarangire National Park has some
of the highest population density of elephants than anywhere
in Tanzania, and its sparse vegetation, strewn with baobab and
acacia trees, makes it a beautiful and special location.
Breathtaking views of the Masaai Steppe and the mountains to
the south make a stop at Tarangire a memorable experience.
The park is spectacular in the dry season when many of the
migratory wildlife species come back to the permanent waters
of Tarangire River. Huge herds of wildebeest, zebras,
elephants, eland and fringe-eared oryx (gemsbok) gather to
stay in Tarangire until the onset of the rains when they
migrate again to good grazing areas.
Tarangire is another park known for its tree-climbing lions,
and for its very big herds of buffalo. This is one of Africa's
little-known gems and should be on the itinerary of all lovers
of wilderness and solitude.
Tarangire is a popular stop for safaris traveling through the
northern circuit on their way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
The park extends into two game controlled areas and the
wildlife are allowed to move freely throughout.
