Tarangire National Park boasts a robust population of both large and small animals. While the park has a variety of resident wildlife, some species migrate depending on the season. On a Tarangire safari, you’re likely to encounter elephants, giraffes, impalas, warthogs, zebras, wildebeests, dwarf mongooses, and ostriches. Additionally, lions and leopards can be spotted, and on rare occasions, wild hunting dogs may also make an appearance. The park is home to 550 bird species, along with greater and lesser kudus and oryx antelopes.

From June to September, the park experiences a smaller migration, during which thousands of wildebeests and zebras arrive in search of better grazing areas. Elephants and other wildlife follow, congregating along the Tarangire River, the park’s only permanent water source. It is estimated that up to 2,000 elephants inhabit the park during these months, with some traveling from as far as Amboseli National Park in Kenya.

Predators

Cats are also very much present in the park and lions can be found soaking up the sun on the riverbanks, whereas leopards are sometimes spotted resting in the baobab trees. Cheetahs are around but usually like to stay hidden from unsuspecting prey.

African wild dogs have been seen towards the southern part of the park and seeing that the numbers of these efficient hunters are dropping, spotting them can be a real treat.

Birds

But it is not only mammals you need to look out for while in Tarangire National Park as the park also boasts with 550 different bird species. The most commonly seen birds include yellow collared lovebirds, red billed hornbills, southern ground hornbills, lilac breasted rollers, ostriches, many kinds of raptors as well as several kinds of water birds just to name a few.

Vegetation and landscapes

Tarangire National Park with its baobab crested landscape is scenically one of the most beautiful parks in Tanzania. Baobab trees tower above the savannah. These age-old trees play a vital role in the ecosystem as they act as homes for bees, birds and bats. In addition, they provide nourishing fruit and supply animals such elephants with indirect water especially during the drier months.

Until the mid-1990s, one of these ancient trees was used as hiding place by illegal poachers. The hollow inside of the giant tree served as the perfect cover from rangers on patrol. Once inside, they were nowhere to be seen. Here, they would dry and store illegally hunted wildebeest, buffalo and zebra meat. Luckily, the rangers eventually put an end to their illegal activities. Today, you can visit the Poachers Hide and step inside the Baobab tree.

Tarangire River

The Tarangire River flows all year round and is an important lifeline for many of its residents, especially during the dry season. The river flows into Lake Burunge situated in the northwest. On the other hand, the south of the park is dominated by marsh land, which is impassable in the wet season but tends to dry out completely in the dry season.