Baobab-dotted Tarangire is one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes in all of Africa. The giant Baobabs, also known as upside down trees, are a strange and wonderful sight in themselves. The scenery is beautiful with rolling countryside and a lovely river valley. Granite ridges, mixed acacia, woodland and grassland make up the rest of the flora of this nearly 1100 mi² national park. The Park is at its best in the dry season, when many of the migratory wildlife species come back to the permanent waters of the Tarangire River. The year round availability of water also attracts approximately 550 bird species. An equally impressive population of wildlife, including eland, zebra, wildebeest and giraffe – along with lion, which are known to occasionally climb trees for relief from the day’s heat. While there are year round resident herds of elephant a much larger population of elephant can be seen here during their June – November migration.

Because of its intrinsic qualities (scenery and wildlife) and its relatively few visitors (in comparison to the nearby Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara), this is one of the best parks in Africa. Many safaris by-pass Tarangire on the way to the attractions further North, but the excellent quality of game viewing and the rewards of the scenery here mean that a stop, particularly in the dry season, is really worthwhile.
Aside from Tarangire Sopa Lodge, located inside of the park, there a number of luxury camps in the park and a variety of properties outside of the park offering bush walks and night game drives.

Highlights

Tarangire River, Baobab trees, elephant migration (seasonal), big cats, greater and lesser kudu, many types of plains animals and over 550 species of birds.