FIVE REASONS: WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK

‘One cannot resist the lure of Africa.’ – Rudyard Kipling

Tarangire National Park is the sixth largest park in Tanzania, but often only briefly stopped at (if at all), due to the many other larger parks that dominate Tanzania’s main safari route. I researched this park on recommendation from the company I planned to climb Kilimanjaro with. It not only made safari practically possible for me, but it blew me away! If the pictures alone do not persuade you, here are some reasons why you should visit:

1. wildlife

Of course wildlife is the reason most plan to do a safari. It is an experience like no other to see animals freely roaming in their own habitat. Tarangire has the largest population of elephants in northern Tanzania (estimated at 2,500). We were lucky enough to see many over two days. I spent a long time watching a herd bathing in the river, and many times they crossed the path in front of us, taking a moment to observe our presence before moving on.

Along with elephants, there were nearly as many zebras, giraffes, water buffalo, birds… the list goes on. I also watched lionesses hunt a warthog with their cubs nearby, a hyena, and even a leopard in a tree watching over its dinner.

2. Scenery

Along with the tantalising close encounters with wildlife, the scenery you pass through is an experience in itself. Majestic baobab trees gloriously litter the landscape, with sun drenched termite mounds piled high. You pass endless savannah plains dotted with distant hills and moving shadows of wildlife, buzzing swamplands and the Tarangire river drawing wildlife to its waters edge. You may even drive through a part of the river when water levels are low!

I hiked to a viewpoint above where I was staying before sunset. There were breathtaking views of the park, Lake Manyara (you may make out the flamingos!) and beyond.

3. space

As it is off the main safari route, there were times when I did not see any others vehicles for hours as we explored areas of the 2850 sq km park. You feel completely alone in the wilderness, asides from the times a surprising cluster of vehicles round a bend helpfully draws you to a glimpse of magic you may have missed: a leopard in a tree, a particular bird, or even passing cheetahs as some report.

Alone with my guide, I ate lunch watching giraffes taking shade from the harsh sun, elephants bathing and arguing amongst their herd, and absorbed the silence with the odd distant roar when we stopped to take in the majestic scenery around us.

4 & 5. Time and budget

I did not have the time or the budget to fly to Serengeti National Park. This park was the cheapest option for me, as vehicle cost was higher to enter Ngorongoro Crater and I did not have anyone to share the cost with. I spent two days doing game drives from sunrise. On the third day I travelled back to Arusha to climb Kilimanjaro.

It is a park able to be catered to your budget, time and needs. You can do it as a day trip from Arusha or you can combine with other nearby parks. I would say two days is enough to cover a lot of the park and hopefully see lots of wildlife.

useful information

• Stay – I stayed at Sangaiwe tented lodge just outside the park. It felt luxurious! I had a permanent tent with bathroom to myself overlooking the park. At night I lit candles and sat on my verandah listening to the soundtrack of the park below.
• Eat- Safari companies usually provide a pack lunch and water. Meals are usually included at lodges.
• To note- This was a big trip for me! Research day trips from Arusha, and public campsites. Sharing vehicle can also help. There is also the option to do a walking safari.
• Tip- The Tsetse fly bit me multiple times. I had read that it does not pose a risk in this part of Tanzania. However it was uncomfortable despite the barrier of my trousers! I do not know if it can be avoided, but would recommend wearing light, long-sleeved tops and trousers with insect spray.  In the evenings this is important to avoid mosquito bites.
• Pack- bring a hat, binoculars (the safari guide may have some) and plenty of memory cards.
• Company- I went with local company Seregenti Pride for my safari and Kilimanjaro. It made it easier logistics wise, and they had great reviews.

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