Location and Size Tarangire National Park
The Manyara Region in Tanzania boasts the beautiful Tarangire National Park. It is the sixth in size compared to the other national parks in the country. The park’s name is derived from the Tarangire River, which flows through the park. The Manyara Lake, which lies a few meters away to the south-east of the park, is a sprawling 2,850 square kilometres.
The nearest city to this scenic national park, Arusha, provides paved roads along which Tanzanian Holiday seekers can reach the park by vehicle within about four hours. Visitors from Tarangire National Park can drive to Lake Manyara National Park quickly which is only a 43-mile drive from the Tarangire National Park.
Those visiting the parks can reach the city of Arusha from the Kilimanjaro International Airport and head towards the Tanzania national parks. Tanzanian Holidaymakers can also book domestic flights to reach the national parks at the airport. More than 87,000 passengers enter Tanzania annually through the Kilimanjaro International Airport. There are buses that frequently operate from the airport to the main cities of Tanzania which include Dar es Salaam, Nairobi and Dodoma. But the easiest passage to Tarangire National Park is from the town of Arusha.
Arusha is the principal city of the Arusha region. Over 740,000 Tanzanians live in the Arusha region and it’s District. When entering the Arusha region, travellers can view Mount Meru, which is on the Great Rift Valley’s eastern branch. The city also provides transport facilities for a Tanzanian safari not only to Tarangire National Park but also many others such as Serengeti National Park, Arusha National Park, Manyara National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Special Features of Tarangire National Park
Travellers to Tarangire National Park will be amazed to see the vast number of tall baobab trees in the park. It never ceases to amaze the participants of any Tanzania safari when they look at the massive height of the baobab trees, which to the eye, looks like it is ‘topsy-turvy’. Tarangire River provides a haven for a large number of migratory birds as the dry season approaches. Similarly, many wild animals also gather on the banks of the river in the dry season. They are often seen to survive on the banks of the river since its waters permanently nourish them until the beginning of the monsoon that brings enough rains for them to move inland seeking grazing lands.
It is astonishing to see numerous sights of game in the park that attracts a high number of Tanzania safari makers to the park. The sceneries alongside the banks of the river are enchanting. Another distinctive feature in the park that visitors can marvel at is its large herds of elephants. A single herd can consist of about 300 elephants, which is a rare scene in any wildlife park. If anyone needs to see the rare species of Africa’s animals such as the fringed eared Oryx, Greater Kudu and Ashy Starlings, the Tarangire Park is the best location.
Why go to Tarangire National Park
Tourists who want to take part in a highly exciting Tanzanian safari ought to visit the Tarangire Park. During the dry season, driving into the park can unfold fantastic sceneries of wildlife activities along the river bank. It is only at the river in the region that animals and birds can find water during the dry season. Many tourists arrive at the park to see the huge African baobab trees. Many of these trees go back to ancient times and this reason alone makes it worthy of visiting, besides the other majestic sights for visitors.
Nature enthusiasts who travel a distance of about 80 kilometres on the western route of Lake Burngi can see a plethora of different types of trees, shrubs and plants that are native to the African continent. Many expect to see rhino and leopard in the area. Tourists prefer taking this route to others since they can see the Manyara and Burungi lakes, as well as the ‘Three Hills’ and Milima Mitatu mountain peak. Another reason for a great number of tourists to visit the location is to see the migration of wildlife from June to November. It is when they start to move again northwards at the end of November.  It rewards those on safari with an incredible sight.
When to Go to Tarangire National Park
The dry seasons that begins in June ends in October providing the most suitable period for visiting Tarangire National Park. The animals that gathered by the Tarangire River in search of water start moving again northwards no sooner the wet season begins in search of grazing grounds so visitors at this time may not witness that many wildlife. They also may have to face the constant tirade of a vast number of insects that comes out in the wet season. The dry season is when the thick vegetation thins down due to the long drought and tourists can clearly see the wild animals that approach the river for water. The danger of getting infected with malaria is lower during this time than in the wet season.
However, the number of migrating animals may not be in the park by June, if there is a late end to the wet season. On the other hand, the early short rains may make the animals leave the park in October.
Visitors continue to visit the park to see the beautiful and vast green vegetation the wet season brings. During this season, the fees to enter the park may be reduced as well. The wet season is the best for bird watchers, since a large number of migratory birds arrive in the park in this duration. The most captivating period in the rainy season begins in March and ends in May.
Extra Information on Tarangire National Park
Authorities advise tourists to undergo vaccinations before they visit Tanzania. They are also advised to carry anti-malaria medicines as well as mosquito repellents. Visitors to the Tarangire National Park ought to heed their guides’ advice, especially the participants on safaris to witness big game.
Ample accommodation facilities are available in the Tarangire National Park. But Tanzania Budget Safari participants ought to select a type of accommodation that suits their budgets. Therefore, many opt to rent rooms in permanent lodges, temporary tented locations. Luxury camps are few, within the Park. Many visitors choose to stay in the park as it is cheap and convenient. Enchanting treetop lodges built on Baobab trees are a popular accommodation type among tourists. However, those who seek for a more luxurious stay can rent the amply available rooms in lodges outside the park. However, those who seek for more luxurious accommodation can rent rooms in lodges outside the park that are also amply available.
Visitors can also rent light aircraft from a charter company to visit the park. However, these charter companies do not allow visitors to carry hard suitcases. Therefore, it is advisable to carry soft bags that have no wheels. The weight of the contents of a bag cannot exceed 15 kg. It is also convenient for visitors who opt to travel by road, to carry soft bags with fewer essentials.
Insurance coverage for the entire luggage is also recommended.
Visitors to Tanzania ought to carry with them their passports with relevant photocopies, certificates of vaccinations, insurance for health and travel, credit cards, documents of contact details. It is also advised to carry enough hard cash since ATMs may not be available at these wild locations. Another factor that tourist must know is that most places at the wild locations do not accept USD notes issued before 2004.
