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6 Things To Do In Tarangire National Park
The 6 things to do in Tarangire National Park and they include Game drives, nature walks, birdwatching ,cultural visits and hot air balloon safaris.
Tarangire National Park is found in Tanzania and its about 120 kilometers (km) southwest of Arusha City , it has more African Elephants per square kilometer than any other national park in the national park. The Tarangire River, which runs through the middle of the park and provides a haven for wildlife, particularly elephants, during the dry season, gave rise to the park’s name.
The following are the 6 things to do in Tarangire National Park;
Game Drives
Game drives are one of the 6 things to do in Tarangire national park. Explore the wildlife viewing activities one should engage in as they explore Tarangire national park. Both adults and children can engage in game drive and during the drive, one should expect to see wildebeests leopards, cheetahs, lions, wild dogs, cape buffalos, giraffes, baboons, monkeys, elephants ,and many more during the game drive as the animals move looking for waters for example animals like elephants are seen in the morning hours as they graze.
You can both morning and evening games drives in Tarangire National Park with the aid of experienced guides thought the best time to do a game drives in the morning be the sun is out. You will explore the savannah plains starting in the morning and continue through the day as tourists enjoy seeing the different wildlife species and driving around the national park. The best time to do game drives is during the dry season as animals are close to the water source which makes it easier to spot them. You wouldn’t dare miss a game drive in Tarangire National Park.
Nature Walks
Nature walks are one of the most fulfilling 6 things to do in Tarangire National Park. In Tarangire National Park, nature walks can either be done in the morning or evening and visitors will get a chance to see different animals as they move around ,different bird species ,listen to sweet sounds of animals and this feels good as visitors breath fresh air and enjoy the cool breeze and relax their minds.
Nature walks around the park give you the opportunity to see animals closer compared to the game drives. You will encounter different animals and bird species. You will have a guided nature walk around the park while enjoying their natural surroundings and getting a close encounter with the wild animals. You will also engage in some birding while on the guided nature walk.
While going for the nature walk, do forget to carry close-toed shoes, backpack, snacks, drinking water, insect repellent, sunscreen, walking stick and a travel first-aid kit.
Hot Air Balloons Safari Rides
What’s an African safari without Hot air balloons safari is an experience that you must try out when you visit Tarangire National Park. The hot air balloon safari is one of the top 6 things to do in Tarangire National Park. Hot air balloons are among the activities visitors can engage in during their Safari from the sky. Experience a game safari in the sky in slow motion and enjoy a thriving wildlife from a new perspective . You will see have a great view as you see animals and birds from above with a unique view of the fauna and floral of this haven while making unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
This is the kind of safari everyone should experience in a life since it is suitable for both kids and adults Its also very suitable for honeymoon couples trying to create memories and when you visit Tarangire National Park, it must be on your to do list.
Cultural Visits
There is only one way to appreciate Africa and that’s through its culture and when you to Tarangire National Park, cultural interactions is among the top 6 things to do. Tarangire National Park is a home to the famous Masai tribe. You will do cultural visit to the Masai villages. There will be edutainment and while at the homesteads, you will know the heritage, culture and way of life of the Masai people.
Some of the other activities visitors engage in during cultural visits include visiting homesteads of the Masai, engaging in traditional dance performances with the Masai warriors , seeing local art and craftwork such as beaded necklaces, earrings, anklets and also visiting the local market.
The great day spend at the Masai homestead will end with a performance of the traditional dance and this involves people that is both the locals and the visitors. Donations are allowed at the homesteads as away of boasting the way of life of the natives.
Birdwatching
Birding is one of the top 6 things to do in Tarangire National Park. For all birders, this is the place you should be consider visiting for birding. Tarangire National Park is known as amazing birding destination and one of the birding sites in Tanzania. It has around 500 bird species, these bird species include ostriches, horn bills, eagles, vultures, among others.
Different bird species can be seen as tourists engage in wildlife viewing and exploring the Savannah plains in Tarangire National Park. Both migrant and native bird species can be seen during birdwatching in the National Park.
The wet season in the months of November through April are ideal for bird watching in the park. Since most bird species are breeding now, they are less migratory. In the Tarangire, migratory species from Europe and North Africa lay their eggs during the rainy season and establish a temporary home.
These birds can be seen during nature walks as tourists move with cameras to take clear pictures and game drives. Please note that you need a binocular during birding sessions to get a clear view of birds incase they are far.
How To Access Tarangire National Park
Wondering how to get to Tarangire national park, this park can be accessed by road and air transport as indicated below;
- By Road
Accessing Tarangire national park by road, you will have use the great north road traveling for almost 1 hour take a route towards Arusha west that joins Arusha to Dodoma which is the capital of the republic of Tanzania. The road to Tarangire national park from Arusha is well maintained ensuring a smooth and comfortable drive
- By Air
Attractions In Tarangire National Park
Wildlife Species
Like other places in Tanzania’s north where you can see wildlife, Tarangire National Park is renowned for its great wildlife viewing opportunities. Since this park is a year-round location for wildlife viewing, a variety of wildlife species can be viewed there.
The different wildlife species which can be seen during wildlife viewing activities in Tarangire National Park include lions ,leopards, cheetahs, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, buffalos among others.
The best time to see these wildlife species is in the months of June to October which is in the dry season ,during the dry season the animals are spotted looking for water since there is only one water point that is Tarangire River.
Tarangire River
The Tarangire River is a ceaseless river that flows through northern Tanzania’s central Manyara Region, which is part of the eastern branch of the East African Rift Valley. The river is among attractions tourists can see during their safaris in the national park, it is described as a permanent water source in Tarangire National Park where different wildlife species gather to get water especially during the dry season in the months from June to October.
Tarangire also plays a role in eco system in the park and it is also surrounded by trees and plants which act as habitat for the wildlife species in the national park
Bird species
Tarangire National Park is mainly known as a wonderful birding destination. It has around 500 bird species, these bird species include ostriches, horn bills, eagles, vultures, among others. Different bird species can be seen as tourists engage in wildlife viewing and exploring the Savannah plains in Tarangire National Park. Both migrant and native bird species can be seen during birdwatching in the National Park.
The months of November through April are ideal for bird watching in the park. Since most bird species are breeding now, they are less migratory. In the Tarangire, migratory species from Europe and North Africa lay their eggs during the rainy season and establish a temporary home.
Tourists move with cameras to take clear pictures of the birds during game drives and nature walks.
Accommodation In Tarangire National Park
Incase you visit Tarangire National Park for a good number of days ,You shouldn’t be stressed with accommodation issues asking yourself how, where and how you are going to sleep because there are variety of accommodation facilities including the luxury ,midrange and budget that you will chose at your own choice and desire to be attended to and offered.
These accommodation include hotels and lodges like Tarangire Safari Lounge, Nimali Tarangire, Suntuary Swala Camp, Sangaiwe Tented Lodge among others .
Lodges are usually cheaper in the the wet season which also indicates low season and this is an advantage to low budget tourists as must accommodation prices are cut.
Park Entrance Fees Tarangire National Park
Adults over the age of 16 will pay an admission charge to Tarangire National Park in 2022 of 50 USD for international residents and 25 USD for expatriates, while East African natives would only pay 10,000 Tsh. All of these prices are daily fees per person. Children under the age of five are not required to pay entrance fees to Tarangire National Park.
All these charges are affordable and they are charged according to the services provided in the park.
Best Time To Visit Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park experiences two seasons in the year and can be visited throughout the year. The dry season is best for game viewing since the animals are close to the water source, sparser vegetation and the grounds are dusty and dry making game viewing, nature walks and hiking easy. The wet season is the best time for birding. the park receives migratory birds from Europe and its suitable for budget tourists as most of the hotel costa are lower compared to the dry season.
The best months to visit Tarangire National Park is in June to October. During this period the park is receiving little rains and sunshine.
Frequently Asked Questions
5.What does the word Tarangire mean?
Conclusion
Kubwa Five Safaris is a tour company based in East and Southern Africa is a trustworthy company tourists can book with a trip to Tarangire National Park in Tanzania and any other parks in East Africa .They have best tour packages with an amazing itinerary accompanied with friendly and well trained tour guides with good drivers .Expect to do the top 6 things in Tarangire National Park with the best experience from Kubwa Five Safaris.