When we think about Tanzanian safaris, we often picture the most famous ones, such as Serengeti National Park or Ngorongoro Crater. However, this time, we chose Tarangire National Park since it is just a one-day journey from Arusha. You can explore my other blog about a one-day trip from Arusha here. If you’re considering a Tarangire National Park safari, then a day trip from Arusha is an excellent choice.
Tarangire National Park is often overshadowed by the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Combine this trip with Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro for a week-long safari. Tarangire is a must-visit for any safari lover.
After visiting Tarangire National Park with friends and their families, I can confidently say that, without a doubt, this park also deserves a spot on any safari lover’s list.. Tarangiri National Park offers vast, majestic elephant herds and huge towering baobab trees. Tarangiri has stolen our hearts with its unique charm and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
a brief introduction to the Tarangire National Park and safari tour just a day trip from Arusha
Tarangiri National Park covers an area of approximately 2800 square km. It is located in the Manyara region. The name of the park originates from the Tarangire River, which crosses across the park. It is the main freshwater source for wildlife animals. Tarangire National Park for safari is the 6th largest national park in Tanzania.
How do I reach Tarangiri National Park and safari tour from Arusha?
Reaching Tarangire National Park safari is relatively simple. Tarangire National Park is just 110 km away from Arusha. This drive will take approximately 2 hours. It is also 70 km from Babati town, about a 1 hour and 15-minute drive. Additionally, there are many travel booking offices in both Arusha and Moshi towns You can negotiate with them for a good package.
Solo travellers often pay more. Therefore, agents may group solo travelers with others to offer a more affordable option. We were nine people and hired a safari jeep for $120 per head. This covered entry fees, transport from Arusha, and driver tips (excluding food). We booked through Trip.com and had a fantastic experience.
For detailed price information about Tarangire National Park safari, simply visit the following link
Tanzania National Park Authority (TANAPA) manages the park activities, timings and fees of entry. Generally, they charge 55 $ for foreigners and local residents can pay in shillings with a very affordable fee.
A memorable Day in Tarangire safari with Friends
Our journey to Tarangire began with a scenic two-hour drive from Arusha. The roads are well-maintained, and there is minimal traffic during the journey. We took a short break at Makuyuni to feel free and purchased some snacks and beer from the local supermarket.
During our short break, a group of local Maasai women gathered around us. We purchased some local jewellery to support them. The jewelry was a good masterpiece of their art.
The best time to visit Tarangire National Park
While Tarangire is beautiful year-round, the best time to visit this park is from June to November. This period is considered a dry season, making it the perfect time for visiting this game reserve. Due to the dry season, many animals come out to drink water at Tarangire River. In the wet season, roads are muddy and animals hide in high grass.
Since we visited during the December vacation period, we encountered large crowds and likely paid more than at other times. To enjoy a more peaceful visit, it’s best to avoid the end of December. Well, our driver guide (Joseph) took nearly 1 hour and 30 minutes for an entry pass. During this time we strolled near the entry gate and took some pictures.
As we entered the park, we were immediately struck by the landscape’s beauty – endless savannas dotted with towering baobab trees and lush acacia woodlands. It felt like stepping into a postcard picture. However, the real adventure began once we started spotting wildlife.
We found Memorable Encounters with Elephants.
One of the highlights of our trip was seeing Tarangire’s famous elephant herds up very close. At one point, we found ourselves surrounded by these gentle elephants as they moved gracefully through the plains. Watching the elephants interact, especially the playful calves with their mothers, was a humbling and unforgettable experience for my friends and me. It is said that more than 2500 elephants reside at Tarangiri National Park. The population increased by 6%, thanks to the Tanzanian Forest Department taking strict action against poachers.
Birdwatching Surprises at Tarangire national park safari
Although none of us are avid birdwatchers, Tarangire’s variety of birdlife quickly changed that! From the vibrant lilac-breasted rollers to the eagles & vultures perched in acacia trees, you can enjoy watching a very rare and diverse range of bird species. Although we didn’t know many birds by name, the guide, being highly knowledgeable about wildlife, pointed out several species. For instance, he showed us brown parrots, eagles, vultures, guinea fowl, hornbills, hoopoes, mousebirds, bee-eaters, yellow-colored lovebirds, and many others. We even spotted a kori bustard, the heaviest flying bird. It was a rare sight and all of us greatly enjoyed it.
Getting Up Close with the Baobabs
The iconic baobab trees of Tarangire are simply mesmerizing. As we walked along some paths and snapped photos, we couldn’t resist gathering around one particularly large baobab. These ancient trees, with their gnarled shapes and towering heights, added a mystical touch to our Tarangire adventure. Baobab trees collect and retain a huge stock of water in their gigantic trunk. According to sources, it can hold up water up to 300 litres. They have a very long life of more than 500 years.
This tree produces very nutritious fruit, which local people call “ubuyu.” They sell it in different spices with unique flavours. I like the taste of Ubuyu very much and purchase it in bulk whenever I go to my home in India for my friends.
Apart from elephants, we enjoyed watching so many giraffes, zebras, wild buffaloes, wildebeest, mongooses, deer, and baboons. At the end of the day, we were lucky enough to see one lioness waiting for hunting. Lions and cheetahs are not easily seen here. In between, we halted our safari for lunch. At the lunch site, we enjoyed the scenic beautiful view of the Tarangiri River. Local vendors were selling their food and ice cream. My friend Mr. Samkrit and Mr. Murlibhai’s family prepared very delicious food from their home, and I was thankful to them. People insist that you should visit places like poacher’s hide baobab trees (one of the oldest trees). You should also visit Kitibong Hills (residence of wild dogs & buffaloes), which we were unable to visit due to the time limit.
Reflecting on a Beautiful Day
As the day drew to a close, we took a moment to soak in the view of the sunset casting a golden glow over the landscape. Watching the wildlife settle in for the evening, we felt grateful for this experience with friends and my guide Joseph. It was a memorable return journey with the taste of local kahava (one type of black coffee) and tangawizi (hot juice of ginger) with the Masai community in Minzingu town.
What to Expect on a Tarangire Safari?
Game drives are the main activity in Tarangire, offering close encounters with wildlife in their natural habitat. Most drives start early in the morning or in the late afternoon when animals are most active. For a different experience, consider a walking safari to explore the bush on foot. You will be accompanied by an expert guide who shares insights into the ecosystem, smaller animals, and plants that might go unnoticed by a vehicle.
For those who want to experience the park at night, a few lodges offer night drives. This allows you to see nocturnal animals like leopards, bush babies, and hyenas.
Where to Stay in Tarangire
While we visited this time on a day trip, Tarangire offers a variety of accommodations. These range from luxurious lodges to rustic tented camps. Staying within the park allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. The sounds of wildlife often serve as your morning alarm. Some popular options include the Tarangire Safari Lodge, Roika Tarangire Tented Lodge, Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp, Tarangire Treetops by Elewana, Oliver’s Camp, and the more budget-friendly Whistling Thorn Tented Camp.
Final Thoughts
Our visit to Tarangire National Park Safari, just a day trip from Arusha, was nothing short of magical. It was a unique mix of nature, adventure, and good friends and family get-togethers. It may not be the most famous park in Tanzania, but for us, it was unforgettable. If you’re looking for a safari destination with incredible wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and a peaceful vibe, Tarangire National Park is not to be missed!
Relevent link: trip .com for more information about accommodation and tour packages
reference for fess : Masaimara National reserve
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