Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
waterbucks, lesser kudus, giraffes and buffaloes gather along the Tarangire River and sev-
eral large permanent swamps until the short wet season allows them to disperse across the
Maasai Steppe; over an area 10 times larger than the park. Lion, leopard and cheetah are
also on offer, but these predators are harder to spot here than in Serengeti. With more than
450 species, including many rare ones, some say that Tarangire is the best birdwatching
destination in Tanzania.
The best spot for
wildlife drives
is along the river in the northern end of the park, but
with more time Silale and Gurusi swamps further south are also good. Three-hour
walking
safaris
(US$20 per person plus US$20 per group) can be done from the park gate (though
the armed rangers are simply security and haven't had much training about wildlife). Oliv-
er's Camp offers walks with its own trained guides in its more wildlife-filled parts of the
park and Sanctuary Swala intends to begin doing them. Oliver's and Swala also do
night
drives
for their guests. Walking and night drives are also available from most of the camps
and lodges outside the park boundaries.
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK
»
Why Go
Excellent dry season wildlife watching, especially elephants; evocat-
ive baobab-studded landscapes
»
When to Go
August through October is best for wildlife watching
»
Practicalities
Drive or fly in from Arusha
