Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is famous for its elephants and many of these beautiful creatures can usually be seen here, often in family groups. These will be accompanied by migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest and eland, as Tarangire has the greatest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti.

It is also the only place in Tanzania where dry-country antelope such as the fringe-eared oryx and peculiar long-necked gerenuk are regularly observed. The Tarangire River is often shrivelled to a shadow of its wet season self, but it is choked with wildlife and always still, there is at least some water, whatever time of year. Tarangire is also the home of at least 500 species of birds, the most breeding species in one habitat found anywhere in the world. Here you might find the Kori bustard, the heaviest flying bird there is; the stocking-thighed ostrich, the world’s largest bird; and small parties of ground hornbills.  Also watch out for flocks of yellow-collared lovebirds, rufous-tailed weaver and ashy starling, all endemic to the dry savannah of north-central Tanzania.

Disused termite mounds found in Tarangire are often frequented by colonies of dwarf mongoose, and pairs of red-and-yellow barbet, with their loud, clockwork-like call. Tarangire pythons climb the trees, and you may even see lions and leopards in the branches. Finally, Tarangire is also famous for its many iconic African baobab trees.