GALLERY
TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK.
This 2850km2 National Park lies at the very heart of an extensive ecosystem comprising not only of Tarangire National Park but also the Tarangire Conservancy Area, covering some 600km2 , and over 5000km2 of plains called the Maasai Steppes. Dominated by the Tarangire River, the vegetation of the area is mostly semi-arid acacia and mixed woodland with a prolific abundance of immense baobabs, especially on the slopes around the river.
Tarangire National Park and the surrounding ecosystem, extending up towards the Manyara Conservancy Area, abounds in wildlife. Although an excellent destination at any time of the year it come into its own in the drier months in the latter half of the year when animals are drawn to the perennial waters of the Tarangire River. The park has some of the greatest concentrations of animals outside the Serengeti.
Wildlife is dominated by enormous herds, often running into the tens of thousands, of wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, elephant, giraffe, eland and impala. Other antelopes and grazers like warthog are also present in abundance. Unique amongst the antelopes are the fringe-eared Oryx and peculiar long-necked gerenuk which are regularly observed within the park. All the usual predators including lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena and jackal are also well represented with significant populations.
The swamps, tinged green year-round, are the focus for over 550 bird varieties, the most breeding species in any one habitat anywhere in the world. On drier ground, you find the Kori bustard, the heaviest flying bird, and ostrich, the world’s largest bird, and small parties of ground hornbills. Ardent bird-lovers might observe screeching flocks of the dazzlingly colourful yellow-collared lovebird, and the somewhat drabber rufous-tailed weaver and ashy starling – all endemic to the dry savanna of north-central Tanzania.
Disused termite mounds are often frequented by colonies of the endearing dwarf mongoose, and pairs of red-and-yellow barbet, which draw attention to themselves by their loud, clockwork-like duetting. Tarangire’s pythons climb trees, as do its lions and leopards, lounging in the branches where the fruit of the sausage tree disguises the twitch of a tail.
Getting there:
Easy drive from Arusha or Lake Manyara following a surfaced road to within 7km of the main entrance gate. One can continue on to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti from here.
Charter flights from Arusha and the Serengeti.
What to do
- Birding.
- Wildlife watching on game drives.
Guided walking safaris.
Day trips to Maasai and Barabaig villages, as well as to the hundreds of ancient rock paintings in the vicinity of Kolo on the Dodoma Road.
Best time:
Year round but dry season (June – September) for sheer numbers of animals.
Accommodation:
Two lodges, one tented lodge, two luxury tented camps inside the park, another half-dozen exclusive lodges and tented camps immediately outside its borders.
Accomodation
The camp is located in the north-western area of Tarangire National Park and is built on top of a massive “kopje” (granite rocks) There are amazing views over Lake Burungi and, away to the north, Lake Manyara in the Rift Valley. On a clear day, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is visible from the highest point, up among the rocks of this authentic bush cam.
For more information please contact KOMPASS SAFARIS
This is a unique opportunity to experience and explore the Tarangire and Manyara ecosystem. Maramboi Tented Camp offers permanent camp facilities and endless vistas of rolling golden grasslands and palm lined desert between Tarangire and Manyara Lake. A visit to the area is essential for anyone interested in evolution and the origins of Mankind and an explanation of the Rift Valley and Africa’s big picture. It is a complete semi desert experience focusing on game drives.
40 spacious tents built on ample wooden decks, among them there are 26 standard rooms, 10 suites and 2 units with 2 rooms interconnected, ideal for families with children. They all have en suite facilities and private veranda with 24 hours 220V electric lighting.
For more information please contact KOMPASS SAFARIS.
Nasikia Tarangire Ndovu Camp is located in the heart of Tarangire, Tanzania’s wild land and landscapes. Tarangire is famed for its massive elephant herds, true sense of wilderness and a gentle backdrop of baobabs. It is the lesser visited but more intriguing park on the northern circuit. At Nasikia Tarangire Camp, we have 7 mobile tents established in Tarangire during its most incredible time – 15th June – 31st Oct. During these dry months, the massive elephant’s herds travel through the corridor between Manyara and Tarangire and spend their time in and around the park.
For more information pleas contact KOMPASS SAFARIS.
The quintessential safari tents, with thatched roofs and large, mesh-screened windows, provide the perfect opportunity to connect with the sights and sounds of nature. Each tent has a comfortable verandah, ideal for bird and game viewing or reading your favorite book after a dusty safari. With a choice of twin, double, or triple accommodation, all tents are equipped with en-suite bathrooms with solar-heated showers, ample cupboard space for your gear, and a cultural touch of local textiles.
For more information please contact KOMPASS SAFARIS.
Accommodation at Tarangire Simba Lodge is in classic canvas safari tents situated permanently under thatch. The 8 spacious tents are constructed on platforms complete with wooden floors, en-suite dressing room, toilet and shower. Additionally there is an outdoor shower and each tent has a private veranda with views to the bush and Lake Burunge. Furnishings are handcrafted from African hardwood complimented with tastefully selected fabrics. Both twin and queen tents are available; electricity and hot water are solar powered. Full amenities are provided.
For more information Please contact KOMPASS SAFARIS.