Tarangire National Park, established in 1970, covers an area of 1,003 sq mi/2,600 sq km and is named after the river that flows through it. The most underrated of the four parks that comprise Tanzania's Northern Circuit, we think that's unjustified as wildlife viewing is generally excellent. The stark scenery—grassy hillsides studded with bulbous baobabs and red-earth termite mounds—makes it a worthwhile extension of a Serengeti safari any time of year.
Tarangire is best known for the 100-strong elephant herds that congregate along the river during the dry season (July-November). Other animals include wildebeest, zebra, Thompson's gazelle, buffalo, eland and hartebeest, and bird-watching is reasonable, too, with more than 300 recorded species, including many raptors.
The park is serviced by several large lodges and exclusive tented camps within the park boundaries.
Tarangire is 62 mi/100 km south of Arusha.
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