Unique Wildlife Experience in Tanzania Arusha & Tarangire Safari

Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park, located in the northeastern part of Tanzania, is often overlooked by tourists in favor of larger parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, but it is a gem in its own right. Situated at the base of Mount Meru, Tanzania's second-highest peak, the park offers a diverse range of landscapes, from lush forests and grassy plains to the beautiful Momella Lakes. The park's proximity to Arusha town makes it an excellent choice for a short safari, offering a variety of experiences in just one day.

Wildlife in Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park is home to an impressive variety of wildlife, despite its relatively small size. Visitors can expect to see animals such as giraffes, zebras, buffalos, and various types of antelope, like the blue monkey and colobus monkey. The park is also a fantastic destination for birdwatchers, as it boasts over 400 bird species, including flamingos that flock to the shallow waters of Momella Lakes.

The park is unique for its combination of different habitats, such as the forested areas of Mount Meru, the open savannah, and the wetlands around the lakes, all of which support diverse ecosystems. While it is not known for the "Big Five" like other larger parks in Tanzania, it is still a prime spot for photography and nature walks, as you can get up close to the animals and have a more intimate experience with nature.

Key Highlights of Arusha National Park

• Mount Meru: The park is dominated by Mount Meru, a dormant volcano standing at 4,566 meters (14,980 feet). Hiking the slopes of the mountain offers spectacular views and a chance to explore the park from a higher perspective.
• Momella Lakes: These beautiful shallow lakes, with their pink flamingos and other birdlife, offer a peaceful retreat and a great opportunity for boat rides and scenic photography.
• Ngurdoto Crater: Sometimes referred to as a mini Ngorongoro, this crater is an important habitat for wildlife, and while smaller, it provides visitors with an exceptional vantage point to see elephants, buffaloes, and many species of birds.

Tarangire National Park: A Hidden Gem of Tanzania

Located in the northern part of Tanzania, Tarangire National Park is a lesser-known but highly rewarding destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Named after the Tarangire River, which flows through the park, it covers about 2,850 square kilometers and is one of the Tanzania Northern Circuit’s most unique safari destinations.

Landscape and Environment

The landscape of Tarangire is incredibly diverse, offering a stunning mix of savannah, wetlands, and dense woodlands. The park is bordered by the Tarangire River, which serves as a vital water source for the animals, especially during the dry season. The park’s mighty baobab trees, which dot the landscape, are one of its most distinctive features. These ancient trees, known as the “upside-down trees,” are an iconic symbol of Africa and provide an excellent backdrop for photography.

Throughout the park, visitors will encounter a mix of open plains, wooded hills, and swamps. The river also feeds into the Lau Forest and swamp areas, which attract a variety of wildlife, especially during the dry season when water is scarce elsewhere.

Wildlife and Big Five

While Tarangire is smaller than other parks like Serengeti or Ngorongoro, it boasts an impressive diversity of wildlife, making it a top destination for those seeking a rich safari experience. The park is home to a large population of elephants, making it one of the best places in Tanzania to observe these magnificent creatures up close. In fact, Tarangire is often called “The Elephant Sanctuary” because of the high number of elephants that live here.

The park is also home to lions, leopards, buffaloes, and cheetahs, providing opportunities to spot members of the Big Five. During the dry season, animals congregate around the river and waterholes, making game viewing easier and more concentrated. Besides the Big Five, you can also see giraffes, zebras, impalas, wildebeest, gazelles, and waterbucks. Baboons and monkeys are commonly seen in the park as well.

Birdlife

Birdwatchers will find Tarangire a haven for birdlife. The park is home to over 500 species of birds, making it a prime destination for birdwatching. You can spot a variety of waterfowl, eagles, vultures, hornbills, and even migratory species. In the wet season, large numbers of pink flamingos can be seen around the lake and wetlands, creating a stunning visual spectacle.