Tarangire

Tarangire National Park is situated south-east of Lake Manyara, and the Tarangire River. It was once known as a hunting ground, that was not discovered as a Park until 1970. This beautiful, serene National Park covers an area of 2600 square kilometres, lying at an altitude of 1100 metres above sea level. The River Tarangire flows into Lake Burungi, while the other irrigates Nguselororobi and Larmakau regions. The park itself is named after the Tarnagire River, its source of life is the Kondoa mountains in the centre of the country.

Between the months of August and October, Tarangire experiences its dry season where the wildlife migrate as a refuge. The Tarangire River provides the animals with small pools of water to drink from, once the River bed has dried up.

There is a large dominance of baobab trees amongst the park, along with nine different areas of vegetation which characterise the park. There is ideal grazing land for impalas, giraffes, waterbucks, African antelope, cape elands and coke’s hartebeest due to the flat-topped acacia trees.

Mount Tarangire is in the centre of the of the surrounding mountainous regions, with the park consisting of rocky plains and swamps. Klipspringers and hyraxes can be seen amongst these rocks.

The Commiphora is another specie that also dominates the acacia area. This habitat consists of open areas and dense thicklets, that is inhibited by the black rhinoceros, lesser kudu and the common waterbuck. It is quite common to see a glimpse of a python amongst this National Park, although quite unlikely for other park’s in Tanzania.

During the extreme heat in the day, relief is given amongst the shade of surrounding trees. It is amongst this wetter area of the park that elephant grass grows rapidly along the streams and in the swamps. The surrounding woodland area, the Combretum Woodlands provide a home to zebras and giraffes, as well as Cape elands and Buffalos.

Due to Tanzania’s varying geographical aspects, the climatic conditions differ. Overall, Tanzania is subject to tropical conditions. The plateau is relatively hot during the day and cool at night, due to its dry and arid land. The north-west temperature is much cooler and temperate. During the months of June and September, it is much cooler. However, from March to May there is a series of “Long Rains”, and the “Short Rains” are experienced during October and December.

The hottest months are between October and February. During November and December, and between March and May the coast experiences their share of rain. During June and September, the coastal areas are subject to humid conditions but also cool sea breezes.