ANIMALS
AND BIRDS
Elephants
can be seen in herds of up to 600 at a time,
along with masses of wildebeest, zebra, eland,
hartebeest, buffalo and oryx, who, migrate from
the dry Maasai steppe to the gleaming Tarangire
River in search of water during the dry season.
The river may reduce
in size, but always provides some water for
these animals who gather in great numbers along
its banks. Predators never go hungry here. Although
uncommonly seen, pythons have taken to climbing
trees in Tarangire, but as with all snakes they
avoid contact with humans.
November to February
is the time of plenty with succulent green shoots
appearing just in time for the newborn wildebeest
and zebra. By March everything is lush and wild
flowers and butterflies are out in force. Birds
are at their busiest and more than 550 species
have been recorded.
Some of the Serengeti's
largest buffalo herds are to be found in the
pristine woodlands to the north and elephants
abound in this area too. For excellent year
round game viewing the Seronera valley in the
centre of the park has abundant grazing and
considerable numbers of animals including giraffes,
warthogs, reedbucks and many other species that
sustain resident leopards and large prides of
lions.
In the south is
the saline Lake Ndutu which attracts throngs
of flamingoes and in the west the Grumeti River
contains some of the largest Nile crocodiles
you will ever see.
SEASONS
For
much of the year temperatures remains between
70-80°F (21-27°C) but nights and early
mornings get colder in the months of June, July
and August.
Dry Season: the dry months
of June to September are the best times for
game viewing as thousands of animals come to
the Tarangire River. January and February is
usually dry.
Rainy Season: The short rains
are in November and December and the long rains
fall from March to May, with April and May being
the height of the rainy season and best avoided
as many camps are closed.
TARANGIRE
SPECIALITIES
• Thousands of animals congregate at the
Tarangire River
• 550 species of birds
• Tree climbing pythons
• Strategically placed quality safari
lodges
FACTS
The park covers about 1,600 miles² (2,600
km²).
It is located about 75 miles( 118km) southwest
of Arusha on the northern safari circuit.
Tarangire was commissioned in 1970.
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