Things to do — Tarangire

Tarangire National Park offers a diversity of safari activities, some unique on the Northern Circuit (bush walks, night drives in buffer zone).

4x4 game drives are the main activity, to practice twice a day (morning 6:30-11 am and afternoon 3:30-6:30 pm). A typical day offers sightings of 25-35 species, including near-guaranteed elephants in dry season (extraordinary concentration around the river, up to 300 individuals at a single point), Maasai giraffes, zebras, blue wildebeest, buffalo, antelopes (oryx, impalas, kudus, gerenuks), lions (200 individuals, remarkable tree-climbing behaviour), leopards (present but discreet), cheetahs (rare).

The avifauna is one of Tarangire's great riches: over 550 bird species recorded. Emblematic species: kori bustard (one of the world's largest flying birds), fish eagle, bare-faced go-away bird, southern ground hornbill (the world's largest hornbill, rare species).

The sunrise hot-air balloon flight (Tarangire Balloon Safari) is an exceptional experience, and cheaper than Serengeti. Take-off at 6 am from the central zone, 1-hour flight at 100-300 metres altitude above baobabs and elephant herds, landing followed by champagne breakfast in the bush. Count 450-550 USD/person (vs 550-650 USD at Serengeti).

Bush walks accompanied by armed rangers are a Tarangire singularity (prohibited at Serengeti and Ngorongoro for safety reasons). Several lodges (Oliver's Camp, Swala Camp, Tarangire Treetops) organise 2-3 hour outings in authorised zones. Cost: 50-100 USD/person.

Night game drives are possible in buffer zones at the park's edge. Observation of nocturnal species: leopards hunting, servals, civets, genets, hyenas in movement. Count 80-150 USD/person for 2-3 hours.