Tarangire National Park Wildlife 

Heading to Tanzania and planning a Safari to the amazing Tarangire National Park? You might be curious to know what wildlife you will see while there. 

There are many animals in Tarangire and species like elephants and wildebeests are very easy to spot. Other animals might be a little harder to find, but your expert safari guide knows all the best places to find wildlife within the park. 

What Animals are Common in Tarangire? 

The most abundant animals in Tarangire are elephants, wildebeests, and zebras. You’ll see them virtually everywhere in the park including in large herds where you can see hundreds simultaneously. 

Lions, buffalo, giraffes, and hippos are not as abundant as the other animals but they are still common to spot. 

You’ll also see the occasional hyena if you look hard enough. Leopards and cheetahs live in Tarangire but they are rare. 

There are currently no black or white rhinos that live in Tarangire so you’ll have to head to other northern circuit parks to find them. 

Tarangire Wildlife Highlights

Most people come to Tanzania and Tarangire to see the Big 5. They are definitely the highlight of any East African Safari. 

Elephants are the most abundant of the Big 5 in Tarangire. You’ll often see them in large herds including babies and entire families moving around the park. 

Tarangire is home to many other exciting animals, including some you might have never heard of. 

During the dry season, many animals migrate to Tarangire including common elands, hartebeests, and gazelles. 

There are also many different species of antelopes throughout the park including some of the rarer species like gerenuks and fringe-eared oryx. 

Huge pythons are also common especially if you come during the dry season when swamps are drying up. 

Birds in Tarangire 

Tarangire is home to over 550 species of birds. Birds are easier to see during the wet season which runs from November to May. 

Some of the amazing birds that call Tarangire home include:

• Kori bustards
• Yellow-collared lovebirds 
• Steppe eagles 
• Bee-eaters 
• Brown parrots
• Lappet-faced vultures 
• Mouse birds 
• Many more!

When is the Best Time to See Wildlife in Tarangire? 

Tarangire offers wildlife viewing all year round, but the best time to see them is in the dry season which runs from June to October. Vegetation is thin making animals easier to spot. Since there are few water sources in the park, it’s also easy to see the animals congregating around watering holes during the dry season. 

If you are more interested in seeing the birds rather than other wildlife, you should come during the wet season. The wettest months are March to May but the wet season runs from

November to May. 

Best Places to See Wildlife in Tarangire 

Your expert safari guide will take you all over the park to the best spots to see wildlife in Tarangire. Here are some of the best places you’ll go and the animals you’ll see there. 

The Swamps 

The Silale Swamp is one of the perfect places in Tarangire to see lions, wild dogs, cape buffalos, and elephants. During the wet season, the swamp is almost full and it slowly begins to dry up as the dry season begins.  

Tarangire River 

This is one of the most popular spots for wildlife viewing, especially during the dry season as the animals gather around the river to drink. Elephants are the most common animal to spot here as they try to cool off from the sun. 

You’ll also see leopards, zebras, buffalos, gazelle, lions, and wildebeests. 

Kitibong Hill 

This magnificent hill is one of the most beautiful places in Tarangire. You’ll see large herds of wild dogs here as well as Cape Buffalo. African wild dogs are seen here in large groups of about 20 which is much more compared to other parts of the park.

 
Matete Woodlands 

Head here if you want to see the rarer species in Tarangire like leopards and Oryx Antelopes. It’s one of the only places in Tarangire where you can regularly spot leopards. The ecosystem is also very different here from the rest of the park which is mostly savannas as it has large grass growing up and prickly reeds. 

Lemiyon Triangle 

If you’re heading to Tanzania to see the amazing baobab trees, Lemiyon Triangle is one of the best places to go. There are also many species of birds that hang out here, especially in the wet season. 

This spectacular place is less visited and is right on the very northern edges of the park. Make sure your safari guide knows you’re interested in bird viewing and raptor viewing so they take you here. 

Get Ready to See all the Best Tarangire Wildlife 

The wildlife viewing in Tarangire is incredible with endless opportunities to see big cats, mammals, and birds. There are many wildlife hotspots throughout the park where your safari guide will take you. 

If you want the best chance to see wildlife, make sure to come during the dry season. If you’re excited to see birds, the wet season is the perfect time to come!

No matter when you decide to visit Tarangire, our safari team is ready to meet you and make your experience unforgettable.