Come with us as we explore the home of Nimali Tarangire

Often overshadowed by its more celebrated neighbours, the Ngorongoro Crater and shimmering Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania's hidden gems and offers a unique and unforgettable safari experience. Located in Tanzania’s Manyara Region, this expansive park is renowned for its extraordinary and awe-inspiring concentration of elephants, and so much more...

The lifeblood of Tarangire is the Tarangire River, which meanders through it, providing a vital lifeline for both wildlife and vegetation. During the harsh dry season, when much of the surrounding landscape is parched, the river becomes a magnet for thousands of elephants and other wildlife.

Beyond elephants, Tarangire hosts a wide variety of wildlife. Large herds of buffalo are frequently seen in the grasslands. Giraffes are also common, feeding on the high leaves of acacia trees. Zebras, impalas, and other antelope species populate the plains, serving as prey for predators. The park is home to lions, leopards, and cheetahs, making it an excellent destination for observing Africa’s big cats.

Nimali Tarangire is located on its own concession bordering the eastern edge of the national park. It's surrounded by distinctive Tarangire landscapes that are a captivating blend of acacia woodlands, baobab groves, and open grasslands. The iconic baobab trees, with their swollen trunks and sprawling branches, are a hallmark of Tarangire.

These ancient giants are not only visually impressive but also play a crucial role in the ecosystem. Baobabs can store thousands of litres of water in their massive trunks, helping them survive in the arid environment and providing a valuable resource for wildlife. Their hollowed-out trunks offer shelter for animals and birds, while their nutritious fruits are a source of sustenance for many species.

There's a traditional way of assessing the age of a baobab - it's said that for every metre in the tree trunk's circumference you add 100 years! Which makes most of our baobabs in Tarangire well over a thousand years old!

During the dry season, the contrast between the towering, twisted baobabs and the tawny grasslands is particularly striking, creating a visually stunning panorama. Our open grasslands offer expansive views, but the woodlands provide a more intimate safari experience, especially when you're exploring on foot. We offer walking safaris at Nimali Tarangire to take advantage of the incredible wilderness around us and explore it in a more intimate and sensory way, discovering its secrets and observing wildlife as we go.

Birdwatchers will be delighted by the park's species diversity. Over 550 bird species have been recorded, including the colourful carmine bee-eater, the elegant grey crowned crane, and the elusive kori bustard. The marshes and swamps that dot the landscape are particularly rich in birdlife, attracting a variety of waterbirds, waders, and raptors. For birding enthusiasts, Tarangire offers a unique opportunity to observe a wide range of species in their natural habitat.The often vibrant plumage of various birds adds a splash of colour to the park’s already rich tapestry of wildlife.

Tarangire offers a more intimate safari experience compared to its busier counterparts, but its location allows for both the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara to be reached on day trips. Here at Nimali Tarangire, we offer these day trips as additional activities over and above morning and afternoon game drives, walking safaris and night drives. Our experienced guides are always on hand to share fascinating insights into Tarangire's ecology and wildlife, enhancing the overall experience. The night drives are not to be missed and offer the chance to see nocturnal animals and the star-studded African sky in all their glory.

The best time to visit Tarangire is during the dry season, from June to October.This is when wildlife concentrations are at their highest and the weather is pleasant. However, the park is also rewarding to visit during the green season (November to May), when the landscape is lush and there are newborn animals everywhere. During the wet season, the park transforms into a verdant oasis, with wildflowers blooming and migratory birds arriving in large numbers.

In addition to its stunning wildlife and landscapes, Tarangire is home to an array of smaller creatures that contribute to the park’s rich biodiversity. The termite mounds scattered throughout the park are not just architectural marvels but also hotspots of ecological activity. These mounds provide shelter for a variety of species, from reptiles to small mammals, and play a crucial role in soil aeration and nutrient cycling.

Tarangire's flora is equally diverse, with more than 700 plant species recorded. The park’s vegetation ranges from dense woodlands to open savannahs, each supporting different communities of wildlife. The acacia tortilis trees, with their distinctive flat-topped canopies, are a common sight and provide food and shelter for many animals. The seasonal variations in vegetation also influence animal movements and behaviour, adding another layer of complexity to the ecosystem.

Conservation efforts in Tarangire are ongoing and vital for maintaining the park's ecological balance. We support anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration projects, and community-based conservation programmes, all of which are part of the ongoing efforts to protect this unique environment. The involvement of local communities is particularly important, as it helps to ensure that conservation efforts are sustainable and benefit both wildlife and people.

Tarangire is not just a destination for observing wildlife; it is a place to learn about the intricate relationships between species and their habitats. Whether tracking elephants as they migrate across the park, studying the behaviour of predators and their prey, or simply enjoying the tranquillity of the baobab-studded landscape, visitors to Nimali Tarangire will find themselves immersed in one of Africa’s most fascinating natural environments.