The wildlife you encounter in Tarangire National Park varies depending on the season. From November to May, many animals leave the park, but as the dry season sets in from June to October, the park becomes a wildlife haven. During this time, animals return to the Tarangire swamps, particularly along the river system. Massive herds of up to 300 elephants gather in search of underground water sources, while migratory species like buffalo, impala, wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, hartebeest, and eland flock to the shrinking lagoons.

Tarangire has the highest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti and is a prime spot for predators. It’s also the only park in Tanzania where you can regularly spot dry-country antelopes like the fringe-eared oryx and the long-necked gerenuk. The park’s swamps are home to over 550 bird species, with the area boasting the highest number of breeding species in a single habitat anywhere in the world. This makes Tarangire a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Other notable wildlife in Tarangire includes leopards, lions, hyenas, and cheetahs, though the dense vegetation often makes it harder to spot predators compared to other parks in northern Tanzania. The combination of abundant elephants and the iconic baobab trees makes Tarangire a must-visit destination for Tanzania photography safaris.

For a more intimate and serene experience, consider staying in the southern part of the park. It’s less crowded, allowing you to immerse yourself in the park’s unspoiled wilderness and truly feel the essence of Tarangire’s backcountry.