The Kingdom of Giants
Located in northern Tanzania, Tarangire National Park is an often-overlooked gem that offers a unique and rewarding safari experience. Named after the Tarangire River, which runs through the park, this area is known for its massive elephant herds, some of the largest in Africa. During the dry season, from June to October, the river becomes the main source of water, attracting thousands of animals, including buffalo, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, and an impressive variety of bird species.
The landscape of Tarangire is distinct and breathtaking, dominated by ancient baobab trees, which tower over the savanna like prehistoric giants. These trees, some over a thousand years old, provide both shelter and sustenance for many animals. The park is also home to tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior observed in only a few places in Africa. Watching a lion lazily resting on a tree branch, surveying the plains below, is a remarkable sight unique to Tarangire.
Aside from the traditional game drives, Tarangire offers walking safaris, allowing visitors to experience the African wilderness up close. This is an opportunity to observe smaller details of the ecosystem, from animal tracks to medicinal plants used by local communities. The best time to visit is during the dry season (June to October) when wildlife congregates around the river, making sightings more frequent and dramatic.