When visiting the North of Tanzania, for a safari, the usually itinerary is, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti and then Lake Manyara. These parks are a must, especially for the first time visitor to Tanzania. Often Tarangire National Park is left out an itinerary, and if it is visited, it is only for a short visit before heading of to the bigger attractions of Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. This park is only a ninety-minute drive from Arusha Town, which is the usual starting point for any safari in Northern Tanzania; and therefore this park is used as a hand jumping off point to start the safari proper. However, Tarangire deserves a closer look and a longer stay. There is an amazing bird life in this park and anyone keen on bird watching will be well rewarded. In the dry season, many animals come to the Tarangire River as this river never dries and continually has water on offer to the thirsty. I would also recommend visiting a tented camp deep inside the park and staying at least two nights. It is quiet here and the small but permanent luxury camps are placed in the primary positions for game viewing. The tents are large and on raised wooden platforms. They have large double beds and a bathroom en-suit, with hot water. Each tent has its own personal butler and the food is excellent. Do not be put off by the word 'tent' this is a genuine yet intimate experience of the African bush. As you wake early on the morning and walk onto your wooded veranda it is quite common to find you are surrounded by grazing Swala [Impala] for which the park is famed, along with its huge herds of Elephants and equally gigantic Baobab trees. Your safari experience starts from your bedroom. As you fall to sleep, the unique sounds of the nighttime bush sing you to sleep. Few tourists venture deep inside this park and it is a real treasure, especially recommended in the dry season. |
