Imagine a land where the sun’s relentless rays draw the life-giving moisture from the earth, turning it into a vibrant red canvas, with grass as brittle as straw. This is the Tarangire River, a mere shadow of its wet season glory, yet teeming with wildlife. Thirsty nomads traverse hundreds of kilometers across this parched landscape, drawn by the promise of water.

Witness herds of elephants, as many as 300 strong, digging into the dry river bed in search of underground streams. Watch as migratory wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, impala, gazelle, hartebeest, and eland gather around the dwindling lagoons. This is the greatest wildlife spectacle outside the Serengeti ecosystem – a feast for predators. It’s also the only place in Tanzania where you can regularly spot dry-country antelope such as the majestic fringe-eared oryx and the peculiar long-necked gerenuk.

During the rainy season, these seasonal visitors disperse over a 20,000 sq km (12,500 sq miles) range until they deplete the verdant plains and are drawn back to the river. But fear not, Tarangire’s elephant population is easily spotted, come rain or shine.

The swamps, maintaining their lush green hue throughout the year, are a haven for 550 bird species. This is the highest concentration of breeding birds in one habitat anywhere on earth.

On drier ground roam the Kori bustard – the heaviest bird capable of flight; the stocking-thighed ostrich – our planet’s largest bird; and small groups of ground hornbills strutting about like turkeys.

For those with a passion for avian life, keep your eyes peeled for screeching flocks of the vibrantly colored yellow-collared lovebird and their more subdued counterparts – the rufous-tailed weaver and ashy starling – all unique to north-central Tanzania’s dry savannah.

Abandoned termite mounds often play host to colonies of charming dwarf mongoose and pairs of red-and-yellow barbet that captivate onlookers with their loud duets. Even Tarangire’s pythons ascend to the treetops, joining lions and leopards that lounge in branches where sausage tree fruits camouflage twitching tails.

What To Do

• Embark on guided walking safaris.
• Take day trips to Maasai and Barabaig villages.
• Explore hundreds of ancient rock paintings near Kolo on Dodoma Road.

Contact us now and let’s start planning your unforgettable journey! 🌍