THE HOME OF THE ELEPHANTS
Tarangire National Park is almost 3000 sq km in size and is probably best known for its huge numbers of elephants and baobab trees. The name of the park comes from the Tarangire River which crosses through the park. Tarangire is especially spectacular during the dry season (June – November) as wildlife concentrations rival that of the Serengeti (since enormous populations of elephants and other animals are drawn to the Tarangire River as their only source of water). With its varied habitats and permanent water in the Tarangire River the park is home to over 2000 elephants and 500 bird species.
TARANGIRE'S DIVERSE FAUNA
THE AFRICAN BUSH ELEPHANT
Although the elephant population in Serengeti National Park was down to 500 in 1989, this number steadily increased after international elephant trade was banned by CITES. As of 2014, the elephant population in this area was estimated to be around 6,000*1.
THE KING OF THE JUNGLE
Tanzania is home to an estimated 50% of the remaining lions and some of the last viable populations of wild dogs of sub-Saharan Africa.
THE GREYHOUNDS OF THE DESERT
Tanzania's cheetah population is estimated to be around 1,180, representing just over 10% of the global population.
THE MAASAI GIRAFFE
The Maasai giraffe (Giraffa tippelskirchii), also spelled Maasai giraffe, also called Kilimanjaro giraffe, is the largest species of giraffe. It is native to East Africa. The Masai giraffe can be found in central and southern Kenya and in Tanzania.
THE GRANT ZEBRAS
Grant’s zebras are the most common species of zebra in the world, and the ones you recognize from film and television. These are also fairly common in the region, and you should have no trouble spotting them on your trip.
