Tarangire Wildlife Guide

Quick Answer

Tarangire National Park is home to over 70 large mammal species and 500+ bird species. It is one of the best places in Tanzania to see elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes and many other animals.

This guide gives you a complete list of 30+ animals to see in Tarangire, with information on where to find each one and the best time to visit.

Big Five in Tarangire

1. Lions

Tarangire has a healthy lion population. You may see them resting in trees or hunting on the plains.

• Where to see: Open plains and near water sources
• Best time: Early morning and late afternoon

2. Leopards

Leopards are more elusive, but Tarangire has a healthy population. They are often seen in the woodlands and near rivers.

• Where to see: Woodlands and near rivers
• Best time: Early morning and late afternoon

3. Elephants

Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds. You are almost guaranteed to see them during a game drive.

• Where to see: Throughout the park
• Best time: Morning and late afternoon

4. Buffalo

Cape buffalo are common in Tarangire and are often seen in large herds.

• Where to see: Open plains and near water sources
• Best time: Morning and late afternoon

5. Rhinos

Black rhinos are rare in Tarangire, but they can be seen in the southern and western parts of the park.

• Where to see: Southern and western Tarangire
• Best time: Morning and late afternoon

Big Cats in Tarangire

6. Cheetahs

Cheetahs are occasionally seen in Tarangire, especially on the open plains.

• Where to see: Open plains
• Best time: Morning and late afternoon

7. Servals

Servals are small, wild cats with long legs and large ears. They are often seen in the grasslands.

• Where to see: Grasslands
• Best time: Early morning and late afternoon

8. Caracals

Caracals are medium-sized wild cats with distinctive ear tufts. They are rarely seen but are present in Tarangire.

• Where to see: Woodlands and grasslands
• Best time: Early morning and late afternoon

Herbivores in Tarangire

9. Zebras

Zebras are common in Tarangire and are often seen in large herds.

• Where to see: Throughout the park
• Best time: Year-round

10. Wildebeest

Wildebeest are common in Tarangire and are often seen in large herds.

• Where to see: Throughout the park
• Best time: Year-round

11. Giraffes

Giraffes are common in Tarangire and are often seen browsing on acacia trees.

• Where to see: Woodlands and open plains
• Best time: Morning and late afternoon

12. Hippos

Hippos are common in Tarangire’s rivers and swamps. They are often seen in large groups.

• Where to see: Rivers and swamps
• Best time: Morning and late afternoon

13. Warthogs

Warthogs are common in Tarangire and are often seen grazing on the plains.

• Where to see: Open plains and woodlands
• Best time: Morning and late afternoon

14. Gazelles

Several species of gazelles are found in Tarangire, including Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles.

• Where to see: Open plains
• Best time: Morning and late afternoon

15. Impalas

Impalas are common in Tarangire and are often seen in large herds.

• Where to see: Woodlands and open plains
• Best time: Morning and late afternoon

16. Oryx

Oryx are distinctive antelopes with long, straight horns. They are often seen in the open plains.

• Where to see: Open plains
• Best time: Morning and late afternoon

17. Elands

Elands are the largest antelopes in Africa. They are often seen in the woodlands and open plains.

• Where to see: Woodlands and open plains
• Best time: Morning and late afternoon

18. Waterbucks

Waterbucks are large antelopes often seen near water sources.

• Where to see: Near rivers and swamps
• Best time: Morning and late afternoon

19. Oribis

Oribis are small antelopes often seen in the grasslands.

• Where to see: Grasslands
• Best time: Morning and late afternoon

20. Dik-diks

Dik-diks are tiny antelopes often seen in pairs in the woodlands.

• Where to see: Woodlands
• Best time: Morning and late afternoon

Birds in Tarangire

21. Ostriches

Ostriches are the largest birds in the world and are often seen on the open plains.

• Where to see: Open plains
• Best time: Morning and late afternoon

22. Flamingos

Flamingos are often seen at the Tarangire River and other alkaline lakes in the area.

• Where to see: Tarangire River and other alkaline lakes
• Best time: Year-round, with peaks during certain seasons

23. Secretary Birds

Secretary birds are large, distinctive birds of prey often seen walking on the open plains.

• Where to see: Open plains
• Best time: Morning and late afternoon

24. Kori Bustards

Kori bustards are large, ground-dwelling birds often seen on the open plains.

• Where to see: Open plains
• Best time: Morning and late afternoon

25. Eagles and Vultures

Several species of eagles and vultures are found in Tarangire, often seen soaring overhead or perched on trees.

• Where to see: Throughout the park
• Best time: Morning and late afternoon

Reptiles in Tarangire

26. Nile Crocodiles

Nile crocodiles are found in Tarangire’s rivers and swamps.

• Where to see: Rivers and swamps
• Best time: Morning and late afternoon

27. Monitor Lizards

Monitor lizards are large reptiles often seen near water sources.

• Where to see: Near rivers and swamps
• Best time: Morning and late afternoon

28. Snakes

Several species of snakes are found in Tarangire, including pythons and cobras.

• Where to see: Throughout the park
• Best time: Morning and late afternoon

Best Time to See Wildlife

The best time to see wildlife in Tarangire is during the dry season (June–October), when animals gather around water sources and the grass is short.

• June–October: Best for wildlife viewing
• November–February: Good for wildlife viewing
• March–May: Wet season, fewer crowds but muddy roads

Safari Tips for Wildlife Viewing

• Go on a full-day game drive
• Start early in the morning
• Use a knowledgeable guide
• Be patient and keep your eyes open
• Bring binoculars and a camera

Frequently Asked Questions