Lions in Tarangire National Park
Are you passionate about seeing lions in Tarangire National Park? Tarangire National Park is within the northern region of Tanzania within the Manyara region. The park is about 118 kilometers from Arusha. It was established in 1957 as a game reserve and in 1970 it was gazette as a national park. It is also within the southern region of Lake Manyara. The park is a great stopover destination for travelers to the Ngorongoro conservation area or Serengeti National Park. It is adjacent to these national parks. Tarangire National Park derives its name from the river Tarangire which is one of the water sources within the park. The park is also known for its large herds of elephants. It is also covered by the savannah grassland and the baobab tree species.
Lions in Tarangire are situated all around the park. They are not the usual lions that travelers see in other national parks. These lions are characterized by climbing trees that are similar to those in the Lake Manyara National Park, Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda, and the Kruger National Park in South Africa. They are seen in the acacia trees and baobab trees. These lions choose to climb the trees because they are preventing themselves from insect bites, hiding away from the prey, and also escape the sweltering heat on the ground.
What are activities in which travelers can see the lions in the Tarangire National Park?
There are several activities that travelers engage in to see lions in the Tarangire National Park and they include;
Game drive
The game drive or game viewing is one of the primary activities that travelers engage in to view the wildlife in the Tarangire National Park. The game drives in this park can be done in the morning, afternoon, full day, and night game drives. It is done in a 4×4 safari van with a pop-up to view the wildlife. It is done within the gazette trails of the park. During the game drive other wildlife is usually seen like elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffes, and many others.
Hot air balloon safaris
The hot air balloon safari is one of the high-end activities where travelers view the lions while in the air. During the hot air balloon, travelers explore a larger area of the park. The activity is usually done in the morning hours before the sun rises. Travelers have the best view of the after as the sun rises.
What other attractions do travelers see during the visit to the Tarangire National Park?
Away from seeing lions in the Tarangire National Park, there are other activities that travelers can engage in while in this park and they include;
Birding
Tarangire National Park is home to over 500 bird species which makes it a great destination for bird lovers. The bird species are situated within the park. They are categorized as a resident and migratory bird species. Travelers should opt to engage in birding in the park is best done in the wet season of the year.
Nature walks
Safari walks or nature walks are one of the activities which is done on foot. Travelers explore the park on foot under the guidance of the ranger guide who will take them through the different parts of the park. During this safari walk, travelers are recommended to have enough water to stay hydrated.
Cultural tours
Travelers during the safaris engage in the cultural tours of the Masai. The Masai live near the park and travelers engage in them. The Masai is one of the indigenous communities which travelers can visit. Travelers engage in beed making, local cuisine, dances, and many others.
What other attractions do travelers see during the safari to Tarangire National Park?
While in the Tarangire National Park, there are other several attractions that travelers can see away from the lions and they include;
Tarangire river
The river is one of the major sources of water in the park and one of the significant attractions in the park which travelers can see during a Tanzania safari. During the visit to this river, travelers will see several wildlife around the river.
Lemiyon triangle
This area is shaped like a triangle covered by a large number of the baobab trees which are in the north of the park. It is near the village called Kwacuhinja Village. This area is a great destination for travelers on the birding safaris.
Poacher’s hide
This place is found in the southwest of the park at the baobab tree which is believed to be 300 years old. The tree was used by poachers who usually hide to do poaching in the park. This hide has a small entrance and it can be occupied by 20 or more people.
Wildlife
The park is home to other wildlife part from lions which travelers can see during the safaris. Wildlife includes elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and many others.
Kitibong Hill
Kitibong Hill is also with the park which is covered by the woodland and acacia vegetation type. The hill is home to large herds of buffaloes which travelers encounter during the safari. The rare wild dogs are also sited on the hill plus other bird species.
How to access the lions in the Tarangire National Park?
The Tarangire National Park is accessed by both road and air transport. Using air transport, travelers will book a chartered flight from the Kilimanjaro International Airport to the airstrip in the Tarangire National Park. By road, travelers will engage will take about 2 hours from Arusha to the Tarangire National Park.
What is the best time to see lions in Tarangire National Park?
The seeing of lions in Tarangire National Park is available all year round. The dry season June to September and December to February is the best time for travelers to see the lions in the lions in Tarangire National Park.
