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Mating lions. Lounging cheetahs. Charging elephants. Jumping warriors.
These were some of the amazing things we had seen so far on our Tanzanian adventure. What could Tarangire National Park possibly offer up that would be so different?
Turning off of Tarangire Road, we soon found ourselves at the Tarangire National Park Visitor’s Center. The sixth largest national park in Tanzania is located in the Manyara Region and is famous for it high density of elephants and baobab trees. Though I had seen my fair share of baobab trees in Senegal, it was something new for many in our group.
The Visitor’s Center was a nice place to stretch our legs for a short time while Fahad and our other guides checked us in. The area was lined with walking paths which we utilized as we made our way to an impressive wooden staircase and viewing platform. Adjacent to a baobob tree, a species which we had begun to notice growing in the region while on our journey to Tarangire, the platform allowed an up-close and personal look at the “tree of life” as they are also known. These massive trees reach heights of sixteen to ninety-eight feet and have trunk diameters of twenty-three to thirty-six feet. The trees are the largest and most important in Africa as their trunk can hold up to 120,000 liters of water and they provide shelter and wood. For most of the year, the tree is leafless and it appears that it has it roots sticking up in the air, earning it another nickname, “the upside-down tree”, however, when the leaves can be harvested, they are used for making soup and medicine.
Termite mounds were very common in the Serengeti, however, we were never able to exit our vehicles to see them up close. Here at the Visitor’s Center, we were able to follow one of the paths to see one at arm’s length and we learned that they were plenty throughout the park, many housing armies of dwarf mongooses.
Soon, it was time to move along and begin our game drive while enroute to the Tarangire Sopa Lodge…there would be many baobabs, termite mounds and a wealth of wildlife throughout the two days we would spend here.
Our first impression of Tarangire was a hot and sweaty one. Much more arid and dry than the other two parks, it was also sweltering and teeming with tsetse flies. The blue and black flags were present throughout the park and although they didn’t cause me much anguish, my travel mates suffered their piercing bites.
Because of the scorching temperatures, the watering holes were where we were headed. Giraffes and zebras gathered around an oasis of green-tinted water and herds of elephants lined the banks of the Tarangire River, the primary source of fresh water in the Tarangire Ecosystem.
As we sat high on a ridge, overlooking the river valley, we watched as zebras, giraffes and wildebeests joined the elephants, all inhabiting the area harmoniously.
A short drive later, we soon found ourselves at the Tarangire Sopa Lodge our final resting place on our safari.
The next day, with an early start, we found ourselves watching the sun rise above the baobab trees and termite mounds which seemed to greet us at every turn.
There were many other animals, as to be expected, however, throughout the day, we encountered a large number of leopards and cheetahs, some lounging on the trees’ large limbs and some stalking their prey in the high, yellow grass.
At a different part of the river, we watched zebras and wildebeests parading in long lines to bathe and drink, vultures maintaining a sharp eye on the surrounding area and hyenas mud-bathing on the banks.
Throughout the park, male ostriches danced along, bobbing their bright pink necks with females remaining aloof. At one point, while driving along, we noticed what appeared to be a male ostrich resting in the grass. Waiting for it to rise, we soon noticed that it was not alone. Not only had we been fortunate to spy the mating ritual of lions while at Ngorongoro, but now, we were able to witness that of the ostrich!
Other birds were quite plentiful throughout the park, with it being the home to more than 550 species. Bird enthusiasts converge upon the park with the hopes of spotting the numerous flocks within the trees and within and around the watering holes and we were quite charmed to spot many.
Giraffes were a common sight and our favorite was an old guy who stood right beside the road and our vehicle. He seemed as mesmerized by us as we were of him and although the lighting was behind him, I was able to capture some funny photos. Yes, funny…he appears to be smiling at us!
The elephants…Tarangire’s claim to fame…were everywhere. The largest elephant population in Tanzania has herds of up to 300 even out of the dry season, ensuring sightings throughout the year. Many baby elephants followed their mothers and we even watched a youngster running and trumpeting to alert his herd that he was left behind. Teenagers…they are all the same!
As the day drew on and the sun approached the horizon, three of my favorite memories presented themselves.
First, after a call on our radio, Fahad sped along the dusty roads, finally coming to a stop at the base of a large hill. Here, many 4x4s had gathered around a large, low-limbed tree. On the branches rested three female lions. Though it was hard to capture them photographically in the failing afternoon light, it was fascinating to spot them in the tree. Though we had seen many cheetahs resting in the trees throughout our trip, this was a first for us…and honestly, I don’t think I ever realized that lions climb trees!
Our second encounter was with an imposing herd of wildebeests. Stretching out as far as we could see, a few approached the road, attempting to cross. We stopped to watch, hoping to see them make their way in front of us. After a few timid tries, one (we nicknamed her Helen), was a bit more brazen than the rest. Stopping to think about the passage, she looked around for a while, finally breaking into a slight run and eventually a full gallop. The others, watching her carefully, mimicked her actions and began to run across the road. Soon the massive herd crossed immediately before us, stirring up a huge dust cloud, in a thunderous roar!
Giddy with the excitement of seeing the wildebeests, we made our way towards to the lodge at full speed. Knowing Fahad only drives quickly when there is something special to see, we wondered what it could be as he had not received any calls on the radio and the sun was heavy on the horizon. Pulling over to the side of the road, we looked out on the landscape to a massive baobab, filled with vultures and the bright orange sun setting behind it. I couldn’t have pictured a more fitting end to our day in the land of the elephants and baobabs!
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Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park
