Our day trip begins with an early morning pick-up at AICC / Clock Tower in Arusha at 7:00 AM, setting off on a 2-hour road trip (approximately 120 km) to Tarangire National Park. After arriving at the park entrance, check-in procedures are formalized before heading straight into the wilderness for a full-day game drive.

Known as the only park in the northern circuit that rivals the legendary Serengeti in wildlife density during the dry season, Tarangire is famed for its legion of elephant herds and ancient baobab trees that dominate the savannah. The Tarangire River, which is considered the park’s lifeline, attracts a steady flow of wildlife, making it one of the best spots to witness large concentrations of animals, especially during the dry season (June – October).

Keep an eye out for the tree-climbing pythons, oryx, and giraffes navigating through the golden grasslands. The Silale Swamp, often overlooked, is a vital sanctuary for wildlife, particularly during the dry months when the rest of the park turns arid. It pays not to ignore this area where predators lurk, waiting for an opportunity.

At midday, a picnic lunch is served at a designated area within the park, offering a chance to take in the surroundings while keeping an eye out for wandering wildlife. Afterward, the game drive continues, as the landscape shifts between riverine woodlands, termite mounds that double as lookout points for dwarf mongooses, and open plains where cheetahs test their speed.

Bird enthusiasts will find Tarangire rewarding, with over 500 recorded species, everything from lilac-breasted rollers,the yellow-collared lovebird to spotting Kori bustard, Africa’s heaviest flying bird. As the afternoon sun begins to soften, we make our way back to Arusha, arriving in the early evening for drop-off at AICC / your hotel, bringing the day’s adventure to a close.