The middle and the end of the dry season that runs from late June to October is the best time to view wild life in Tarangire National Park. Most of the animals move out of the park during the wet season and viewing animals is at that time less rewarding.
In June to October (the dry season), the animals gather around the Tarangire River and this is the best time to go to Tarangire National Park. There is little rainfall during this time of the year hence making it the time with the best weather for game viewing.
June to October still marks the high / peak tourist season with so many tourists filling the park. on the other hand, the low tourist season comes in March, April and May when the park is experiencing the wet season characterized y heavy rains, hence the worst weather
In Summary, Tarangire National Park experiences two main seasons which are: the wet and dry seasons as highlighted below
The Dry season: June to October
At this time of the year, most of the Tarangire ecosystem is very dry and there is hardly any water so from the surrounding areas, a large number of animals migrate into the park to quench their thirst at the few remaining water sources around the Taragire River. The vegetation thins out and the animals gather around water points like rivers and water holes thus making wildlife easier to view. The weather is very beautiful and sunny during these months. It is however, important to note that, there are a great number of animals at the beginning or end of the dry season and this differs greatly. If it happens and the wet season stops late, it is possible that most of the animals have not moved to the park by June. And if it happens that the short rains come early, then it could be that the animals start to leave by October.
It is very essential to have warm clothes when going on early morning game drives starting from the month of June to August since it is very cold in the early mornings. the days are generally calm with clear skies with average day time temperatures being 26°C (79°F) while the night temperatures normally drop cooling the day’s heat to an average of 14°C (57°F).
Visiting Tarangire in the dry Season
The animals gather around the Tarangire River in large crowds offering easier opportunities for game viewing. Furthermore, since the vegetation is generally dry and thin due to lack of rain, tourists will be able to easily spot the different wildlife.
In addition, the malaria causing female anopheles mosquitoes are less hence the risk of contracting malaria is also much lower. But nonetheless you are advised to always sleep under a mosquito net especially if you are going camping.
This is the peak tourist season and similar to all tourist destinations in the country, a Tarangire National Park Safari is considered to be generally more costly with higher demand on the accommodation facilities.
The wet Season: November to May
This season goes on from the month of November till May each year with the average day temperatures are 28°C (82°F) while at night the average temperatures are 16°C (61°F). During this time, the vegetation is stunning and adequate. The rates and prices may be much lower since this is the low season. The wet season is also prime time for bird watching since the migratory birds are present then.
March to May mark the wettest months in Tarangire and it is considerably less rewarding to view the wildlife as compared to during the dry season since most animals move out of the park.
The wet season consist of long rains that begin in March to May and then the short rains that come in November and December. The rains normally fall in the afternoons and it hardly lasts the entire day.
The temperatures do not change much over the year and it does not usually get too hot although the evenings and mornings tend to get too cold.
The Tarangire weather is temperate and enjoyable. Showers usually come about in the afternoon. After the short rains, a dry spell will occur however, its beginning is very unpredictable year after year.
Why Visit Tarangire in the Wet Season?
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There are Fewer People
For holidaymakers interested in enjoying a less crowded Tanzania holiday experience a visit to Tarangire National Park is highly recommended in the wet season. Although you will not encounter as many animals as it is in the dry season especially the migratory species, you will still get a chance to see various resident animals including grazers like antelopes, and predators like Buffaloes.
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The Birdlife is Spectacular
During this time of the year, a large number of migratory birds arrive in the damp and cooler parts of the park. These together with the resident bird species offer a very rewarding bird watching experience for any holidaymaker enthusiastic about birding. some of the commonly encounter bird species include: the crested francolins, hoopoes, yellow necked spurfow, hornbills, guinea fowl, steppe eagles, brown parrots, the gigantic lappet-faced vulture, white-bellied go away bird, bateleur eagles, mousebirds, Kori bustards, yellow-collared lovebirds and bee-eaters
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The Accommodation is Cheaper
Across the whole of Tanzania, the wet season is considered an off-peak tourist season because generally there are fewer tourists, however, this comes with a couple of advantages. For instance accommodation in nearly all tourist destinations is offered at discounted rates with even a number of luxury facilities like the Tarangire Treetops becoming affordable to an ordinary traveler.
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The terrain is green and Beautiful
With the coming of the rains, the landscape of Tarangire comes to life. The drying out vegetation becomes green again and flowers begin to flourish. The acacia, baobab and other forested patches come to life again and the grassland areas being characterized with longer grasses which result into a bright green color filling the entire park.
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Clearer Photography setting
During this time of the year, Tarangire National Park is receiving some rain. this however does not mean that it rains for the entire day. Normally the rains fall early morning and then in the afternoon you can have an opportunity to enjoy the various safari activities. after the rain has fallen and the sky is clear with the beautiful African sun, you will enjoy the best opportunities for photography as the ambience is generally very clear with a flourishing green backdrop for your photos.
So Best time to Visit Tarangire is?
In conclusion, Tarangire is considered as a classic dry reserve. When it rains, the animals move up into the Masaai steppe yet in the dry season, the animals gather around the Tarangire River offering remarkable game views.
