Elephants are the star attraction in Tarangire, with the park hosting the largest elephant population in Tanzania. During the dry season, you can see herds of up to 300 elephants at once as they gather around the Tarangire River. This makes for incredible viewing, as these intelligent giants search for water and mud wallows to cool off.

But elephants are far from the only attraction. Lions, often spotted lounging in the shade, and leopards, though more elusive, are among the Big Four found here. Buffalo roam in large numbers, while cheetahs can sometimes be seen hunting on the open plains, though they are less common than in the Serengeti.

One of the unique highlights of Tarangire is its rare species. Keep an eye out for the fringe-eared oryx, a long-horned antelope not found in many other parks. Wild dogs also roam the park, though spotting them is a rare and lucky event.

For bird lovers, Tarangire is paradise. Over 500 bird species call the park home, including the colorful yellow-collared lovebird and the rare ashy starling, which is endemic to this region of Tanzania. During the wet season, migratory birds flock here, making it one of the best places for birdwatching in East Africa.

Other notable species: Giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, and warthogs are commonly seen across the park’s varied landscapes. Crocodiles and hippos can be spotted near water sources like the Tarangire River.