Tarangire National Park

Area: 2850 km2

Tarangire lies in the floor of the Central Rift Valley, a semi-arid region that's still inhabited by various traditional pastoralists, most famously the Maasai.  This park is highly rewarding to visit, especially during the latter half of the year, when it is a recommended inclusion on any safari itinerary of longer than a week in duration.  The park is also known for it's year round elephant proliferation and the large density of the Baobab trees.  Tarangire River, from which the park takes its name, supplies the park with its livelihood and becomes the dry season magnet for the vast herds of wildlife that must come down to drink.
Animals commonly seen include the elephants, impalas, wildebeests, hartebeests, zebras, waterbucks, elands, lesser kudus, gazelles and giraffes. Cats like leopards, lions and cheetahs are occasionally seen throughout the year. Acacia and baobabs (the pre-historic looking trees) make this park unique. The park is also rich in birds. According to Ontological Society report, Tarangire National Park contains 350 species.