Tarangire National Park in Tanzania

Today was our first day on safari and our driver and safari guide Omare picked us up at the hotel early.

Shelley and Ray on day one getting picked up by safari guide..

Our safari began in Tarangire National Park which is considered one of the most interesting places in Tanzania. From there we would drive further and further into the depths of Tanzania and the Serengeti.

Ray and Shelley at the entrance to Tarangire National Park.

The Tarangire river flows through the park, many animals like Elephants, zebras, buffaloes and antelopes come to drink.

Tarangire River in the Tarangire National Park

In the dry season, the Tarangire River becomes the only source of drinking water for many kilometers around. Because of this, large herds of elephants come to Tarangire, making Tarangire the home to the largest population of elephants in Northern Tanzania for most of the year.

A small herd of zebras in Tarangire National Park

This of course also attracts predators, which is why there are a lot of lions in the Tarangire park.

Tarangire National Park is also known for its ancient baobab trees. These massive trees are larger and older than any other park in continental Africa. The scenery of the park along with these unique and majestic looking trees is simply stunning.

Two of the many Baobab trees in Tarangire National Park.

The Baobab tree is quite fascinating, it has been carbon dated and is believed that it may live up to 3000 years old. The trunk of the tree can be very large. The largest circumference on record is 47 meters.

A single Boabab Tree in the Tarangire National Park

We came across many Baobab trees throughout our time on the safari. The trunk of the tree stores large amounts of water. Elephants chew the bark during the dry season for the water.

A herd of elephants slowing walking through the Tarangire

Elephants are not at all intimidated by the safari vehicles and they often come quite close to the cars. Since elephants have no enemies in their natural habitat they are curious and unafraid.

Entrance to Safariland in the Tarangire National Park.

As we were driving through the park towards the Ngorongoro Crater. We stopped part way along the way at a gift store called Safariland.

Ray at the base of the giant elephant near the entrance of safariland.

They had pieces of art and wood carvings for sale made from local Ebony.

There was a local carver doing work while we were there.

After driving in the Tarangire Park for most of the day we reached our first stop for the night. The Ngorongoro Marera Mountain view Lodge was a surprise to us. We didnt expect it to be as nice as it was.