Vegetation in Tarangire National Park
Vegetation in Tarangire National Park : There is no better destination for wildlife safaris than the famous Tarangire National Park. It covers an area of about 4,160 square kilometers, and it consists of several ecosystems, such as grasslands, riverine forests, and dry deciduous woodlands. Such habitats are home to many wild beings like the African elephants that define this enchanting park.
Besides elephants, other wild animals found in Tarangire include lions, buffalos, zebras, and wildebeests among others. Due to the variation in the wildlife and vegetation, Tarangire National Park is one of the best places for thrill-seeking tours.
When you book a wildlife safari in this park, you will be privileged to see wildlife, riverine forests as well as gracious plains. However, the plant coverage in this spectacular park is uniquely attractive. This article deals with the plant species in this park.
A baobab tree is a succulent plant. During the rainy season, it can soak up the water and hold it in its trunk. It stores some water which enables it to produce healthy fruits during the dry season.
Fruit is produced when all around trees become dry. This ability has earned Baobab the epithet ‘The Tree of Life. ’These are sometimes referred to as ‘upside-down trees. ’ This is because the branches of the tree look more like roots. It normally ranges in height from 16 to 82 feet with a diameter of 33 to 46 feet.
Tarangire National Park has many baobab trees spread in the plains. They are native to the park and it is often referred to as the baobab capital of the world. They can live to be 1,500 years old, although most of the trees of Tarangire National Park are 300 years in age.
The baobab trees have been a tourist focal point in Tarangire National Park. Their interesting history makes visitors want to know more about them. These wonderful flora species will make every picture you capture appear beautiful and green. They are a significant source of food for various animals, including elephants, monkeys, warthogs, and bush babies.
The baobab trees have a significant cultural history. They have been used by the locals as meeting places for worship. Locals also gather under baobab trees to celebrate. Some cultures believe in the existence of spirits in the flowers of baobab trees. The locals used the leaves of baobab trees as herbs for treating various infections.
Sausage trees
The Kigelia or sausage tree is a large tree that spreads all over Tarangire National Park. The tree is also seen in other regions of Tarangire National Park, including open woodlands and streams. The characteristic feature of sausage trees is their long, poisonous, and succulent fruit of up to 60 cm.
The fruit stalk can still be seen after the fruit detached and is mistaken for a leopard’s tail. Lions prefer draping themselves over the branches of these trees. It is very common to spot lions, leopards, and sometimes pythons when you come across these trees.
Acacia trees
Acacias are sometimes called thorn trees. Thorns can be straight or hooked. These thorns deter browsers from eating acacias. Tanzania is home to six endemic species of trees, including umbrella tree, whistling thorn, yellow fever tree, and wait-a-bit acacia among others.
In Tarangire National Park, acacia spread over the park. They may have grown into trees or shrubs. Their zigzag branches and intricate leaves spread creating an umbrella-shaped crown. Giraffes feed on the leaves and stems of these trees.
Fan palms
A fan palm has palmately lobed leaves. They are a common sight in Tarangire National Park. They thrive in the riverbanks of the Tarangire River and the floodplains.
Combretum trees
These are medium-sized trees that spread in the bush and along the riverbanks of the Tarangire River. Combretum trees clump together to form Combretum bush, which creates a spectacular scenery.
Elephant grass
Elephant grass forms dense thick clumps, up to 1 meter in the vast plains and woodlands of Tarangire National Park. Many grazers such as buffalos, zebras, wildebeests, and antelopes feed on this type of grass. It is evergreen in the rainy season but turns gold when dry.
Candelabra trees
A candelabra tree is a succulent species, endemic to East Africa and other parts. They are common in deciduous and open grasslands. They are also seen in Tarangire National Park.
The best time to visit Tarangire
The long dry season is the best time. This season starts from June to October. The wildlife is abundant during this season as thousands of zebras, elephants, wildebeests, and others migrate close to the life-giving Tarangire River.
The first-hand experience of viewing, touching, smelling, tasting, and hearing nature is more rewarding. Plan a visit to Tarangire National Park to witness the beautiful vegetation cover. Focus East Africa Safaris believes that this will be one of your most wonderful trips in this world.
You will enjoy the scenes in diverse habitats, including wildlife and plant cover. We also take you to fascinating destinations like the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar.
