Tarangire National Park lies 120 km southwest of Arusha and covers 2600 square kilometer. This park is especially known for its 550 registered species of birds and for having more elephants per square kilometer than any other national park in Tanzania. Among the other animals in this park, you find hartebeests, wildebeests, giraffes, gazelles, and zebras as well as lions, leopards, and African wild dogs. The Park got its name from Tarangire River that flows through the park and form the dry season refuge for wildlife especially elephants. The park is ideal as a day trip from Arusha, possibly with an overnight stay at one of the lodges or camps in the park.