Burungi Circuit

The Burungi Circuit is Tarangire’s premier "off the beaten path" adventure. This 50-mile remote loop traverses the western boundary, offering a sanctuary for rare, spiral-horned antelopes like the Lesser Kudu and the massive Eland amidst a forest of toxic Candelabra trees.

Details

For those seeking true wilderness away from the crowds, the Burungi Circuit offers a fascinating trek through the park’s western reaches. Starting near the Engelhard Bridge and looping toward the Kuro ranger post, this 600-square-mile region transitions from riverine flats into dense, ancient woodlands. It is a landscape of botanical curiosities and skittish giants, where the “Gregory Rift Wall” and the shimmering waters of Lake Burungi provide a constant, scenic backdrop to the north and west.

Toxic Beauty and Termite-Proof Palms

The flora of the Burungi Circuit is as dangerous as it is beautiful:

The Candelabra Tree: This region is famous for the Candelabra tree (Euphorbia candelabrum), which looks like a giant succulent cactus. Caution: Its milky sap is highly toxic and can cause severe burns on contact with skin or blindness if it touches the eyes.
Borassus Palms: The river valleys are lined with magnificent Borassus palms. Their wood is naturally termite-resistant, and their fruit is a favorite snack for both elephants and lions.
Palm Swifts: Look closely at the palm fronds to see the nests of Palm Swifts—tiny bunches of feathers glued to the leaves with saliva, resembling clumps of cobwebs from the ground.

Wildlife Viewing: The Spiral-Horned Specialists

The thick bush and African Ebony woodlands of the west are the best places to find Tarangire’s most elusive and impressive antelopes:

The Lesser Kudu: Strikingly beautiful and exceptionally shy, the Lesser Kudu is the “ghost” of the Burungi bush. Look for their grey coats (brown for females) and 13 distinct vertical white stripes. They typically remain hidden in the thickets during the day, emerging only in the ethereal light of dawn or dusk.
The Eland: In total contrast to the Kudu is the Eland, Africa’s largest antelope. Weighing up to 2,000 pounds (900 kg), these cow-like giants are surprisingly skittish. Both sexes sport straight, spiraled horns and a prominent hump near the neck.
The Bushbuck: In the thickest valley cover, you might spot the Bushbuck. These medium-sized antelopes are known for the “white flag” of their tails, which they raise high as they leap for cover when startled.
Lake Burungi Viewpoint: Approximately 5 miles from the park boundary, a rocky kopje offers a spectacular panoramic view of Lake Burungi. This shallow soda lake, along with the distant “Milima Mitatu” peaks, glitters with white soda deposits that look like snow during dry years.

Seasonal Highlights

Month	Season	Weather	Wildlife Sightings	Rec.
Jan	Green Season	60 - 85 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Elephant, Giraffe, Impala, Raptors	Yes
Feb	Green Season	60 - 85 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Elephant, Giraffe, Impala, Raptors	Yes
Mar	Green Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Elephant, Giraffe, Impala, Raptors	Yes
Apr	Green Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	- - - - -	No
May	Northward Migration	56 - 81 F Mostly sunny	- - - - -	No
Jun	Beginning of Dry Season	56 - 81 F Mostly sunny	Elephant, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Raptors	Yes
Jul	Dry Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny	Elephant, Wildebeest, Zebra, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Raptors	Yes
Aug	Dry Season	55 - 81 F Mostly sunny	Elephant, Wildebeest Migration, Zebra, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Raptors	Yes
Sep	Dry Season	55 - 81 F Mostly sunny	Elephant, Wildebeest, Zebra, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Raptors	Yes
Oct	Dry Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny	Elephant, Wildebeest, Zebra, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Raptors	Yes
Nov	Southward Migration	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Elephant, Lion, Giraffe, Impala, Raptors	Yes
Dec	Beginning of Green Season	60 - 83 F Mostly sunny with few showers	Elephant, Giraffe, Impala, Raptors	Yes