Matete Woodlands

Matete is a land of tall elephant grass and open acacia woodlands, famous for being the most consistent leopard territory in Tarangire. It is also one of the few places to search for the majestic, desert-adapted Fringe-eared Oryx.

Details

Located in the northeastern region of the park, Matete is an exquisite landscape named after the towering elephant grass (matete in Swahili) and spiky reeds that line the banks of the Tarangire River. This region is a beautiful mosaic of open woodlands and rolling hills, characterized by the iconic Acacia tortilis (Umbrella Thorn) trees and the occasional ancient baobab. From here, you can see the distant silhouette of Lolkisale Mountain rising outside the park boundaries, providing a dramatic backdrop for the herds moving toward the river’s alkaline, yet life-sustaining, waters.

The Leopard’s Stronghold

If you have a leopard on your “must-see” list, Matete is arguably the best location in Tarangire to find one. These elusive, “aristocratic” cats favor the sturdy, horizontal branches of the Acacia tortilis for lounging and keeping their kills safe from hyenas. The combination of open woodland for hunting and dense riverine grass for stalking makes this a premier leopard habitat.

Wildlife Viewing: The Rare and the Resilient

Matete is home to several specialized species that are rare elsewhere in Northern Tanzania:

The Fringe-eared Oryx: This large, exquisite antelope is a true specialist of the arid lands. With long, spear-like horns and striking black-and-white facial markings, the Oryx is a master of water conservation—it can raise its body temperature to avoid sweating and survive entirely on moisture-bearing plants. While their numbers have dwindled, Matete remains the place to spot them.
The “Elephant’s Cousin”: Near the Engelhard Bridge, look for rocky outcrops that serve as the habitat for the Rock Hyrax. Despite looking like a small, short-eared rabbit, DNA shows this tiny creature is the closest living relative to the elephant!
The Rock Jumpers: These same stony havens are home to the Klipspringer, a nimble antelope that stands on the tips of its hooves and can effortlessly leap between granite boulders.
Sunset Silhouettes: The local airstrip is a favored haunt for large elephant herds. As the sun dips toward the horizon, it provides world-class opportunities to photograph these “nimble giants” silhouetted against a burning African sky.

Topography: From Nightshade to Sodom Apples

The woodlands hide interesting botanical secrets. You’ll find the Sodom Apple (Solanum incanum), a relative of deadly nightshade with purple flowers. While poisonous to humans, gazelles frequently eat the fruit during the dry season to extract vital moisture. The region’s heart is the Engelhard Bridge, named after a family of patrons who were instrumental in the preservation of the park.

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, 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