Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, is a haven for wildlife safari enthusiasts. From the iconic African Big Five to the lesser-known gems of Tanzania's wilderness, the country boasts well-kept national parks and forest reserves that act as nourishing habitats for its remarkable wildlife.
Journey with us from the Serengeti Plains to the jungles of the Mahale Mountains, as we explore the top 15 wildlife species in Tanzania that draw travellers to this East African paradise.
1. African Lion
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Tanzania is proudly home to a thriving lion population, including lionesses and playful cubs, hosting an impressive 40 to 50 per cent of the world's lion population. Lions are a vital part of the renowned Big Five and are frequently spotted across the country. Tanzania actively participates in various lion research and conservation projects, like the Kope Lion in the Serengeti and the Ruaha Carnivore Project in southern Tanzania.
Best Time to Spot: Dry season, typically from June to October when the animals tend to congregate near riverbanks. Best Place to Spot: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, and Nyerere National Park.
2. African Elephant
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The African elephant takes the title of being the largest living land mammal, and a proud member of the "Big Five" club in Tanzania. Tanzania shelters one of Africa's most notable elephant populations making it a regular sight, second only to Botswana. Every wildlife park and forest reserve here boasts a bountiful elephant population. Elephants have complex social groups led by matriarchs, with families ranging from 2 to 50 animals.
Best Time to Spot: Dry season, typically from June to October when they gather near water. Best Place to Spot: Tarangire National Park, Ruaha National Park, Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve), Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Lake Manyara National Park.
3. African Leopard
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The African leopard is the most common big cat in Africa and can be found all across Tanzania. It's a member of the "Big Five" and is known as one of the most elusive big cats on the continent. To maximize your chances of a leopard sighting, make your way to the central Serengeti. While they can adapt to different environments, leopards prefer open bush areas with large trees and rocky kopjes.
Best Time to Spot: Active year-round Best Place to Spot: Central Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Nyerere National Park, Katavi National Park
4. African Buffalo
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The African buffalo, often referred to as the Cape Buffalo, is a remarkable member of the "Big Five." These large, sturdy creatures may appear quiet and still in nature, but they possess remarkable courage when it comes to defending themselves against predators. It's important not to mistake them for domestic water buffalos, as they are entirely different species. African buffalos are known as bulk grazers, feeding on a variety of grasses, and they must drink water daily to survive.
Best Time to Spot: Dry season, typically from June to October. Best Place to Spot: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Nyerere National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park.
5. Black Rhinoceros
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The black rhinoceros, one of Africa's iconic 'Big 5', is a prized sighting for many travellers. However, they are known for their elusive nature, with small populations that make sightings rare and precious. In Tanzania, you can find the eastern black rhino, a subspecies of black rhino. These unique creatures are characterized by their grooved skin and distinctive long, curved horns, which add to their mystique. Unfortunately, the black rhinoceros is critically endangered, making encounters even more special.
Best Time to Spot: Dry seasons - June to October and December to February Best Place to Spot: Ngorongoro Crater, Mkomazi National Park, and Serengeti National Park.
6. African Wild Dog
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The African wild dog, sometimes confused with hyenas due to their unique appearance, is one of the world's most endangered mammals. They are highly social animals, often gathering in packs of around ten individuals, although some packs can number more than 40. These opportunistic predators primarily hunt medium-sized ruminants like gazelles and are known for their exceptional speed, capable of reaching more than 44 miles per hour in a sprint.
Best Time to Spot: Dry season, typically from June to October. Best Place to Spot: Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park.
7. Cheetah
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Cheetahs are the world's speed champions, racing at incredible speeds that make them the fastest mammals on Earth. In Tanzania, they're among the iconic big cats, but their numbers are low, making them quite special sightings. Their distinctive spotted coats make them easy to spot in the wild. Cheetahs are known for their agility and are skilled at hunting fast prey like gazelles, reaching speeds of over 44 miles an hour during chases. They may resemble leopards at first glance, but they are slimmer with unique markings.
Best Time to Spot: Dry season from June to October. Best Place to Spot: Serengeti National Park
8. Giraffe
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The giraffe, known as the world's tallest land mammal, is a captivating presence in Tanzania's wildlife. With their towering necks and unique spotted coats, giraffes are often found in various national parks and reserves across the country. They are herbivores, feeding primarily on leaves from tall acacia trees.
Best Time to Spot: Dry season from June to October. Best Place to Spot: Tarangire National Park, Arusha National Park, Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, Serengeti National Park (Grumeti River), and Ngorongoro Crater.
9. Zebra
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Zebras, known for their black and white stripes, roam Tanzania's grasslands. They are a crucial part of the food chain for predators like lions and hyenas. These social animals often gather in herds and graze on grass. The Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti showcases their incredible yearly journey.
Best Time to Spot: Dry season from June to October. Best Place to Spot: Ruaha National Park, Nyerere National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Tarangire National Park.
10. Hippopotamus
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The hippopotamus ranked as the third-largest land mammal globally after elephants and rhinos, is a common sight throughout Tanzania. These creatures are synonymous with water and can be found wallowing in rivers, lakes, and permanently flooded wetlands during most daylight hours. Hippos are highly social animals, often gathering in groups known as "bloats," which typically consist of 10 to 20 individuals. They spend around sixteen hours each day half-submerged along the banks of rivers, where they are easily spotted.
Best Time to Spot: Dry season from June to October. Best Place to Spot: Katavi National Park, Nyerere National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater.
11. Nile Crocodile
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The Nile Crocodile, the second-largest reptile globally, following the salt-water crocodile, is a formidable predator and one of the most aggressive crocodile species. It's capable of targeting a wide range of animals within its territory, making it a formidable presence in Tanzania. Nile Crocodiles predominantly prefer various species of fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals as their prey.
Best Time to Spot: All year round. Best Place to Spot: Rufiji River in the Nyerere National Park and the Grumeti River in the Serengeti National Park.
12. Chimpanzee
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Chimpanzees, our closest living relatives are known for their exceptional intelligence and complex social structures. They inhabit lush forests and woodlands, making them a prominent part of the country's rich biodiversity. Tanzania offers remarkable opportunities for chimpanzee tracking and observation where researchers and wildlife enthusiasts can witness these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.
Best Time to Spot: Dry season from June to October. Best Place to Spot: Gombe Stream National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park.
13. Grant's Gazelle
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Grant's Gazelle is a common antelope in Tanzania, recognized by its lyre-shaped horns and reddish-brown coat with a white rump. They are adaptable and often seen in grasslands and woodlands, gracefully leaping as they graze on grass and shrubs.
Best Time to Spot: Dry season from June to October. Best Place to Spot: Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
14. Wildebeest
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Wildebeests are famous in Tanzania for their epic annual migration. During this event, approximately 1.5 million wildebeests stampede across the Serengeti in Tanzania and Kenya's Maasai Mara. They come in two species, Blue and Western White-Bearded Wildebeests, and their massive herds provide food for many predators. These adaptable herbivores roam across Tanzania's varied landscapes in herds of millions, making their Great Migration a must-see spectacle for travellers.
Best Time to Spot: Dry season from June to October to witness the Great Migration. Best Place to Spot: Southern Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Tarangire National Park.
15. Flamingo
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Flamingos, with their pink plumage and curved bills, are regulars in Tanzania's salt pans and wetlands. The lesser flamingo, seen most often, gets its vibrant colour from its diet. These birds create stunning sights in large flocks and are vital for their habitat's ecosystem balance. Lake Natron, where over 75% of the world's flamingo population is born, is the primary nesting site for these birds. The lake is home to more than 2.5 million lesser flamingos.
Best Time to Spot: October and December Best Place to Spot: Lake Natron, Momella Lakes, Lake Manyara, and Lake Magadi around the Ngorongoro Crater.
Some Interesting Facts About Wildlife in Tanzania:
The giraffe is considered to be “Tanzania’s National Animal”.
The African buffalo and Nile crocodiles are often considered the “Most Dangerous Animals in Tanzania” due to their unpredictable and aggressive behaviour.
The African elephant claims the title of the “Largest Animal in Tanzania”, with some individuals weighing up to 14,000 pounds.
Black rhino is the “Rarest Animal in Tanzania” with less than 200 in number found at present.
Tanzania's rich and diverse wildlife is a testament to the country's commitment to preserving its natural treasures. However, it's essential to approach these animals with the respect and admiration they deserve while fostering conservation efforts to ensure the survival of these magnificent beings for generations to come. Whether you're on a safari adventure or exploring its hidden gems, Tanzania's wildlife will leave you in awe, ensuring memories that last a lifetime.
