On Tanzania safaris, it’s a regular sight to behold diverse animals slinking at each other and see who will attack first. In this place, everything is all about survival.
But, what animals can you expect to see on safari in Tanzania? In this part of the world, you’ll encounter the BIG 5: African Buffalo, Black Rhinoceros, Elephant, Leopard and Lion. You’ll also get to see the Gazelle, Giraffe, Hyena, Wildebeest, Warthogs, and more.
These are only some of the creatures sought out by most people in their African safari trip. What makes this experience so beautiful is that they’re in their natural habitat, where you can see them at a safe distance.
You can also see diverse safari animals activities like the elephants washing themselves or leopards hunting their prey. And, who would want to miss seeing the lions in their mighty stature prowling in the jungle?!
Going on a safari trip in Tanzania is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you wouldn’t want to miss!
The beautiful animals that can be seen in Tanzania
The big 5
Before, the term ‘Big 5’ refers to the hunting difficulty of the deemed dangerous animals: African buffalo, rhino, elephant, leopard, and lion. However, today, the word ‘big 5’ takes a gentler form, referring to seeing the Big five rather than hunting them as a trophy pride.
African buffalo
African Buffalo is one of the most robust species. Its body length ranges from 5.6 to 11.2 ft, with a tail of 28 to 43 inches long and a bodyweight of 590 kg.
These African animals possess an incredible sense of smell and travel through the water to avoid the lions, who’re waiting to ambush them. These mammals are menacingly aggressive when harmed, making them one of the Big 5.
They’re categorized as critically endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and thus, it would be such a sight to them personally in the safari.
Black rhinoceros
Black rhinoceros is the third-largest rhinoceros that usually weighs around 700 and 1,300 kg. Both genders have the same size, about 5 feet high and 11.5 feet long.
These animals occupy various habitats, like the dry forests, thickets, savannas, open plains, and sparse thorn scrub. They’re typically ill-tempered and unpredictable and may attack whatever’s unfamiliar to them.
Elephant
African Elephants are the largest of all land mammals. They can spend 16 hours per day eating. They’re big eaters and can consume 300 to 500 pounds of food each day.
These mammals have poor eyesight, but they’re fairly compensated with the largest brain. These animals can be dangerous due to their colossal size. They can also charge 30 miles per hour, making them violent when wounded.
African leopard
African Leopards are mainly nocturnal animals. They prefer to live a solitary life rather than being social. Thus, seeing them in the safari during your safari tour can be splendid.
These animals can leap up to 6 meters and run up to 57 km/hour. Their abilities have secured their survival in diverse geographic areas.
Lion
The African Lion is a social animal and typically lives in groups. They’re the second-largest cat in the world, Tiger being the largest.
Its roar can be heard as far as 8 km, and its group territory can stretch as far as 260 square km. The lions are the only big cats with a mane.
The female’s job is to hunt for food and watch their young, while the male’s job is to protect their territory.
Aside from the Big 5, you can also see the following types of animals:
- The Main Players in Safari Tanzania
- The Winged Ones in Tanzania Safari
- The Water-Lovers Animals in Safari Tanzania
The main players on a safari in Tanzania
Gazelles
Gazelles are the most common animals you can see on your Tanzania safari tour. They can be spotted nearly everywhere in the country and dash around 100 km per hour, leaving their predator’s behind.
Zebra
Other animals that you can easily spot in the safari are zebras. They run in herds across the savanna, seemingly like an optical illusion.
Giraffes
Giraffes could be one of the most mesmerizing animals to see on safari in Africa. Their heights are astounding, which can reach up to 19 feet tall!
You’ll get amused seeing them grazing on treetop leaves or running around with their long, gangly legs.
Hyena
As your driver passes through the usual dusty road of the safari, you could be in awe of a pack of hyenas moving in sync. If you’re lucky, you could hear their iconic laugh echoing across the landscape of the safari.
Wildebeest
In East Africa, there are more than a million living wildebeests. Thus, it won’t matter that much if you’re there to visit the Great Migration or not.
You’ll still see numbers of wildebeests more than your eyes can handle. You can either see them grazing or cautiously looking around for the presence of their predators.
Cheetah
Cheetahs are deemed the fastest land animal globally, which can dash up to 70 miles per hour! Thus, you might not see them clearly while they’re on the run.
However, you can get a clear glimpse of them while they’re sopping up the sun on the plains of safari.
The winged ones in Tanzania safari
Pink flamingo
You’ll absolutely get thrilled seeing flocks of pink flamingos fluttering over the glimmering surface of the safari in Tanzania. They typically inhabit Lake Natron, the Ngorongoro Crater, as well as Lake Manyara.
Kingfisher
Another animal you’ll be seeing on the African safari is the kingfisher. This bird possesses bold, intense colours, making it a stunning view to see.
Bateleur
Bateleur is a medium-sized eagle with a bushy head and a very short tail. This bird is a fascinating sight to see, with its short tail extending further than its tails because of its shortness.
The water-lovers animals in safari Tanzania
Crocodiles
When you spot crocodiles bathing in the lake and pools of water throughout Tanzania, you’ll get amazed, particularly if you spot their murky shade. If you get lucky, you could even see them hunting animals in the shallows like wildebeests!
Hippos
Hippos are some of the most adorable animals in the world, despite their massive size. You can see them slapping away flies from their bodies or keeping their body cool in the watering holes or lakes in the safari.
Wildebeest migration
Every African adventure itinerary isn’t complete without the inclusion of the Wildebeest Migration. It’s the largest animal migration globally, with over 2 million animals migrating in a clockwise route across the Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara ecosystems.
Wildlife highlights
Tanzania is home to diverse natural wildlife, from the African ‘big 5’ to colourful birds and marine species. Incredible big-game viewing is possible in some areas and private reserves, such as the following:
- Serengeti National Park
- Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Animals are used to vehicles, allowing you to take great pictures of the African safari animals. You can also see white lions in the wild and many more!
Best time for animal sightings
The best time to visit for animals sightings on safari Tanzania is during the dry season, from late June to October. If you’re after the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, you may visit around June to December.
Furthermore, for the wildebeest calving, it’s best to visit in the late January to February.
Which national parks to visit in Tanzania
There are several National Parks to visit in Tanzania, which you can surely adore and love. See the following lists below for the National Parks that you wouldn’t want to miss!
- Serengeti National Park
- Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Arusha National Park
- Mikumi National Park
- Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
- Mahale Mountain National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Gombe National Park
- Nyerere National Park
- Ruaha National park
These are only some of the best parks you can visit during your trip to Tanzania. As you see, the charm of this country is endless. So, book your African trip today and experience the boundless beauty of this country!
To wrap it up
When you’re in Tanzania for a safari, you will be immersed in wildlife from every corner. From the kingfisher birds flying across the horizon line to the wildebeests that roam around Serengeti National Park, you won’t believe your eyes when you see how much magic Tanzania has to offer. Contact Easy Travel today to find out what safaris are available, or start planning your dream safari with us now.
