Wildlife in Tanzania: Tanzania is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream destination, renowned for its incredible biodiversity and unparalleled safari experiences. Among its many attractions, the “Big Five” stand out as a must-see for travelers. These iconic animals—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros represent the pinnacle of Africa’s wildlife encounters. If you are planning a trip to Tanzania, here’s where you can find the Big Five and create memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy Wildlife in Tanzania
Tanzania is a wildlife enthusiast’s dream destination, renowned for its incredible biodiversity and unparalleled safari experiences. Among its many attractions, the “Big Five” stand out as a must-see for travelers. These iconic animals—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros represent the pinnacle of Africa’s wildlife encounters. If you are planning a trip to Tanzania, here’s where you can find the Big Five and create memories that will last a lifetime.
The Serengeti is arguably the most famous safari destination in the world, and for good reason. Known for its endless plains and the dramatic Great Migration, the Serengeti is also a lion stronghold. Spotting prides lounging in the golden grasslands or hunting their prey is a common spectacle here. Leopards, though more elusive, can also be found in the park’s kopjes (rocky outcrops), while elephants roam the woodlands and open savannah.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best places in Tanzania to see the Big Five in one location. The crater’s lush floor provides a sanctuary for wildlife, including a thriving population of lions and the critically endangered black rhinoceros. Elephants, often older bulls with impressive tusks, wander the crater’s rim, while buffalo and leopards are also frequently sighted.
Tarangire is famous for its large herds of elephants, which gather along the Tarangire River during the dry season. The parks iconic baobab trees provide a stunning backdrop for wildlife viewing. Lions are also abundant, and leopards can often be seen resting in the trees. While rhinoceros are rare here, buffalo are easily spotted in the vast savannahs.
Lake Manyara offers a unique safari experience with its diverse ecosystems, from lush forests to expansive lakeshores. This park is one of the few places in Africa where you can see lions climbing trees a behavior not commonly observed elsewhere. Elephants and buffalo are also common sightings, and while leopards are harder to spot, they are present within the park.
For those looking to escape the crowds, Selous (recently renamed Nyerere National Park) offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure. This vast reserve is home to significant populations of elephants, lions, and buffalo. Leopards and the critically endangered black rhino are present, but their sightings require patience and luck. The reserve’s untamed beauty and remote location make it a favorite for those seeking a truly wild experience.
Tips for a Successful Big Five Safari
Hire an Experienced Guide: A knowledgeable guide can make all the difference, increasing your chances of spotting elusive animals like leopards and rhinos.
Plan Your Timing: The dry season (June to October) is the best time for wildlife viewing as animals congregate near water sources.
Stay in Strategic Lodges: Opt for accommodations located near prime wildlife habitats to maximize your safari time.
Pack the Essentials: Don’t forget binoculars, a good camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent to make your adventure comfortable and rewarding.
Why Tanzania is the Ultimate Big Five Destination
Tanzania’s national parks and reserves are teeming with wildlife, offering unmatched opportunities to see the Big Five in their natural habitats. From the world-famous Serengeti to the secluded Selous, each destination provides a unique perspective on these majestic creatures. Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned traveler, Tanzania promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Africa’s wilderness.
EXCELLENT Based on 103 reviews fernanda a2025-06-16Verified Excellent It was an amazing experience! We loved so much! We spent 5 days with our guide Obi at Serengeti. He is really nice, excellent driver and knows everything about Serengeti. Stephan P2025-03-12Verified great experience with an awesome guide We organized our Safari with Benson. The planning was really smooth and we received a detailed and structured offer. Our guide and driver - Charels Setundu - was very friendly and helpful from the beginning and throughout the whole trip. You can feel his passion for the country and wildlife, and his experience made our journey special. He skillfully guided us to some of the most stunning locations and ensured we had the opportunity to see as many animals as possible. His dedication made our safari memorable, and we felt very happy to have such an excellent guide.Furthermore, the hotels selected by Benson Safaris were also top-notch. Each hotel was of a very high standard, with clean and comfortable rooms in beautiful locations.In summary, our safari with Benson Safaris exceeded our expectations. The combination of having a passionate guide and excellent accommodations made it a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We recommend Benson Safaris to anyone. shepherdfamily20252025-02-23Verified Unforgettable Family Adventure A great package which was delivered in full. The accomodation was sensational and food was excellent throughout the journey. Obi was our driver / guide and he was simply outstanding. The Serengeti is a must do and we would highly recommend using Bensons for your trip to Tanzania - Their Communication, organisation and execution was first class - Once in a life time trip which provided us with life long memories. Wes H2025-01-24Verified Great trip! I used Benson Safaris in 2017 when my wife and I did a safari in Tanzania. I told her I wanted to bring the kids some day when there were older. Well that was in Dec. of 2024. I was so happy with Benson Safaris that I reached out to use them again. Benson Safaris did a great job of communicating prior to the trip and the trip itself was grand. The two guides we used (one in Kenya, Edmund, and one for Tanzania, Lebetas) were knowledgeable, courteous and fun. We requested 4 out of 5 star accomodations and the places where we stayed were great. High marks all around. AS2025-01-01Verified Great Safari in Northern Tanzania My wife and I had a 7-8 day private safari through Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Parks in October 2024. We discussed and booked the tour with all transfers, hotels and camps directly with Benson Safaris. Everything was to our best satisfaction! We can recommend Benson Safaris in every respect and without restriction. Michael C2024-11-09Verified Great wildebeest migration with Alex It was a great tour! Alex was a great guide and put us position for some nice photos. I have already recommended Benson Safari to a few friends. Katja M2024-10-29Verified Fantastic Safari- every time again We went on a great safari with children. Incredible experience with an incredible number of animals in the Serengeti. Fantastic sccommodation, Kati Kati and Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. Zablon was our driver and guide, who was always in a good mood and very friendly. Drove for hours, but was still relaxed and showed us all the animals. He was incredibly loving with our children . This tour operator offers everything from picking us up from the airport to the end. We had booked an extra night in Arusha without prior arrangement. It was no problem at all that we were picked up the next day and taken to the airport even though the tour had ended the day before. Always happy to come back, thank you Benson, thank you Zablon! Great work! Denise R2024-10-29Verified Unforgettable memories The trip of our life. We traveled with three kids and four adults. Benson chose the perfect lodges. The travel distances were quite far, but the scenery and wildlife overwhelming. Our guide Sablon took care of us and showed us the best spots in Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Unforgettable memories for us, thank you so much!! Steve L2024-10-12Verified Tanzania with Benson Tours We have just returned from the most amazing adventure, planned and arranged by Benson Safaris. We were met at the airport by Obedi, and from that moment on our journey was fun, safe and filled with so many sights and sounds! We could not image taking this journey with anyone else, Obedi ensured that we saw the all the sights and animals. He was energetic, fun to be around and extremely knowledgeable. We could not have had a better guide! Thanks for the memories! luba15242024-10-11Verified Benson Safari Rocks! My husband and I just returned from our safari with Benson Safari, which took place from September 26 to October 7th. From the beginning of my trip planning, which started a year before, Benson and his team made sure that our visit to Tanzania would be unforgettable, and it was. Over the year, I made several changes and asked many questions, and he never made me feel that I was asking too many questions. Benson was always ready for a WhatsApp call when communication through email didn’t seem enough. Ultimately, our trip was beyond my expectations. We booked an 11-day safari and stayed two nights at each location. We started at Tarangire, then to Ngorongoro, Mara River, Central Serengeti, and ended at Lake Manyara to unwind. Our driver and guide, Liberatus, was the face of Benson Safari and was terrific. He is gentle, patient, and always willing to go the extra distance, literally, for the best sightings. I don’t know how he does it, but we were often the first vehicle at the scene, witnessing nature's drama unfold. Liberatus knew how to position the jeep so that a cheetah jumped onto the hood of our jeep; we watched vultures and storks attack a recently killed zebra, again the first to arrive at this sight. We saw the river crossings and had an excellent view. Over and above the big 5, we love sighting birds. Liberatus was excellent in pointing out the wide variety of beautiful and colourful birds during our safari and gave us the time to take fantastic pictures. Pole Pole was how we travelled, and it paid off. After spending 11 nights with him, he was a part of our family. And we miss him. Don’t hesitate to sign up for this epic adventure with Benson Safari. Benson and his team will do everything to ensure you will be well taken care of through your safari. They are quick to reply to your questions, patient, and professional. The travel, from airport pickup to safari to dropoff, was seamless, and the accommodations exceeded our expectations. Asante Sana, Benson, for making this once-in-a-lifetime adventure the most brilliant we’ve had. And thank you for the delicious coffee! Reflecting on our journey, we are filled with a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, knowing we've experienced something truly remarkable. I only wish we could do this again. It’s like being in a real-life Jurassic Park, with breathtaking and awe-inspiring moments at every turn.
There’s nothing better than exploring the true magic of Africa! Enjoy games drive in the wilderness, luxury lodges, amazing sceneries, fascinating cultures and life changing moments in the African bush.
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