Tanzania is considered to be one of the top tourist safari destinations on the African continent and every year, the country receives millions of tourists from all corners of the world who travel to enjoy a Safari in Tanzania as they explore it numerous destinations and engage in memorable activities such as Big Five Wildlife Safaris, Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing, viewing the Great Wildebeest Migration, Bird watching, beach safaris and many other activities.
The country prides in a very rich and largely diversified number of plants, animals (including Africa’s Big Five) and gifts of Nature such as Mount Kilimanjaro (also known as the Rooftop of Africa) which is the highest mountain in African and the second highest in the world.
In this article we are going to look at Africa’s Big Five animals found in Tanzania and where to see them.
What are the ‘Big Five’ animals?
Back in the 1980s, the phrase ‘Big Five’ became very popular among game hunters to refer to the five most difficult animals on the African continent to hunt down on foot. These animals which also bring a sense of fear and terror by mere looking at them include the lion, African Leopard, African elephant, rhinoceros and the Cape buffalo.
These were the most preferred (sought-after) animals back in the past among game hunters a thing which greatly decreased their population on the continent; however, because of the stringent hunting regulation and massive conservation efforts internationally, uncontrolled hunting has been halted and the population of these animals has been revived not only in Tanzania but across Africa as a whole
Basing on Mother Nature’s wildlife hierarchy, the ‘Big Five’ emerge on top of the food chain, and they are considered to be among the deadliest animals on the African continent a good reason why they should be included among your list of ‘must-see’ on your Tanzania Safari Holiday.
1. The African Lion
The lion is the most popular and leading predator in Tanzania. There are between 14,000 and 16,000 lions making Tanzania the country with the highest lion population in Africa. The renowned Serengeti National Park has the highest population of elephants with an estimated population of about 3,500 lions. Lions are very social and live in large pride that comprise of males, the female lionesses and their cubs. Although the Males demarcate their territories, it’s the females (lionesses) that hunt down prey and will only feed after the male has finished.
Where to see lions in Tanzania
- · Serengeti National Park – home to the largest lion population in Tanzania
- · Ruaha National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park – ideal for game drives
- · Selous Game Reserve – where trophy hunting is conducted
- · Tarangire National Park
2. African Elephant
The African elephant is the largest land animal in the world, with a fully mature one growing to a weight between 2268kg and 6350kg (5000lb and 14000lb). It is estimated that there are slightly over 43,000 African elephants in Tanzania according to the 2015 population census which indicated a significant decline from 110,000 elephants as per the 2009 census a thing attributed to the rampant poaching that was in the country then.
Where to see the African elephant in Tanzania
- · Tarangire National Park – home to the largest elephant population in Tanzania
- · Serengeti National Park
- · Ngorongoro Crater
- · Ruaha National Park
- · Selous Game Reserve
- · Arusha National Park
- · Lake Manyara National Park
3. Cape Buffalo
The Cape Buffalo also known as the African Buffalo has a fearful look, appears shy but is very powerful and considered to be among the most difficult animals to hunt on foot. Buffaloes can easily be spotted while on safari in Tanzania due to their large number however they are a species that should not be messed with as these animals once provoked can become extremely fierce and dangerous. A fully grown cape buffalo can grow to a weight of 2,000lb (900kg) while their strong horns can grow to 42 inches. They face two main predators which are the lion and human beings who hunt them down. Please keep in mind that although buffaloes have a poor vision, they are gifted with a great sense of hearing.
Where to see Cape Buffalo in Tanzania
- · Ngorongoro Crater
- · Serengeti National Park
- · Selous Game Reserve
- · Tarangire National Park
- · Ruaha National Park
- · Arusha National Park
4. African Leopard
The African Leopard, which is a powerful wild cat is elusive in nature which makes it is fairly hard to spot. These animals which enjoy their solitude can, however, be tracked down while on a Tanzania safari especially during the night time game drives. During the day, they can be spotted resting up in large tree branches where they also prefer to eat their prey from after hunting. This behaviour of feeding up in the trees is associated with them not wanting other animals or scavengers to snatch their catch. It is estimated that there are just over one thousand leopards living within northern Tanzania with the largest population being found in the Serengeti National Park.
Where to see Leopards in Tanzania
- · Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater – in northern Tanzania
- · Ruaha National Park – in Southern Tanzania
5. Rhinoceros
On the African continent, there are two types of Rhinoceros; the black rhino and the white rhino both of which are characterized by large grey bodies and only distinguished by the shape of their lips. The black rhinos have an upper pointed lip while the white rhinos have an upper square lip. generally speaking, rhinos have a pre-historic appearance and prefer living a life of solitude. because of the high demand of their horn on the black market, this species suffered extreme poaching not only in Tanzania but across the continent causing it to be extinct in some countries.
In Tanzania you will only be able to encounter the black rhino subspecies (Diceros bicornis minor) and as earlier mentioned their population declined from 2000 back in the mid-1900s to just small populations basing on the census carried out in the 1990s as a result of extreme poaching.
Where to see the Black Rhino in Tanzania
- · Selous Game Reserve
- · Ngorongoro Crater
- · Serengeti National Park
Best time to see the Big Five in Tanzania
When planning a safari in Tanzania and you are looking forward to seeing the Big Five of Africa, you are advised to visit the country during the dry season which is from June to November when most of the country is experiencing dry weather and the vegetation is thin offering clearer views of the animals. During this time there is hardly any rain so the animals tend to gather around the few remaining water sources in the different parks making it much easier to spot them.
