The Big Five in Tanzania
Meeting the Big Five in Tanzania is one of the most exciting and memorable experiences on a legendary African safari tour.
This destination has some of the continent’s wealthiest and most diverse Tanzania national parks, providing excellent opportunities to view Tanzania big 5 safari animals. The big 5 safari animals to see in Tanzania include the Lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffaloes which are also part of its biological environment. However the other unique things to do in Tanzania other than the big five safari are the great migration in Serengeti. In addition the other attractions in Tanzania include the vibrant azure open waters surrounded by the radiant coastline at the Zanzibar town.
What are the Big 5 Animals on a Tanzania Safari?
The term “Big Five” was originally used to indicate to the five species that were the most challenging to hunt on foot. However, in modern times, the big five in Africa has come to represent the pinnacle of safari accomplishment.
Witnessing the Big Five in Tanzania is a dream come true for animals lovers and photographers alike, as it provides opportunities for up-close encounters with these animals. Below are the big 5 animals in Tanzania and what you should know anbout them.
Big 5 animals in Tanzania
1. Lion
Visit Tanzania and see these lions which are part of the big five safari animals. Lions are from the cat family and they are also the kings of the hunt in the African savannah. Additionally, they use their embodied features such as their firm muscles to pursue prey such as the gazelles. So they defeat them in a fight since the lions do not easily get tired because of their muscles. To hold onto their prey they are able to use their jagged claws and pointed teeth and devour them.
The male lions are the dominants of their prides (groups) and they not only display dominance among themselves but also with the other animals. In addition, they do this through marking their zones of stay by use of body fluid such as urine and their stool. Tanzania has a population of about 15,000 lions and they are in habitats like Serengeti national park, Ngorongoro conservation area and Ruaha national park.
2. Leopard
Leopards are also part of the cat family although unlike the rest, they are unsociable wild animals in Tanzania. Additionally, they hardly move in social groups unless the males are mating with the females. Leopards in Tanzania are also excellent hunters and they use techniques such as trailing their prey from elevated areas. For example from the top of the trees and then they proceed with a surprise attack to obtain their victims.
Also, leopards are special in a way that they can hunt 24 hours (both in the day and night). Addtionally, this is because of their nocturnal capabilities. Even if leopards are extremely dangerous animals among the big five in Tanzania they have a splendid complexion. So, this makes their outside appearance fascinating and they also weigh about 73 kg.
3. Rhino
There are two species of the Rhinos in Africa, the black and white rhinos. However, the black rhinoceros is the one that is in Tanzania. Also a rhino is an enormous wild animal that weighs up to 1,400kg and among the heaviest of the big 5 animals in Tanzania. Also they are endangering species weighing up to 700 grams and they are also one of the dominant animals in Tanzania’s savannah. Lastly, rhinos are also herbivorous animals that feed on foliage from trees.
4. Buffalo
Tanzania has over 190,000 of the cape buffaloes in its different wildlife conservation areas. These include Lake Manyara national park, Nyerere national park, and Arusha national park. In addition, Tanzania it is one of the countries in Africa that has the largest number of these buffaloes. Unlike the rhinos, the buffaloes are more of social animals and they are overly protective animals. Therefore when attacked, they use precautionary measures such as sheltering the less powerful members in circle formations.
5. African Elephant in Tanzania
An African elephant is the commonly seen wild animal among the big five in Tanzania. In addition, the largest of the male elephants weigh about 6,000kg and the females weigh up to 3,500kg. Just as the cape buffaloes, the African elephants also protect their young ones in case of any attack. Similarly, they use defensive techniques by use of their tusks while making intimidating noises to scare off their attackers. The African elephants in Tanzania also move in large numbers and this is an added advantage for safety.
What is the best time for a big five safari in Tanzania
The best time to visit Tanzania for big five safaris is in the months June, July, August, September, December and February during the dry season. The reason for the safari tours of the big five in Tanzania during the dry season is because of game drive experiences. So, it is easier to observe these animals when the greenery is less thick compared to when it is the wet season. Since there’s dense greenery hence tourists easily spot the big five animals in Tanzania.
Also, the brighter skies also make the nature photography better. Since the scenic landscapes become more beautifully enhanced because of the sun effect during this Tanzania big 5 safari. The dry season also coincides with the calving and the river crossing of the wildebeests during the great migration in Serengeti. Nevertheless the period from June to September has over crowding in Tanzania National Parks which offer the big five safari experiences. Hence, they’re a lot of tourists in this destination doing safaris for the big five in Tanzania.
The worst time to go an a Tanzania big five safari is during the months in the wet season. Long rainy months of March to May and short rainy months of October to November are among the worst months for a big 5 safari in Tanzania. You can as well conduct your big five Tanzania safaris in the less crowded dry season in the months of December and January. So, months of December and January and others in the wet season regarded as the worst time for the big five safari in Tanzania.
Best places to see the big five in Tanzania
1. See the big 5 in Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is situated in The Northern region of Tanzania. Additionally, its one of the genuine National parks in Tanzania where tourist’s can witness the big five safari animals in Africa.
So, Serengeti National park has one of the largest number of the lions in Africa with approximately 3,000 lions. Additionally, most prides are seen at the remarkable granite formations (Moru kopjes) in the Southern plains of the Serengeti national park. Also its a region where the calving of the wildebeests normally takes place this results to the intensity of the lion-wildebeests chases around this region. The elephants, rhinos and buffaloes are seen ether around the banks of the Grumeti River or the riverine banks of Mara or in the golden grasslands of Serengeti national park.
Where to stay in Serengeti np during the big 5 safari in Tanzania (Plus prices per night)
- Africa Safari Maasai Boma Camping; 79$.
- Seronera wildlife lodge; 158$.
- Serengeti Misako Luxury Camp;190$
- Mbuzi Mawe Serena Camp;218$
- Zawadi Camp; 233$.
- Olmara Camp; 383$.
2. Big 5 Tanzania Safari in Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National park is also situated in the Northern part of Tanzania. Also, its known for having a significantly high population of the elephants of about 4,000 of them. These big 5 animals in Tanzania are normally found grazing around the Silale swamp and Tarangire River. Other Tanzania big five animals in Tarangire are distinct lions which are tree climbers.
Additionally the rhinos and leopards on the other side are harder to spot in the park. So, the rest of the big five in Tanzania like the buffaloes and the elephants are plenty in number in Tarangire np. Lastly, Tarangire National park has other attractions in Tanzania like the ancient giant baobab trees different species of birds like the bushrike. Then other Tanzania birding species are wattle-eye, ashy starling and many others.
Where to stay in Tarangire national park on a big five safari Tanzania (Prices per night included)
- Mati Residence Ngarenaro; 89$.
- Tarangire Sopa lodge; 169$.
- Baobab tented Camp 185$.
- Elephant lodge; 250$.
3. Ngorongoro Conservation Area - See the big five in Tanzania
Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located in proximity to the Serengeti national park in Tanzania. Also, it is renowned for having the largest inactive crater formed as a result of volcanic lava. So, most of the big five animals in Tanzania such as the rhinos and the buffaloes are concentrated at this Ngorongoro Crater lake.
As tourists take game drives through the Ngorongoro Conservation area, the easily spotted animal are the herds of the elephants wandering around. Unlike other Tanzania National Parks, it is easy to spot the leopards normally in the southern region of the Ngorongoro. The lions are also easy to come across in the greenish fields of Ngorongoro National Park stalking and on the chase for their prey. Lastly, Ngorongoro is not only good for the Tanzania big 5 safari, it is also known for the birdwatching and great wildebeest migration safaris.
Best Ngorongoro Accommodations for your safari of the big five in Tanzania
- Lake Natron Maasai Guest house; 28$.
- Africa Safari Lake Natron Camping; 71$.
- Africa Safari South Serengeti Ndutu Ngorongoro; 105$.
- Africa Safari Lake Natron; 154.
- Craters edge;2,106$
Safety measures for the big five in Tanzania
- Tourists should keep a distance from any of the big five animals in Tanzania. Also, avoid making necessary noises that could sabotage the behaviors of these big 5 animals in Africa.
- Respect the National parks rules and also respect the local communities and the people in Tanzania during interactions.
- Use of harmful substances such as cigarettes and careless disposal of waste materials is prohibited in Tanzania.
- Listen and adhere to the Serengeti Masai Mara safari guide’s instructions during the big 5 safari in Tanzania.
- Before your big five Tanzania safaris, vaccinations like the yellow fever treatment are required for the safety of the tourists.
Popular big five Tanzania safari tour Packages
3 Days Big Five Safari Tanzania: Tarangire to Serengeti
Travel from Tarangire to Serengeti on a 3 days Big Five Tanzanian safari. See lions, buffaloes, leopards, and elephants in two of Africa’s greatest parks.
8 Days Luxury Big Five Flying Safari Tanzania
This 8 days Serengeti and Ngorongoro luxury flying safari allows you to experience the best of the Big Five in Tanzania comfortably in style.
Serengeti & Ngorongoro Big five Tanzania safaris
Go on a 3 days safari to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater see the big 5 animals in Tanzania. Perfect for those who wants to observe lions, elephants.
3 Days big 5 Tanzania safari: Serengeti Adventure
It is possible to visit Tanzania’s famous Serengeti on this 3 days big 5 Tanzania safari. One is able to see lions, rhinos, elephants, and much more.
