Tanzania Safari Animals You’ll See – Big Five & Beyond
One of the biggest reasons travelers choose a Tanzania safari is the chance to encounter the legendary Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. But Tanzania offers much more than that: cheetahs racing across the plains, giraffes browsing in acacia trees, and over 1,000 species of birds.
At Wildbud Safaris, we design safaris that maximize your wildlife encounters, from the Serengeti Great Migration to the flamingo-filled shores of Lake Manyara.
The Big Five in Tanzania
Lions – Kings of the Serengeti
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Largest lion population in Africa.
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Famous for hunting wildebeest during the Great Migration.
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Best spotted in Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Leopards – Masters of Stealth
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Elusive and best seen draped on tree branches.
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Frequent sightings in Serengeti and Ruaha.
Elephants – Giants of Tarangire
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Tarangire is home to massive herds.
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Amboseli (if combined with Kenya) offers Kilimanjaro backdrops.
Buffalo – Resilient Grazers
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Common across Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
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Known for their unpredictable behavior.
Rhinos – Ngorongoro’s Treasured Residents
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Black rhinos thrive inside Ngorongoro Crater.
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Rare but highly rewarding sightings.
Beyond the Big Five – Tanzania’s Other Wildlife Stars
Cheetahs
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Fastest land animals, often spotted in Serengeti plains.
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Best time: January–March (calving season).
Giraffes
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National symbol of Tanzania.
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Common in Tarangire, Ruaha, and Serengeti.
Hippos & Crocodiles
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Found in rivers and lakes, particularly in Serengeti and Selous.
Wildebeest & Zebras
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Centerpiece of the Great Migration.
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Over 1.5 million wildebeest move between Serengeti and Masai Mara.
Birdlife in Tanzania
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Over 1,000 species recorded.
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Flamingos in Lake Manyara & Ngorongoro, migratory birds in Serengeti.
Spot Tanzania’s Wildlife with Wildbud Safaris
From the Big Five to the Great Migration, Tanzania is unmatched in wildlife diversity. At Wildbud Safaris, we tailor every itinerary so you can experience these incredible animals up close.
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Plan a Kenya–Tanzania Safari Adventure
Contact us to start planning your once-in-a-lifetime safari today.
FAQs – Tanzania Safari Animals
Q1: Where can I see the Big Five in Tanzania?
A: Serengeti and Ngorongoro are the best destinations for the Big Five. Tarangire is also famous for elephants.
Q2: Is it guaranteed to see all Big Five on safari?
A: While sightings are not guaranteed, Ngorongoro Crater offers some of the highest chances to see them all in one day.
Q3: Which animals are only found in Tanzania?
A: Tanzania is home to rare antelopes like the gerenuk and fringe-eared oryx, especially in Samburu and Tarangire.
Q4: What is the best park to see cheetahs in Tanzania?
A: Serengeti National Park is world-famous for its cheetah populations.
Q5: Can I see the Great Migration animals with Wildbud Safaris?
A: Yes — our Kenya–Tanzania safari packages are designed to follow the migration route from Serengeti to Masai Mara.