The Big Five of Tanzania, where to see them

where to see the Big Five of Tanzania Animals

Tanzania is considered to be one of the top safari destinations on the African continent and every year the country receives millions of tourists.

The Big Five - lion, leopard, rhinoceros, Elephant, and Cape buffalo - can be found in various national parks and reserves across Africa.

Some of the best locations for Big Five sightings include Kruger National Park and Sabi Sands in South Africa, Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti in Tanzania,

Chobe National Park in Botswana, and Masai Mara in Kenya.

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. 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.

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

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

They face two main predators which are the lion and human beings who hunt them down.

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.

Where to see Leopards in Tanzania

· Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater – in northern Tanzania

· Ruaha National Park – in Southern Tanzania

5. Rhinoceros

Rhinoceros are large, herbivorous mammals, commonly called rhinos, that belong to the family Rhinocerotidae.

Large size, and prominent horn(s). There are five extant species of rhinos, with two in Africa (white and black) and three in Asia (Indian, Javan, and Sumatran).

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Where to see the Black Rhino in Tanzania

· Selous Game Reserve

· Ngorongoro Crater

· Serengeti National Park