Wildlife in Tanzania: What to expect
Tanzania’s rich tapestry of landscapes, from vast savannahs to remote forests and sparkling coastlines, supports one of the most diverse collections of wildlife in Africa. Whether you’re witnessing the Great Migration across the endless plains of the Serengeti, exploring the Ngorongoro Crater, or snorkelling in Zanzibar’s turquoise waters, Tanzania promises a staggeringly diverse wildlife experience, and an unforgettable adventure.
Iconic wildlife
Tanzania is renowned for its large populations of grazers and predators. The Serengeti is the crown jewel, hosting the world-famous Great Migration, where more than two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles thunder across the plains in search of fresh pastures. This epic journey also attracts lions, cheetahs, leopards and crocodiles, creating some of the most dramatic wildlife spectacles on Earth. Elephants are iconic in Tanzania and are often seen in herds across Tarangire National Park, also known for its massive baobab trees. Ruaha National Park, less visited but equally spectacular, is home to some of the largest elephant and lion populations in Africa.
The Big Five
Tanzania offers excellent opportunities to see the Big Five. Lions are abundant in Serengeti and Ngorongoro, while leopards are often spotted along riverbanks or perched in trees in the Serengeti and Selous Game Reserve. Buffalo are widespread across Tanzania’s parks, and elephants are a highlight in Tarangire and Ruaha. Black rhinos are rarer, but can be found in the Ngorongoro Crater, which provides one of the best chances to see this critically endangered species in the wild.
Unique species
Tanzania’s wildlife diversity includes some rare and endemic species. The Serengeti is home to the golden jackal, and the Selous Game Reserve hosts rare African wild dogs, which thrive in its remote wilderness.
Giraffes, Tanzania’s national animal, are frequently seen throughout the country. The Masai giraffe, with its distinctive jagged spots, is a highlight of any safari. Other notable species include the lesser kudu and sable antelope, often seen in Ruaha and Selous.
Birds and aquatic life
Bird enthusiasts will be thrilled by Tanzania’s remarkable avian diversity, with more than 1,100 species recorded. The alkaline lakes of the Rift Valley, such as Lake Manyara and Lake Natron, are famed for their flamingos, which create vibrant pink ribbons along the shores. Raptors like crowned eagles and secretary birds are common sightings in the Serengeti and Tarangire. Tanzania’s coastline and islands also boast incredible marine life. Zanzibar’s coral reefs and the waters around Mafia Island are teeming with fish, dolphins, sea turtles and even whale sharks.
Endangered wildlife
Tanzania is a stronghold for several endangered species. Conservation efforts in Selous and Ruaha are helping protect African wild dogs and cheetahs. The country is also home to the critically endangered black rhino, most reliably spotted in the Ngorongoro Crater.
Something different
One of Tanzania’s most unique wildlife experiences is a visit to Gombe Stream or Mahale Mountains National Parks, where you can track wild chimpanzees in their natural habitat. These parks, located along the shores of Lake Tanganyika, provide an intimate glimpse into the lives of these intelligent primates.
Another distinct experience is in Lake Manyara National Park, known for its tree-climbing lions. While rare, seeing these big cats perched on branches is a sight unique to a few places in Africa.
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