Tanzania Wildlife Challenge
Tanzania is home to an incredible array of wildlife, with numerous national parks and game reserves offering visitors the chance to see some of the world’s most iconic animals in their natural habitats. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned wildlife enthusiast, there are some animals that you can’t miss.
Lions, elephants, and giraffes are just a few animals you’re almost guaranteed to see in Tanzania. The Serengeti National Park is a must-visit destination, where you can witness the incredible wildebeest migration or see lions lounging in the sun. Meanwhile, the Ngorongoro Crater is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, buffalos, and rhinos.
Whether you’re interested in spotting the Big Five or want to marvel at the incredible diversity of Tanzania’s wildlife, there’s something for everyone. So, pack your binoculars and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
Lion
Tufted-tailed Simba in the plight
If you want to spot the king of the jungle, head to Tanzania’s Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater. The best time to see these majestic beasts is during the dry season from June to October, when they gather around watering holes.
MoreAfrican bush elephant
Size matters! The largest of the three elephant species and the largest extant terrestrial creature on our planet
Want to see some gentle giants on your Tanzania trip? Look no further than all majot national parks and even on Tarangire National Park or the Selous Game Reserve.
Masai giraffe
The giraffe species with largest build
These leggy lovelies can be spotted strutting in Tanzania’s Serengeti or Arusha National Park. The best time to catch a glimpse of the Masai giraffes in Tanzania is during the dry season, from June to October, when they gather around water sources to quench their thirst.
MoreHippopotamus
1.6 ton (1.5 tonne) + 48 km/h (30 mph) = what do you think?
Are you ready to hang out with some big, burly baddies? Head over to Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve or Katavi National Park to spot some hippest hippos!
African buffalo
They are also known as the “black death” or “widowmaker,” which says a lot about them – dangerous!
You can catch these burly beasts stomping around in Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve or Katavi National Park, particularly during the dry season, from June to October, when they gather in large herds to graze and quench their thirst. Keep a safe distance, though, because these tough guys aren’t afraid to charge if they feel threatened!
MorePlains zebra
These zebras with the underbelly stripes are the longest migrators in Africa
Are you ready to earn your stripes as a wildlife expert in Tanzania? Keep an eye out for the playful plains zebra, which can be spotted galloping through the Serengeti or Tarangire National Park all year round, with their cute and charismatic personalities on full display!
MoreCommon warthog
Blue wildebeest
So named because of the silverish-blue shine of fur, which is not blue but greyish to brown
These boisterous beasts can be seen trotting through the Serengeti or Tarangire National Park, showcasing their quirky gaits and inquisitive expressions. To witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles, plan your visit during the dry season (usually in May or June) when they gather in massive herds for the epic Great Wildebeest Migration.
MoreThomsons gazelle
The black and white stripes on the golden brown face add to its beauty.
These elegant creatures can be seen sprinting across the Serengeti or Tarangire National Park, with their playful and inquisitive nature shining through.
Leopard
Disappearing graceful shadows, this tree-climber is on the way to extinction
They are the elusive felines of Tanzania, but don’t be discouraged – they can still be spotted if you know where to look! Your best bet is to visit the Serengeti or the Ngorongoro Conservation Area during the dry season, from June to October, when the leopards come out to play and hunt in the open grasslands.
MoreCheetah
Racing to extinction: historically ranging throughout Africa to India, now distributed in small, fragmented populations
If you’re lucky enough to spot a cheetah in Tanzania’s national parks, such as the Serengeti or Tarangire, count yourself among the fortunate few.
Spotted hyena
Also known as Laughing Hyena, it gets chewed a lot for being cruddy and a good-for-nothing scavenger!
Spotted hyenas are Tanzania’s stealthy scavengers, making them a tough but rewarding sight to spot in the wild. While they can be found year-round in national parks like the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Conservation Area, they can be tricky to find, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled and your camera at the ready.
MoreCommon ostrich
Arabian ostrich, 1 of 4 subspecies, was hunted to extinction in mid-20th century
It may be the world’s largest bird, but spotting one in Tanzania’s national parks is no easy feat. Your best chance of seeing these tall, flightless birds is during the dry season when they congregate around water sources in parks like the Serengeti or Tarangire, so keep your eyes peeled and your binoculars at the ready for a truly memorable sighting!
MoreSecretarybird
A long-legged bird with a stunning black feather crest on its back head
These fascinating birds can be found in open grasslands and savannas throughout the year; early morning or late afternoon are your best chance of spotting one in action.
Banded mongoose
Living in troops, a real-life example of “All for one, and one for all”
They may be small, but they make up for it with their big personalities and elusive nature in Tanzania’s national parks. Your best chance of seeing these speedy little mammals is during the early morning or late afternoon in grasslands and wooded areas, so keep a sharp lookout and have your camera ready!
MoreOlive baboon
The most wide-ranging of all baboons, native to 25 equatorial African countries
The olive baboon may be a common sight in Tanzania’s national parks, moving in large groups.
Nile crocodile
One of the most iconic animals of Africa and the second largest reptile on earth
A fearsome predator that lurks in the rivers and lakes of Tanzania, but don’t expect them to be out sunbathing for a photo op! Your best bet for seeing these elusive creatures is to take a guided boat safari during the dry season when they congregate in larger numbers
MoreBlack rhinoceros
With 3 out of 8 subspecies have been declared extinct, illegal poaching puts these hooked upper lip rhinos in danger
Black rhinos can be found in several protected areas in Tanzania, such as the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Selous Game Reserve. However, due to their critically endangered status, they are relatively hard to spot, and sightings are not guaranteed even in these areas.
MoreServal
Owners of the longest legs-for-body-size of all cats are widespread in sub-Saharan savannahs
The ninja of the Tanzanian wildlife scene – the masters of camouflage and are incredibly hard to spot! Your best bet to catch a glimpse of them is during the dry season in the Serengeti or Selous Game Reserve, so you better stay vigilant and keep your binoculars handy!
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