Last updated on October 3rd, 2025 at 06:15 am
Did you know Tanzania is home to over 4 million wild animals, the largest concentration in Africa? With its staggering biodiversity, it’s no wonder Tanzania is considered one of the world’s premier safari destinations. But how do you make sense of this abundance and know what to expect on your journey?
In this blog, you’ll discover exactly why a Tanzania Safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. By the end, you’ll know where to spot the Big Five, what kinds of predators and plains game roam the savannahs, and how guided safaris ensure you explore safely and meaningfully.
We’ll cover:
- Safety and practical tips for a memorable trip.
- The diverse landscapes that support Tanzania’s wildlife.
- Iconic animals you can expect to see, from elephants to cheetahs.
- The Big Five safari experience and why it’s so special.
Top 9 Tanzania Wildlife to Watch on A Safari Adventure!
Here is the list to get an idea about the animals that you can explore and come across on Tanzania Safari Tours!
1. The Jungle King- Lions
You can easily spot the lions on a Tanzania Safari while exploring a national park or game reserve. The lions roam freely in the vast, lush green savannahs. There is a healthy population of lions, lionesses, and their cubs found in Tanzania’s many national parks and reserves.
You can experience the thrill of seeing the jungle king (Lions) up close! Spot the Jungle kings crossing the fields or resting under the shade of a tree! The best time to see the predatory lions is during the dry season.
2. Wildebeests – the Most Renowned for Tanzania Safari
Tanzania is famous for the wildebeest migration! You must be curious to see and know about the wildebeest. Apart from the Big Five, the wildebeests are one of the main attractions of a Tanzania safari tour. You can spot wildebeests by exploring the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
The wildebeest and many grazing animals migrate from Serengeti National Park to Masai Mara Reserve and come back. The animals migrate following the rains in search of food and water. It is the world’s most spectacular wildlife annual event that one must watch in a lifetime. Wildebeest has sharp horns, a slight hump, and a hairy body. They are one of the animals that can be spotted all year round. The large herds of Wildebeests settle down for calving season from December to Mar in the Southern Serengeti, they can be spotted in Western and Central from Apr to Jun and in the Northern region of Serengeti crossing to Masai Mara and back in July to October.
3. Elephants – The Giant and Elegant Creature of Tanzania Safari
One of the Big Five members- the giant elephant in Tanzania is a common sight. Each wildlife park and game reserve in Tanzania has an abundant population of elephants. The mighty elephants are friendly and safe to see up close on a safari.
You can see the elephants walking in small groups or roaming around. The best national park in Tanzania to spot them is Tarangire National Park, where you can see the giant elephants in large herds. This Tanzanian National Park has a dense population of elephants.
4. Hippopotamus- The Relaxed Ones
A part of the Big Five club- Hippopotamus, is the relaxed one! The East African Country, Tanzania, has a vast population of hippos. You can see the hippos roaming around the fields in most of the national parks and reserves throughout the year. The monsoon season is the best time to spot hippos in Tanzania.
During monsoons, the rivers get filled with water. It helps you spot the hippos wallowing in the water. You can spot the pink-hued Flamingos along with hippos during the monsoon season.
5. Antelopes- The Best Survivors of Tanzania Safari
Antelopes are the best survivors as they can survive in all kinds of ecosystems. You can spot antelopes in the marshlands, fields, and dry lands. When visiting national parks or wildlife reserves in Tanzania, you get an opportunity to spot the antelopes. In Tanzania, there are numerous antelope species.
Some antelope species in Tanzania’s national parks or reserves are gazelle, eland, hartebeest, topi, impala, waterbuck, lesser kudu, and bushbuck. The antelopes are fast and hard to hunt!
6. Giraffes- The National Pride
Tanzania’s national animal, the giraffe, is a must to watch on your safari tour! Tanzania has the world’s largest giraffe population in the world. The giraffe is a friendly herbivorous animal. If you are planning to travel to Tanzania, try to spot a Giraffe herd on your safari tour.
7. Zebra- Our Favourite Animal
On a Tanzania wildlife safari, you can see one of our favourite animals- the Zebra. The white and black striped animal, the zebra, is always found in herds. You can spot the herds grazing across the fields or near the river banks in many national parks or reserves. Did you know that the stripes on a Zebra are very similar to Human Fingerprints in that each Zebra has its unique pattern?
8. Black Rhino- The Endangered Species
When visiting Tanzania, you can spot the endangered species- the rhino on a safari. Tanzania has the best ecosystem to support and help the endangered species, the black rhino, survive and thrive.
9. Monkeys, Chimpanzees, and Apes
On your Tanzania wildlife safari, you can spot a variety of chimpanzees, monkeys, gibbons, and apes. Tanzania has a healthy population of monkeys found in various game reserves and national parks. You can spot these wildlife creatures easily in Tanzania. The Mahale National Park and Gombe Stream Reserve are the best places in Tanzania to spot Chimpanzees.
Top Most Interesting Facts about Tanzania Wildlife
These are some most important facts you should know about the wildlife of Tanzania before your Tanzania safari trip.
- In Tanzania, wildlife thrives per square mile of land. Tanzania has a vast concentration of wildlife population in the world.
- Tanzania is known for its annual wildlife event- the Wildebeest Migration. It is the most significant mass movement of grazing animals on the planet.
- Ngorongoro Crater in Northern Tanzania is a wildlife Eden for safari enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, and is also considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Tarangire National Park in Tanzania is home to large elephant herds and also home to the Gerenuk, which is very difficult to find anywhere else.
- The Gombe and Mahale rainforests in western Tanzania are home to colobus monkeys and chimpanzees.
- Do You Know Tanzania’s National Animal? The giraffe is the national animal of Tanzania, a country located in East Africa.
- You can spot the most wildlife on a Tanzania safari by exploring the conservation areas and national parks.
- Tanzania has around twenty-two wildlife reserves and national parks covering 16,000 square miles.
- Get an opportunity to see a large concentration of baboons in the Lake Manyara National Park. It is also a paradise for bird lovers.
These amazing facts about Tanzania’s wildlife attract thousands of tourists from around the world. Here is what our clients say about taking up Safaris in Tanzania.
A FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE WITH LOCAL PROFESSIONALS
I had a great trip and experience with African Scenic. From the process of planning and booking everything with Hanson to the actual safari with Jackson who has a sixth sense to find wild animals and took great care of us during our trip. The car we rode during the safari was always clean and really well maintained by Jackson and full of comforts, my favourite was the water filter pump wich is a great way to avoid so many plastic bottles.
I couldn’t be happier with our choice and I will definitely book with them again if I ever go back to Tanzania. – AlbaWaterhouse
Watch the highlights of Tanzania Video here:
Ready for Your Big Adventure?
It is wise to consider an organised Tanzania Safari Package from a reliable tour operator- African Scenic Safaris. We can provide you with the best Tanzania wildlife tour packages and the assistance of an English-speaking local guide. If you have dreamed about an Epic wildlife safari in Tanzania, we can make it a reality. Get ready with us to explore the dense East African wilderness and spot the diverse wildlife from close.
And if you are also thinking of a Tanzania safari to witness the fantastic views of wildlife, contact us today at +255 (0) 784 413 801 or email us at info@africanscenicsafaris.com
