Roam With Giants – Get Up Close and Personal with Wildlife on Tanzania Safaris

Last updated on July 10th, 2025 at 02:33 pm

Tanzania Safaris offer nothing short of the ultimate wildlife experience. From the big five, the great migration, and some special animals, there’s a whole cast of special animals just waiting to be discovered.

In this blog post, we’ll see the major wildlife highlights of Tanzania and see exactly how you can get up close and personal with them. Let’s get you going to Tanzania’s wild side.

Wildlife Highlights of Tanzania Safaris

Tanzania Safaris has the honour of being blessed with some of Earth’s largest concentrations of wildlife.

When you’re in Tanzania, it’s impossible not to hear the wild calling out your name. You can put your faith in the untamed wilderness to give you the best game-viewing experiences. Below is a taste of the wildlife highlights in Tanzania:

The Great Migration

The Great Wildebeest Migration is a phenomenon that spans several months and covers a vast distance as immense herds of herbivores traverse the savannahs of East Africa. This journey is driven by the need to find fresh grazing lands and water sources. The primary participants of this migration are wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles, but other species such as elands and impalas also join in.

• One of the major events of the Great Migration is the river crossings. As the herds reach the rivers, most notably the Grumeti and Mara Rivers, they face a challenging obstacle.
• Crocodiles hide beneath the water’s surface. Whereas, hungry predators such as lions, cheetahs, and hyenas await on the other side.
• Then, the scene is set for some of the most heart-stopping Tanzania Safari Tours! As thousands of animals gather at the water’s edge and plunge into the river with a determination to survive.

We have mapped out the best times to see this natural phenomenon based on the different paths of migration. Have a look below:

The Big Five

These are the animals that make the Tanzania Safari Experience more worthwhile and unforgettable. Whether it’s a leopard stalking its prey, an elephant having a bath, or a lion prowling the savannah, the Big Five is certainly one of the major standouts of Tanzania’s Wildlife.

Best Sightings in – Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater

Rarest Animal to See on Tanzania Safaris – The Rhino!

Tanzania’s rarest wildlife species is the black rhinoceros. They are listed as critically endangered according to the IUCN and are closely protected wherever they’re found in the country. A sighting of a black rhino is the perfect ingredient for the Best Safari Tours in Tanzania.

Best Places to see Rhinos – Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park

Tallest Animal in Tanzania – Giraffes!

The tallest land mammal in the world, the giraffe, is Tanzania’s official national animal. According to the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (https://tawiri.or.tz/), the estimated population of Masai Giraffes is around 28,850 individuals.

Tanzania picked the giraffe as their national animal because of its grace and long neck, representing the skill to be visionary. And, they serve as a reminder for people to see life from different perspectives.

Best Places to see them – Tarangire, Serengeti, and Arusha National Parks

Tanzania’s Largest Animal – The Gentle Giants!

The African Savannah Elephant is the largest animal in Tanzania. With their iconic curved tusks, elongated trunks, and massive frames, they command attention and inspire awe for visitors on Safaris to Tanzania. Some of the best Tanzania National Parks to see elephants are listed below:

Serengeti National Park – Although Serengeti’s main claim to fame is the Great Migration, the park also has a sizable population of elephants. Expect to see several herds when on a Tanzania Safari here, as the numbers go over 7,000.

Tarangire National Park – Located in the northern section of Tanzania, Tarangire is home to more than 2,500 elephants. One of the park’s major highlights is the sheer size of the elephant herds. They gather in great numbers at the Tarangire River during the dry season.

Want to learn more about the extensive wildlife population of Tanzania? Then be sure to click on this link – https://africanscenicsafaris.com/blog/safaris-to-tanzania-travel-for-a-great-wildlife-experience/

Tanzania Safaris bring you face-to-face with the wild—roaming beside elephants, spotting rare rhinos, and discovering nature’s wonders in their purest form, all guided by respect and curiosity.

Getting Personal on Tanzania Safaris!

Now that we’ve gone over the primary Tanzania Wildlife highlights, let’s see the best way to see these animals in an up-close and personal manner. The answer is walking safaris!

These are all about getting the authentic game-viewing experience and acquiring a deeper appreciation of Tanzania’s varied wildlife.

Experience – Walking safaris offer a unique and exhilarating way to explore Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems.

• Led by experienced guides, these safaris take you away from the confines of a vehicle and onto the untamed landscapes.
• This is where you’ll become part of the wilderness.
• The thrill of venturing on foot through the bush heightens your senses, enabling you to fully immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the natural environment.

Advantage – On foot, you can quietly approach animals without disrupting their natural behaviour, allowing for more authentic and intimate encounters.

Here’s an overall idea of what you can expect on Walking Safaris in Tanzania:

Leave A Footprint On Nothing But Your Memories!

On the whole, you will have gathered by now that the best way to get up close and personal with animals on Tanzania Safaris is by opting for walking tours. Now the question is do you want to leave as little a footprint on the wildlife of this country and go on a safari with an operator that emphasizes sustainability?

Then, there’s no better choice than booking a Tanzania Safari Package with us at African Scenic Safaris! With the combination of your priority, tailor-made experiences, and all the wildlife you could ever want, you’ll leave with nothing but prized memories.

Simbo Natai, founder of African Scenic Safaris, crafts sustainable, meaningful Tanzanian journeys rooted in his deep local knowledge and passion.

Director, African Scenic Safaris