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What are the big 5 in Tanzania?

Big Five is the name which implies the five most popular and famous animals in African Wildlife safaris. Big-game hunters originally coined the term, which brings in focus on five animals that are hardest to track by foot. Safari tourism has embraced the term today and it has become an epitome of the ultimate wildlife experience. With vast savannas, protected national parks, and rich biodiversity, Tanzania is regarded as one of the finest countries in Africa to see all the Big Five in their natural habitat.

1. Lion (Panthera leo)

The lion is a symbol of strength, and power; being the King of the Jungle. Tanzania has one of the biggest populations of lions in Africa, especially in Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Ruaha National Park. Lions are known social cats and they live in a pride usually seen around acacia trees or hunting together. Safari visitors are also lucky to encounter lions at close range and this is especially during early morning or late afternoon game drives

2. African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)

The African elephant is the largest land animal in the world.  Elephants are widespread in Tarangire National Park in Tanzania that has high concentrations of elephants, Serengeti and Selous Game Reserve. They are highly intelligent and emotional animals that usually travel in herds and are appreciated by their sizable appearance and long tusks.

3. Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)

African buffalo commonly referred to as Cape buffalo are unpredictable and considered among the most dangerous among the Big Five. They are very strong animals and they tend to move in big herds to the extent of 100s of them. Almost all the major parks in Tanzania have buffalos such as Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Katavi National Parks.

4. Leopard (Panthera pardus)

Leopards are elusive, solitary and night predators which have speed, stealth and beautiful looks. Having spotted coats and strong physiques, they like to hunt in the night and will tend to spend sleeping hours in trees. Despite being difficult to sight compared to the lions or the elephants. Leopards can be found in parks such as Serengeti, Ruaha, and Lake Manyara. The appearance of a leopard during the safari can be called a highlight because it is a rare sight.

Serengeti National Park offers the highest chances of seeing leopards, especially in areas like Seronera. Lake Manyara’s forested regions also provide good opportunities.

5. Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis)

The black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) is critically endangered and the rarest of the Big Five to see. In Tanzania, your best chance of spotting a black rhino is inside the Ngorongoro Crater, which is one of the few places in East Africa where they roam relatively freely under protection. Very limited numbers are also kept under strict protection in parts of the Serengeti and private conservancies.

Conclusion

The safari adventure in Tanzania is considered one of the most real and exciting in Africa where one has a chance to watch the Big Five: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and black rhino in the picturesque scenes of nature. Whether you find yourself in a remote corner of the Serengeti or exploring the Ngorongoro Crater, the sighting of these wild animals is an experience of a lifetime.

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