Wildlife Safaris
Experience Tanzania’s magical wildlife safaris. In most countries, animals are kept in zoos, but in Tanzania these animals are found in their natural habitat — the wilderness. The untouched savannahs, ancient craters, and endless plains offer a glimpse into the purest form of wildlife.
Biodiversity at a glance: Tanzania is home to over 430 mammal species (Brilliant Africa wildlife guide) and over 1100 species of birds (Tanzania Birding Association). This makes the country one of the richest wildlife destinations on Earth.
The Big Five
The most iconic animals — known as the Big Five — include the lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard. These magnificent species roam freely across Tanzania’s premier parks such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCAA), and Tarangire National Park.
In the latest reports, it shows that Tanzania has the largest prides of lions in Africa. The Big Five can be spotted in top natural parks and travel destinations such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater (NCAA), and Tarangire — offering unrivaled safari experiences.
Prey & Predators
Tanzania hosts both prey and predators especially in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Mikumi National Parks.
Prey – meaning: animals that are hunted and eaten by other animals.
Predators – meaning: animals that hunt and feed on other animals.
Predators of Tanzania
Prey Animals in Tanzania Wildlife
Beyond the Big Five
Apart from the Big Five, Tanzania’s wild animals can be grouped into prey and predators. Also, Tanzania wildlife boasts another top world wonder: The Great Migration.
The Great Migration – wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles in constant movement through Serengeti. Witness the dramatic Mara River crossings, crocodile ambushes, and predators that follow the endless herds. (Complete Great Migration Guide | Serengeti Migration Map)
Fauna & Flora
Flora: Acacia trees, baobabs, yellow trumpet flowers, orchids, impala lilies, and sweeping savanna grasses shape the iconic landscape.
Fauna: Over 430 mammal species + 1100 bird species. Includes all Big Five, diverse predators, prey, and countless bird species like lilac-breasted roller, fish eagles, and ostriches.
The Big Five (Recap)
Lions, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard — all these animals are found in top natural parks and travel destinations in Tanzania such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater (NCAA), and Tarangire. These protected areas ensure the survival and thriving of Africa's most iconic species.
Prey & predators summary: Prey – animals that are hunted and eaten by other animals. Predators – animals that hunt and feed on other animals. Key predators include lions, leopard, spotted hyenas, African wild dogs, Nile crocodile. This delicate balance maintains the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, one of the last great wildernesses on earth.
Predators include: Lions, Leopard, Spotted hyenas, African wild dogs, Nile crocodile.
Prey animals: Wildebeest, Zebras, Gazelles, Giraffes, Warthog, Impala, Waterbuck, Bushbucks.
Flora highlights: Acacia trees, baobabs, yellow trumpet flowers, orchids, impala lilies, grasses.
Fauna summary: over 430 mammal species + 1100 bird species. Includes all Big Five, prey, predators, and countless birds.
Text based on original Tanzania wildlife copy — complete guide to the wild. For more information, explore the links above.
Tanzania Wildlife — where the wild heart of Africa beats.
Wildlife & Animals – Tanzania
Tanzania is one of Africa's most iconic safari destinations, home to the world-famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. The country hosts some of the largest wildlife populations on Earth — from the Great Migration herds to the legendary Big Five. Lions roam freely, elephants and buffalo graze in vast savannas, and the elusive leopard lurks among acacia trees. Tanzania also shelters the rare black rhino and an incredible diversity of birdlife, reptiles, and insects. Its untouched parks and reserves make it a paradise for nature and animal lovers alike.
Lion
Leopard
Cheetah
Hyena
Elephant
Black Rhino
Buffalo
Giraffe
Zebra
Wildebeest
Hippo
National Parks & Game Reserves – Tanzania
✦ Premier Parks & Reserves
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Ruaha National Park
Best Park (not to be missed)
All Parks & Reserves · scroll horizontally ➔
BEST PARKSerengeti NP
Great Migration, endless plains, top predator action – the ultimate safari.
BEST PARKNgorongoro Crater
UNESCO wonder, dense wildlife inside a volcanic caldera.
BEST PARKTarangire NP
Massive elephant herds, baobab landscapes, birding paradise.
BEST PARK GREAT PARKBirds – Tanzania
Tanzania is one of Africa’s premier birding destinations, with over 1,100 recorded species. Its diverse ecosystems — from the Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro highlands to the wetlands of Selous and the shores of Lake Manyara — provide a haven for resident and migratory birds alike. Flocks of flamingos, vibrant bee-eaters, and the iconic Fischer’s lovebird are just a few of the spectacular species found here. Migratory birds from Europe and Asia visit between November and April, making Tanzania a year-round paradise for birdwatchers.
Notable Birds in Tanzania
Fischer’s Lovebird
common
Lilac-breasted Roller
common
Grey Crowned Crane
common
Lesser Flamingo
abundant (seasonal)
Martial Eagle
occasional
African Fish Eagle
common
Carmine Bee-eater
common (migratory)
Tanzania Safari Tours
4 days Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro - Zanzibar fly-in
5 days Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara
6 days luxury safari Northern Tanzania
7 days luxury Serengeti, Ndutu & Ngorongoro calving season
9 days Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Beach Experience
