Tanzania's Iconic Wildlife: The Top 10 Species to Spot in the Wild

A safari in Tanzania brings you face-to-face with prehistoric, beautiful, and dramatic wildlife. Here is what you should look out for on your game drives.

1. The African Lion

Known as the King of the Jungle, Tanzania is home to over 15,000 wild lions, with the Serengeti supporting some of the largest prides. You can see them resting under acacia trees or stalking prey in the grasses.

2. The Leopard

A solitary and elusive member of the Big Five, leopards are typically seen draped across branches of sausage trees or yellow fever trees in Serengeti and Lake Manyara.

3. The African Elephant

Tanzania boasts enormous elephant herds, particularly in Tarangire National Park, where hundreds gather along the Tarangire River during dry seasons.

4. The Black Rhinoceros

The rarest member of the Big Five. Your best chance to spot this highly endangered prehistoric mammal is on the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater.

5. The Cheetah

The fastest land mammal, built for speed on open plains. They hunt in wide-open plains of the Serengeti and Ndutu during daylight hours.

6. The Cape Buffalo

Known for their heavy, fused horns and formidable nature. They gather in massive herds of thousands in Serengeti and Katavi.

7. The Hippopotamus

Vast pods of hippos submerge in muddy pools during the day, creating high vocal activity. The Hippo Pool in central Serengeti is an excellent viewing spot.

8. The Masai Giraffe

Tanzania's national animal, instantly recognizable by its irregular leaf-like patterns. You can spot them browsing acacia tops in Arusha National Park and Serengeti.

9. The Wildebeest

Over 1.5 million wildebeests form the backbone of the Great Migration, moving in a continuous loop across the Serengeti ecosystem.

10. The Plains Zebra

Zebras travel alongside wildebeests during the migration, using their keen eyesight and memory to help find water and avoid predators.