Wildlife in Tanzania: What Animals You Can Expect on Safari

Tanzania is one of the best places on Earth to witness wildlife in its natural habitat. From the legendary Big Five to massive herds of wildebeest, the animals in Tanzania attract nature lovers and safari enthusiasts from around the world. With an incredible variety of species spread across national parks and conservation areas, Tanzania offers some of the most iconic wildlife experiences in Africa.

Whether you’re headed to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, or another top safari destination, this guide will help you discover the most fascinating animals in Tanzania and what to expect on your unforgettable adventure.

The Big Five: Most Famous Animals in Tanzania

The Big Five were originally named by hunters as the most difficult animals to hunt, but today they’re the most sought-after wildlife sightings for safari-goers. In Tanzania, you can see all five:

Lion

Common in Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater
Often spotted lounging in the shade or near watering holes
Known as “Simba” in Swahili

Leopard

Elusive and shy; look for them in trees
Best seen early morning or at dusk
Found in Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ruaha

Elephant

Abundant in Tarangire National Park
Also seen in Serengeti and Lake Manyara
Watch for them traveling in herds or cooling off in mud

Buffalo

Found almost everywhere, especially in Ngorongoro
Move in large herds
Often underestimated, but very powerful and unpredictable

Rhinoceros

The rarest of the Big Five in Tanzania
Best chance to spot a black rhino is in Ngorongoro Crater

Other Iconic Safari Animals in Tanzania

Tanzania’s wildlife goes far beyond the Big Five. Here are more animals you’re likely to see on safari:

Giraffe

Tanzania’s national animal (and my personal favourite)
Easy to spot in Tarangire and Serengeti
Graceful, curious, and often seen in small groups

Zebra

Found in huge numbers, especially during migration
Often seen with wildebeest – ask your guide about their special friendship!
Their striped pattern is unique to each individual

Wildebeest

Famous for the Great Migration
Over 1.5 million migrate through Serengeti to Kenya and back
Best seen between June and October in northern Serengeti

Predators and Rare Sightings

Cheetah

Best spotted in the Serengeti plains
Active during the day, unlike most big cats
Fastest land animal — blink and you might miss it

Hyena

Frequently misunderstood, but very smart
Seen in most parks, especially Serengeti and Ngorongoro
Known for their laugh-like calls

Crocodile and Hippo

Found in rivers and lakes, especially in Selous and Serengeti
Hippos spend most of their day in water, emerging at night to graze

Primates and Birds

Baboons and Monkeys

Olive baboons and vervet monkeys are common
Seen in parks, towns, and even lodges
Curious but can be mischievous or even aggressive (baboons) — don’t feed them and take care to keep your food well stored.

Birdlife

Over 1,100 species recorded in Tanzania
Flamingos at Lake Natron and Ngorongoro
Eagles, kingfishers, bee-eaters, and hornbills are birding highlights

Where to See the Most Wildlife

National Park	Highlights
Serengeti	Big cats, wildebeest migration, elephants
Ngorongoro Crater	All Big Five, high wildlife density
Tarangire	Elephants, baobab trees, fewer crowds
Lake Manyara	Flamingos, tree-climbing lions
Selous (Nyerere)	Boat safaris, crocodiles, hippos

Also see: Top 10 Things to Do in Arusha Besides a Safari and Where to Stay in Arusha

Final Safari Tips

Bring binoculars for spotting distant animals
Be patient — the best sightings often come to those who wait
Travel with an experienced guide who knows animal behavior and movements
Visit multiple parks for variety — each offers something unique in terms of animal population as well as landscape

Plan Your Trip

Now that you know what animals to expect on a Tanzanian safari, it’s time to plan your perfect trip.

Check out:

Wildlife Guide: What Animals Can You See in Tanzania?

The Big Five: Most Famous Animals in Tanzania