When it comes to African safaris, the Big Five are the most sought-after animals. These legendary creatures—lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos—represent the heart of Tanzania’s wildlife and have long captured the imagination of travelers. If you're a first-time safari-goer or a wildlife enthusiast, Tanzania offers some of the best opportunities to see the Big Five up close in their natural habitats. In this guide, we'll explore where and how to spot the Big Five across Tanzania's stunning national parks.
Lions are perhaps the most iconic members of the Big Five, and Tanzania is one of the best places to see them in the wild. Serengeti National Park, home to vast open plains, is renowned for its lion population. Here, you can witness the majestic lions lounging in the grass or hunting in groups. The Serengeti is particularly famous for its prides of lions, which can often be seen stalking their prey during the Great Migration—a spectacular event where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the plains in search of greener pastures.
Ngorongoro Crater is another prime location to spot lions. The crater's rich ecosystem supports a dense population of wildlife, and lion sightings are frequent, with some of the largest and most powerful males found here.
Elephants are a symbol of strength and wisdom in Africa, and Tanzania is home to some of the largest elephant populations on the continent. Tarangire National Park is one of the best places to see these gentle giants in large numbers. During the dry season, herds of up to 300 elephants gather near the Tarangire River, making for unforgettable sightings.
Elephants can also be spotted in Serengeti National Park and the Selous Game Reserve. Watching these massive animals roam freely across the savannah is an awe-inspiring experience, especially when you see them up close on a game drive.
Leopards are the most elusive of the Big Five, making them a thrilling sight for any safari-goer. These solitary cats are known for their stealth and are often spotted lounging in trees, where they can observe their surroundings and hide their prey. Serengeti National Park, particularly the central Seronera area, is one of the best places to see leopards in Tanzania.
Another great location is Lake Manyara National Park, where leopards are frequently found resting in the park’s giant fig trees. Spotting a leopard requires patience and sharp eyes, but the reward is well worth the wait.
Black rhinos are the rarest members of the Big Five, but Tanzania offers a few key places where you can see these magnificent creatures. Ngorongoro Crater is one of the last strongholds for black rhinos in Tanzania. The crater’s protected environment provides a safe haven for these critically endangered animals, and while sightings are not as frequent as other members of the Big Five, the chance to see a black rhino in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
African buffalos are one of the most abundant members of the Big Five and can be found in many of Tanzania's national parks. Lake Manyara National Park and Serengeti National Park are prime locations for buffalo sightings. These large, powerful animals are often seen in large herds grazing across the savannah or resting near waterholes. Despite their calm appearance, buffalos are known for their unpredictable nature, making them one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.
Tanzania’s vast national parks and game reserves provide multiple opportunities to see the Big Five in their natural habitats. The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Selous Game Reserve are all top destinations for safari-goers hoping to witness these iconic animals.
When planning your African safari, it’s best to work with experienced guides who know the best times and places for Big Five sightings. Many parks also offer specialized game drives, walking safaris, and even hot-air balloon rides, giving you unique perspectives on Tanzania's incredible wildlife.
The Big Five are the stars of Tanzania’s rich wildlife, and spotting them on safari is a thrilling experience for any traveler. From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the lush crater of Ngorongoro, Tanzania offers some of the best opportunities to see lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos in the wild. Whether you’re a first-time safari-goer or a seasoned wildlife lover, Tanzania's parks promise unforgettable encounters with these iconic animals.
Due to the recent Covid 19 worldwide pandemic, to keep our guests and indeed our staff safe, we have made some changes to Safari By Z that we would like to make you aware. We believe that with careful planning and consideration by our staff and guests we can continue to provide the best hospitality services on safari. For now, this may be our new norm.
New routines:
All our staff have received full training in health and safety-related to the COVID-19 virus and are required to be extra vigilant with their personal hygiene and daily routines.
Health condition of driver-guides will be monitored for not less than a week before being assigned to take clients on safari.
City transfer and safari vehicles will be regularly disinfected before picking up clients, especially the high-touch surfaces and seats.
Our meet and greet teams at airports will still be there to accompany guests into transfer vehicles. While our vehicles are already cleaned between transfers, they will now also be disinfected between each use.
To keep social distancing, safari vehicles with 4-window seats will be redesigned to take only 2 people in the passenger cabin. Safari vehicles with 6-window seats will still be available for families/group of friends wishing to travel together in one vehicle.
The driver-guide will be at hand to oversee guests observe the recommended physical distancing at park entry gates, picnic sites, and while checking in at accommodation facilities.
Each guest will receive their own adventure kit, which includes a Wildlife Guides' Journal, mini fan and hand sanitizers, as well as a pair of binoculars – all in cleaned before each new set of guests
The driver-guide will take necessary personal protection precautions at all times. Guests are encouraged to come with their own masks;
Please be assured that all our selection of partner properties we work with have their strict COVID-19 hygiene practises in place.
Tanzania wasn't Really affected by Covid 19 to the same extent as most other countries, especially those in Europe and South America.
However, we will keep the above measures in place for your peace of mind. Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to welcoming you to the Tanzania for your African safari holiday of a lifetime.
