Tanzania Wildlife Guide
By the Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris team
Written by our Arusha-based guides and safari planners from first-hand experience in Tanzania.
Tanzania is one of the finest wildlife destinations on Earth. Its parks protect all of the Big Five, the largest mammal migration on the planet, wild chimpanzees and a huge variety of antelope, primates and predators. Where you go and when you travel shapes what you will see.
Where To See the Big Five
| Animal | Best places |
|---|---|
| Lion | Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Ruaha, Tarangire |
| Leopard | Central Serengeti (Seronera) and its kopjes, Tarangire, Ruaha |
| Elephant | Tarangire, Ruaha, Nyerere, Lake Manyara |
| Buffalo | Ngorongoro Crater, Katavi, Serengeti, Arusha National Park |
| Black rhino | Ngorongoro Crater, with occasional sightings in parts of the Serengeti |
The Great Migration
Over a million wildebeest, with zebras and gazelles, move in a loop between the Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of grazing. The timing depends on the rains and changes every year, but a typical pattern looks like this:
- December to March: southern Serengeti and Ndutu, calving around February
- April to May: herds move north and west through the central plains
- June to July: Western Corridor and Grumeti River crossings
- July to October: northern Serengeti and Mara River crossings
- November: herds return south with the short rains
Beyond the Big Five
Look for cheetahs on the open plains, giraffes, zebras, hippos, spotted hyenas, jackals and many antelope, from tiny dik-diks to elands. African wild dogs are most often seen in Ruaha and Nyerere. Chimpanzees live in Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream.
Tanzania Wildlife FAQs
Can you see the Big Five in Tanzania?
Yes. All of the Big Five live in Tanzania. Ngorongoro Crater offers one of the best chances of seeing all five, including black rhino, while the Serengeti and Tarangire are excellent for lions, leopards and elephants.
When is the Great Migration in Tanzania?
The migration is in Tanzania for most of the year. Calving happens in the southern Serengeti around February, and Mara River crossings in the north usually take place from about July to October, depending on the rains.
Where can I see wild dogs in Tanzania?
African wild dogs are most often seen in the southern parks, especially Ruaha and Nyerere. Sightings are never guaranteed, as packs roam over very large areas.
Is it safe to see wildlife up close?
Yes, when you follow your guide. Animals are used to safari vehicles, so staying seated inside the vehicle and keeping quiet allows close and safe sightings.
Plan Your Wildlife Safari
Tell us which animals you most want to see and our guides will design a private tailor-made safari for the right parks at the right time.
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