ANIMALS IN TANZANIA
Tanzania has the highest population density of animals of any country in the world. There are more animals per square kilometer of land than anywhere else. Did you know that Tanzania has more than 430 different species of mammals? Some 60,000 African elephants and about 200 rare black rhinos. In addition to the Big Five, you can also spot other wonderful animals such as monkeys, giraffes, antelopes, wildebeests, zebras, hyenas, you name it. Which of these animals would you like to see on a safari?
BIG FIVE IN TANZANIA
The Big Five represents the 5 most powerful mammals you can see during a safari or game drive. They are also called the rulers of the animal kingdom.
BUFFEL
Buffalo can grow up to 1.6 meters tall and weigh about 700 pounds. They live in huge herds and feed on grass. When alone, buffalo are considered unexpectedly noxious because they kill anything that comes near them. They have poor eyesight, but have excellent hearing.
LEO
Tanzania with its legendary Serengeti plains and breathtaking national parks, offers a unique opportunity to see the kings of the savannah in their natural habitat. Hear the roar of lions in the distance as you enjoy an unforgettable safari experience. Our expert guides share knowledge about their behavior and habitat. Did you know that male lions are too conspicuous with their manes and therefore usually do not hunt. Females hunt by following their prey until they are close enough to attack. However, they have virtually no opponents. Groups of hyenas can be a challenge because they often steal their prey.
LUIPAARD
It remains an impressive sight to see the world’s fastest land animal hunting during a safari in the Serengeti, the cheetah. Here you have a great opportunity to spot these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. But beware: a cheetah is not a leopard, which belongs to the Big Five. Can you distinguish the animals?
Fun fact: there are jaguars, leopards/panthers and cheetahs/cheetahs. These animals are all slightly different. Jaguars (Panthera onca) live in Central and South America. They have a black dot in the middle of their spots, which are slightly larger than those of leopards. They also have a sturdier build, unlike the slender build of a leopard. Because of this, leopards are also more agile than jaguars. Leopards (panthers) are found in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. They live alone because there would be too little food if a leopard had to share its prey. Leopards and panthers belong to the same species (Panthera pardus). However, panther is sometimes referred to as the panther in animals in Asia, and leopard in animals in Africa. You also have the black panther, this is not a separate species, but these animals have an excess of dark pigment. Cheetahs (or cheetahs) live in Africa and Iran and are slimmer than leopards. This animal is a different genus from the above animals and is the only surviving species of the genus Acinonyx. The cheetah is the fastest land animal in the world, with a top speed of nearly one hundred kilometers per hour.
NEUSHOORN
Rhinos are gigantic and strong animals that can weigh 1,400 pounds. They eat mainly leafy plants, branches, roots and fruit. As important herbivores, their role in shaping and maintaining ecosystems emphasizes the importance of maintaining their populations for the overall health of biodiversity.
It is a highly endangered species, as they are at risk of complete extinction. Therefore, actions are being taken by various organizations to protect the rhino.
The black rhinoceros
The black rhino is one of the most endangered animals in the world. Fewer than 100 rhinos live in the wild in Tanzania. Their habitat is the Ngorongoro Crater. It is therefore a special experience to see these giants in the wild. With their distinctive two horns and powerful build, they are not only impressive to behold, but also essential to the ecosystem. Unfortunately, the black rhino is seriously threatened by poaching and habitat loss. It remains important to protect these unique animals, and as a result, since 2019 their numbers are on the rise again.
OLIVE
‘Tarangire, home of the elephant’. The largest concentration of elephants in the world can be found in Tarangire National Park. A ‘must’ visit during your safari trip through Tanzania. The elephants reside in large herds on the plains. The African elephant is the largest mammal on land, weighing 11,000 kg. They spend most of the day eating plants, such as tree bark, leaves and fruit. To get enough food, elephants must eat about 200 kilograms of food a day. They must also drink 70 to 160 liters of water a day.
Diversity of animals, including giraffes, hippos, monkeys and more
THE GIRAFFE, THE NATIONAL ANIMAL OF TANZANIA
When you go on safari in Tanzania, you are bound to encounter giraffes. Not only in the national parks, but even outside of them, you can sometimes see them walking by. Always special to see these beautiful animals.
NIJLPAARD
During a game drive in the Serengeti, chances are you will encounter hippos! These impressive animals often live in groups in rivers and lakes, where they cool and protect themselves from the sun in the water during the day. Although they often look calm, hippos are one of the most dangerous animals in the world. They are very territorial and can react quickly and forcefully when they feel threatened. In central Serengeti lies Retina Hippo pool. Here hundreds of hippos (hippos) live together. Cooling off from the heat they do wonderfully in the shallow water during the day. It is a spectacular sight. Usually only the backs, ears, eyes and nose are visible, but if you take a moment, there are always a few that show off their giant open mouths!
APEN
During a safari, you will encounter different species of monkeys, such as baboons and vervet monkeys, which are often found along the road or in trees. Very special is the White colobus monkey, seen only in Arusha National Park and the Red colobus monkey, in the Jozani Forest on Zanzibar. This rare species is found only on this beautiful island. Jozani Forest is the only National Park on Zanzibar and well worth a visit!
THE GREAT MIGRATION IN TANZANIA
The migration of millions of wildebeest (wildebeest), zebra, and gazelle takes place each year in the Serengeti in Tanzania and partly in the Masai Mara National Park in Kenya. During this migration, the herds move throughout the area in search of grass and water for survival. This is because wildlife cannot stay in the same place all year because of drought. A spectacle that also attracts many predators such as lions, leopards and crocodiles.
BIRD WATCHING IN TANZANIA
Tanzania is a paradise for bird lovers! With 1,112 bird species, the country offers a huge diversity of unusual birds to spot during your safari. Some of the most popular species are albatrosses, black eagles, cranes, flamingos, ostriches and many others.
Tanzania is also home to 60,000 insect species, 100 snake species and hundreds of fish, reptiles and amphibians.
Curious about the options for your trip to Tanzania? Contact us.
