ANIMALS IN TANZANIA
Tanzania has the highest animal population density 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? About 60,000 African elephants and about 200 rare black rhinos. In addition to the Big Five, you can also spot other beautiful animals, such as monkeys, giraffes, antelopes, wildebeest, zebras, hyenas, you name it. Which of these animals would you like to see during a safari?
BIG FIVE IN TANZANIA
The Big Five represents the 5 most powerful mammals that you can see during a safari or game drive. They are also called the rulers of the animal kingdom.
BUFFALO
Buffaloes can grow up to 1.6 meters in height and weigh about 700 kilos. They live in huge herds and feed on grass.
When alone, buffalo are considered unexpectedly harmful, as they kill anything that comes near them. They have poor eyesight, but excellent hearing.
LION
Tanzania, with its legendary Serengeti plains and breathtaking national parks, offers a unique opportunity to see the kings of the savannah in their natural environment.
Hear the roar of the 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. The 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 as they often steal their prey.
LEOPARD
It remains an impressive sight to see the fastest land animals in the world hunting during a safari in the Serengeti, the cheetah. Here you have a great chance of spotting these beautiful animals in their natural environment.
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 center of their spots, which are slightly larger than those of leopards. They also have a sturdier build, in contrast to the slender build of a leopard. This also makes leopards 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, the panther is sometimes mentioned among animals in Asia, and leopard among animals in Africa. There is also the black panther, which 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 than the above animals and is the only living species of the genus Acinonyx. The cheetah is the fastest land animal in the world, with a top speed of almost sixty miles per hour.
RHINO
Rhinos are gigantic and powerful animals, weighing up to 1,400 kilograms. They mainly eat leafy plants, branches, roots, and fruits. As important herbivores, their role in shaping and maintaining ecosystems highlights the importance of maintaining their populations for the overall health of biodiversity.
They are a critically endangered species, as they are at risk of extinction. As such, several organizations are taking action to protect the rhino.
The Black Rhino
The black rhino is one of the most endangered animals in the world. There are fewer than 100 rhinos left in the wild in Tanzania. Their habitat is the Ngorongoro Crater. Seeing these giants in the wild is a special experience. With their distinctive two horns and powerful build, they are not only impressive to see, but also essential to the ecosystem.โ
Unfortunately, the black rhino is seriously threatened by poaching and habitat loss. It remains important to protect these unique animals and as a result their numbers have been increasing again since 2019.
ELEPHANT
โTarangire, home of the elephantโ. The largest concentration of elephants in the world can be found in Tarangire National Park. A ‘must’ visit during your safari trip through Tanzania. โ The elephants live 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, the elephants have to eat about 200 kilos of food per day. They also have to drink 70 to 160 liters of water per day.
Diversity of animals, such as giraffes, hippos, monkeys and more
THE GIRAFFE, THE NATIONAL ANIMAL OF TANZANIA
When you go on safari in Tanzania you will definitely encounter giraffes. Not only in the national parks, but also outside of them you sometimes see them walking by. Always special to see these beautiful animals.
HIPPOPOTAMUS
During a game drive in the Serengeti, there is a good chance that you will encounter hippos! These impressive animals often live in groups in rivers and lakes, where they cool off in the water during the day and protect themselves from the sun. 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 powerfully if they feel threatened. โ
In central Serengeti lies Retina Hippo pool. Hundreds of hippos live here together. They cool off from the heat during the day in the shallow water. 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 their gigantic open mouths!
MONKEYS
During a safari you will encounter different species of monkeys, such as baboons and vervet monkeys, which often sit along the road or in trees.
โ Very special is the White colobus monkey, which can only be seen in Arusha National Park and the Red colobus monkey, in the Jozani Forest on Zanzibar. This rare species can only be found on this beautiful island. Jozani Forest is the only National Park on Zanzibar and definitely worth a visit!โ
THE GREAT MIGRATION IN TANZANIA
The migration of millions of wildebeest (gnus), zebras, and gazelles takes place every year in the Serengeti in Tanzania and partly in the Masai Mara National Park in Kenya. During this migration, the herds move through the entire area, looking for grass and water to survive. The game cannot stay in the same place all year round due to the drought. A spectacle that also attracts many predators such as lions, leopards, and crocodiles.
BIRDWATCHING IN TANZANIA
Tanzania is a birdwatcherโs paradise! With 1,112 bird species, the country offers a huge diversity of special birds that you can spot during your safari. Some of the most popular species are albatrosses, black eagles, cranes, flamingos, ostriches and many more.
Tanzania is also home to 60,000 insect species, 100 snake species, and hundreds of fish, reptiles and amphibians.
Curious about the possibilities for your trip to Tanzania? Contact us.
