Tanzania's incredible wildlife awaits - from elephant families to hunting big cats and the world's greatest animal migration.
Tanzania offers one of Earth's most spectacular wildlife experiences—a safari through landscapes teeming with elephants, big cats, wildebeest, and countless other species. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning for another adventure, Tanzania's national parks deliver unparalleled encounters with Africa's iconic animals.
The Wildlife Awaiting You
Elephants
Tanzania hosts some of Africa's largest elephant populations:
- TarangireFamous for massive herds (300+ in dry season)
- RuahaTanzania's largest elephant population
- SelousVast numbers in wild setting
- SerengetiRegular sightings throughout
- NgorongoroLarge bulls in the crater
Watching an elephant herd at a waterhole, babies protected in the center, is an unforgettable experience.
Big Cats
Three magnificent cat species roam Tanzania:
Lions:
- Tanzania has one of Africa's largest lion populations
- Best viewing: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater
- Pride behavior readily observable
- Hunting action especially during migration
Leopards:
- Elusive but regularly seen
- Best viewing: Serengeti's Seronera Valley
- Often found in trees
- Dawn and dusk most active
Cheetahs:
- Open plains specialists
- Best viewing: Serengeti, Ngorongoro
- Daytime hunters—great for viewing
- Exciting high-speed chases
The Great Wildebeest Migration
Nature's greatest wildlife spectacle:
- 1.5 million wildebeest moving constantly
- 300,000+ zebras accompanying them
- 200,000 gazelles and other antelope
- Year-round phenomenon in different locations
- Dramatic river crossings (July-October)
- Calving season (January-February)
Tanzania's Premier Parks
Serengeti National Park
The iconic safari destination:
- 14,763 km² of protected wilderness
- Home to the Great Migration
- Excellent big cat viewing
- Diverse landscapes from plains to woodlands
- Year-round wildlife
Ngorongoro Crater
The world's largest intact caldera:
- 260 km² of concentrated wildlife
- 25,000+ animals within the crater
- Best place to see black rhino
- Spectacular scenery
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tarangire National Park
The elephant capital:
- Massive elephant herds
- Beautiful baobab-studded landscape
- Excellent dry-season viewing
- Less crowded than Serengeti
- Great bird diversity
Lake Manyara National Park
Compact gem with variety:
- Famous tree-climbing lions
- Thousands of flamingos
- Diverse habitats in small area
- Excellent bird watching
- Easy access from Arusha
Ruaha National Park
Wild and remote:
- Tanzania's largest national park
- Huge elephant and predator populations
- Few tourists—exclusive experience
- Excellent walking safaris
- Beautiful river scenery
Beyond the Big Five
Diverse Wildlife
Tanzania's fauna includes:
- GiraffeBoth Masai and reticulated subspecies
- HippopotamusIn rivers and lakes throughout
- ZebraEndless herds in migration areas
- CrocodilesMassive Nile crocs at river crossings
- HyenasBoth spotted and striped species
- Wild dogsEndangered but present in some parks
- Countless antelope speciesFrom tiny dik-dik to giant eland
Bird Life
Over 1,100 bird species including:
- Flamingos by the thousands
- Iconic lilac-breasted roller
- Powerful martial eagle
- Bizarre secretary bird
- Colorful bee-eaters and sunbirds
The Safari Experience
Game Drives
The classic safari activity:
- Morning drives (6:00-10:00 AM)
- Afternoon drives (3:30-6:30 PM)
- Expert guides spot wildlife
- Open-top vehicles for viewing
- Flexible for wildlife sightings
Walking Safaris
Available in select areas:
- Eye-level wildlife encounters
- Learn tracking skills
- Appreciate smaller creatures
- Guided by armed rangers
Night Drives
Where permitted:
- Spot nocturnal species
- Hunting predator activity
- Aardvarks, civets, genets
- Different perspective on the bush
When to Visit
Dry Season (June-October)
- Best overall wildlife viewing
- Animals concentrated at water
- Migration river crossings
- Peak tourist season
Wet Season (November-May)
- Green landscapes
- Calving season (February)
- Fewer tourists
- Lower prices
- Great bird watching
Why Choose Tanzania
Unmatched Diversity
- Multiple world-class parks
- Every major African species
- Varied landscapes and habitats
- Great Migration spectacle
Infrastructure
- Well-developed tourism industry
- Range of accommodation options
- Experienced guides and operators
- Good road network in parks
Beyond Safari
- Kilimanjaro climbing
- Zanzibar beaches
- Cultural experiences
- Complete African adventure
Your Safari Awaits
From the massive elephant herds of Tarangire to the lion prides of the Serengeti, from the wildebeest-packed plains to the rhino-rich Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania delivers the African safari experience of your dreams.
The animals are waiting. The landscapes are calling. Your Tanzania safari adventure is just a booking away.
