Who Are The Big Five Safari Animals? Spotting Tanzania’s Most-Wanted

Lifetime Safaris

03 / May / 2021

Who are the big five safari animals? Well, back when hunting was legal, the lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, and rhino were considered to be the most ferocious bunch. Mainly because they were (and still are) the most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot. Today they’re known as The Big Five, one of the most shot-out safari trophies. The charm of Big Five is sky-high among all wildlife lovers across the globe.

No wonder, Tanzania Safari Tours with its rich natural beauty, endless game drives combined with the unquenchable thrill of spotting Tanzania’s most wanted, has become the safari hotspot of the continent.

Safari Tanzania’s rich biodiversity makes it unique, and the kind of flora and fauna that one can see here is second to none. But, spotting these Big 5 is arguably the Best Safari In Tanzania.

What Are The Big Fives?

Mother Nature has her own hierarchy of animals. The big 5 are settled nicely on top of the food chain. These are the deadliest and most ferocious animals. The big 5 are:

• Lion
• Leopard
• Elephant
• Rhino
• Buffalo

It’s not just their size that earned them the title “Big Five” but the danger they pose, and how difficult they are to hunt. They were the most shot after animals during the hunting days and now they’re the focal point of all visitors eager to capture them on camera.

Tanzania Safari Tours; Popular Big 5 Game Drives

The Tanzania Wildlife Safari Tour will incorporate not only the Big Five but also a variety of other animals. Plus Serengeti’s Great Wildebeest Migration is the biggest highlight of Safari In Tanzania.

The Lion; Tanzania’s Most Wanted Big5

• Undoubtedly the number one predator, the lion is arguably the most iconic of all the big cats. Imagine spotting a lion leisurely, basking in the sun, or snarling ferociously while leaping in for the kill. The king of the jungle is on the top of every safari lover’s checklist. So, naturally, it is the most popular game drive of Tanzania Safari.
• The lions are a safe and awe-inspiring sight for safari-lovers despite having a reputation of being fiercely defensive and territorial.
• We recommend the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park for the best viewing of the lion during Safari Tanzania. Also, if you’re planning your Tanzania Safari Holidays around the Great Migration, expect to see lions lounging on the marshes.

Best time to Lion spotting: February, March, June – November

The Leopard; Tanzania’s Most Wanted Big5

• Out of all the “Big 5”, the leopards are the most elusive species. Mainly because they normally hunt after dark.
• The best time for Leopard spotting is either very early in the morning or at night.
• The Leopards are generally the loner types. Except for their mating time which is around once in three months.
• Having said that keep an eye on the treetops during your game drives for these animals often can be found partially camouflaged in the undergrowth or behind a tree.

Where to spot them: The leopards are best spotted in Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Ruaha National Park

Best time to spot leopard: February – March, and June – November

The Rhino; Tanzania’s most wanted Big5

• Rhinoceros have become an endangered species now.
• Mainly because a female Rhino can give birth once every 5 years.
• You’ll find Rhinos protected in sanctuaries and national parks.
• Basically, there are two types of Rhino to look out for, the Black rhino and the White rhino.
• These elusive huge animals prefer solitude, which makes them even harder to spot.

Where to spot them: Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater

Best time for Rhino Spotting: June- November, February- March

The Buffalo; Tanzania’s most wanted Big5

• Out of all the African ‘Big Fives’, the buffalo is considered to be the most dangerous to humans. This big horned 700 kgs creature is capable of scaring away even the king of the jungle.
• Actually, the buffalos are very protective and territorial in nature. So, if threatened expect them to charge with astonishing speed.
• You can expect to find them in groups and large herds often grazing in savanna and floodplains during your Safari Tanzania.
• However, the older bulls live solitary as they’re no longer strong or aggressive enough to compete with the younger bulls in the herd. You may find them in pairs or in three.

Where to spot them: Serengeti National Park & Ngorongoro Crater

Best time for Rhino Spotting: June- November, February- March

The Elephant; Tanzania’s most wanted Big5

• Safari Tanzania allows you to see two species of elephants; The bush elephant and the forest elephant.
• You can spot the females in groups surrounded by younger females and their offspring. Whereas, adult males and bull elephants usually prefer solitude.

Where to spot them:  You can expect elephant sightings at the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Ruaha National Park.

Best time to see Elephants: February – March, and June – November

Best Safaris In Tanzania

If you are hoping to see all these charismatic creatures and much more in one shot Tanzania Safari Packages, here are some suggestions.

• Serengeti National Park Safari
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Tarangire National Park
• Ruaha National Park
• Lake Manyara National Park
• Selous Game Reserve

Seeing all of these animals roaming wild in Safaris Tanzania will be an unreal experience that is going to stay with you for the rest of your life. It’s such a joy to spot Tanzania’s Most Wanted Big 5 all so free, protected, and content, seeing them all can feel out-of-this-world and totally magical.

Do you hear that? The wild is calling for you. Embark a once in a lifetime journey of Tanzania Safari Tours in pursuit of the alluring Big 5 with the authentic Lifetime Safaris. To know more about our exciting offers and exclusive Tanzania Safari Packages visit our website.

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