Tanzania is one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife destinations, home to the legendary big five —lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo.
From the vast plains of the Serengeti to the lush crater of Ngorongoro, Tanzania offers some of the best opportunities to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. In this guide, we’ll explore the big five, their behaviors, cultural significance, and the best places to see them— along with a special mention of the awe-inspiring Great Migration.
Whether you’re planning a safari or simply fascinated by African wildlife, this is your ultimate introduction to Tanzania’s most famous animals.
Ready?
Let’s go on a game drive.
What are the big five animals in Tanzania?
The term big five refers to a legendary group of Africa’s most iconic wildlife:
- Lion
- Leopard
- African elephant
- Rhinoceros
- African buffalo.
Today, spotting the big five in their natural habitat is a highlight for visitors exploring the continent’s renowned game reserves and national parks.
Why are they called the big five animals?
The term big five was originally coined by big-game hunters to describe the most challenging animals to track on foot. Today, it is widely associated with Africa’s most thrilling safari experiences.
Now, let’s see more about each of these big ones.
Lion
One of Africa’s most iconic predators, the lion is unique among big cats for its strong social structure, living in prides that function as close-knit family units.
Revered as the “king of the jungle,” this title is more symbolic than literal, as lions primarily inhabit grasslands, savannahs, and shrublands rather than dense forests.
As apex predators, they play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance by hunting medium to large ungulates.
Lions are primarily nocturnal hunters, using teamwork and stealth to ambush their prey under the cover of darkness. Males are easily recognizable by their impressive manes, which not only enhance their regal appearance but also serve as a display of strength and dominance.
Interestingly, lions are among the laziest of the big cats, spending up to 16 to 20 hours a day resting and conserving energy for their next hunt.
In the video below, kindly shared by one of our clients, you can see some lions playfully resting:
Tanzania is home to some of the largest lion populations in Africa, making it one of the best places to witness these magnificent creatures in the wild. Visitors on safari can spot lions year-round in several renowned national parks and reserves, including:
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area
- Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Ruaha National Park
- Nyerere National Park
Lion: facts & figures
The Maasai people and their relationship with lions
The Maasai people of Kenya and Tanzania have a deep cultural connection with lions, which historically played a key role in their warrior traditions.
In the past, young Maasai warriors, known as Moran, proved their bravery through Ala-mayo, a rite of passage that involved hunting lions. This act was not for sport but rather a test of courage and a demonstration of their ability to protect livestock from predators.
However, as conservation efforts have grown, the Maasai have adapted their traditions to focus on lion protection rather than hunting. Programs like the Lion Guardians Program train young warriors to track, monitor, and safeguard lions instead of hunting them, using traditional knowledge combined with modern conservation techniques.
Despite their reverence for lions, the Maasai sometimes face conflicts with them due to attacks on livestock. Conservation initiatives now work with communities to mitigate these conflicts through fortified bomas (livestock enclosures) and compensation programs that encourage peaceful coexistence.
Lions also hold spiritual significance in Maasai folklore, often symbolizing strength, leadership, and resilience. Encountering a lion in the wild is sometimes seen as a sign or test of courage.
Elephant
The African elephant is the world’s largest land mammal, with adult males (bulls) weighing up to 6 tons and standing over 10 ft (3m) tall at the shoulder.
Massive yet highly intelligent, elephants are active both day and night, spending most of their time foraging for food. An elephant can consume over 300 lb (136 kg) of vegetation daily, feeding on grass, tree bark, leaves, and fruits.
Elephants inhabit a wide range of ecosystems, from swamps and dense woodlands to open plains, adapting to diverse environments across Africa. One of their most defining characteristics is their highly social nature.
This couple went on a game drive with us and shared this picture immortalizing the moment they met an elephant:
They live in matriarchal herds, led by an experienced female who guides the group to water and food sources, passing down crucial survival knowledge to younger generations. Meanwhile, older males, or bulls, often form bachelor groups, occasionally interacting with female herds, especially during mating season.
These majestic animals are also known for their strong emotional bonds and advanced communication skills, using a combination of vocalizations, body language, and even low-frequency rumbles that can be heard over long distances.
They can be found in the following parks:
- Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Serengeti National Park
- Ruaha National Park
- Nyerere National Park
Elephant: facts & figures
Cultural significance of elephants in Tanzania
In Tanzanian culture, elephants are revered for their strength, wisdom, and longevity. Many local communities, including the Maasai, regard elephants as symbols of power and leadership.
In African folklore, elephants are often depicted as wise chiefs who impartially settle disputes among other animals, highlighting their role as symbols of wisdom and justice.
Additionally, elephants play a significant role in Tanzanian art and mythology. The Makonde people, renowned for their intricate carvings, often depict elephants in their artwork, symbolizing their importance in local culture.
Leopard
The leopard is one of Africa’s most elusive big cats, known for its solitary nature and stealthy hunting techniques. Primarily nocturnal, leopards prefer to move under the cover of darkness, though they may occasionally hunt during overcast days.
Their secretive behavior and preference for dense habitats make sightings a rare and thrilling experience on safari.
Leopards are highly territorial, marking their range with scent, claw marks, and vocalizations such as growls, purrs, and rasping coughs.
These adaptable cats thrive in diverse environments, from savannahs and rocky outcrops to lower forest canopies, where they often rest on sturdy branches during the day. They are also strong swimmers, a trait that distinguishes them from many other big cats.
Leopards are among the most versatile and powerful predators in the animal kingdom. When stalking prey, they use a slow, crouching walk, relying on their exceptional vision and hearing to get as close as possible before launching a rapid ambush.
Though they usually hunt alone, their explosive speed allows them to sprint short distances of up to 37 mph (60 km/h). Their athleticism is further demonstrated by their ability to leap over 20ft (6m) horizontally and jump up to 10ft (3m) vertically. Probably what this leopard was trying to do (recorded by one of our clients):
Unlike many predators, leopards are facultative drinkers, meaning they do not rely on water sources and can obtain much of their hydration from their prey. After a successful hunt, they often drag their kills into trees to keep them safe from scavengers such as lions and hyenas. Their powerful jaws and strong limbs allow them to hoist prey much heavier than their own body weight.
Where to see leopards in Tanzania:
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area
- Ruaha National Park
- Nyerere National Park
- Tarangire National Park
Leopard: facts & figures
Rhinoceros
Rhinoceroses are among Africa’s most ancient and formidable mammals, recognized for their thick, armor-like skin and iconic horns.
There are two species of rhino found in Africa: the black rhino and the white rhino. While both are similar in size and stature, they differ in behavior, feeding habits, and facial features.
- Black rhinos have a hooked upper lip, which helps them browse on leaves, twigs, and shrubs. They are typically more solitary and elusive, often preferring dense bushlands.
- White rhinos are larger and more social, with a square-shaped mouth adapted for grazing on grass in open savannahs.
Despite their imposing presence, rhinos are generally shy and non-aggressive unless threatened. Their poor eyesight makes them more likely to charge when startled, though they rely heavily on their keen sense of smell and hearing to navigate their surroundings.
In this video, made by one of our clients, you can see a rhino at Ngorongoro Crater:
In Tanzania, rhinos can be seen at:
Rhinoceros: facts & figures
African buffalo
The African buffalo is one of the most powerful and resilient members of the big five, known for its muscular build, unwavering determination, and strong herd instincts.
Native to sub-Saharan Africa, these large bovines are easily recognizable by their impressive, curved horns, which are particularly striking in adult males.
One of the African buffalo’s most distinctive features is the thick, fused base of the male’s horns, known as the “boss.” This natural armor serves as a defense against both predators and rival bulls during dominance battles. These formidable horns can span over 3 ft (1 m) in length, further emphasizing the buffalo’s strength and dominance in the wild.
African buffaloes are highly social animals, often forming herds that range from a few dozen to several thousand individuals. Their social structure provides strength in numbers, offering protection against predators such as lions, hyenas, and crocodiles.
Large herds typically consist of females and their calves, moving together in coordinated groups. Bachelor herds of males, especially older bulls, tend to be more solitary or live in smaller groups.
These herds practice a mobbing defense strategy, where they band together to fend off attacking predators. Remarkably, buffaloes have been known to rescue injured members from lion attacks, showcasing their strong social bonds and group resilience.
You can spot buffalos in a game drive in one of the following places:
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area
- Tarangire National Park
- Katavi National Park
- Ruaha National Park
- Nyerere National Park
Rhinoceros: facts & figures
A special mention: the wildebeest
Though not part of the big five animals, the wildebeest is the central figure in one of Tanzania’s most breathtaking wildlife spectacles: The Great Migration. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, in search of fresh grazing lands and water. The migration follows a circular route between Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Maasai Mara, driven by the seasonal rains.
The wildebeest, also known as the gnu, is one of Africa’s most iconic grazing animals, famous for its incredible endurance, strong herd instincts, and annual migration. A member of the antelope family, wildebeests are characterized by their robust, muscular build, curved horns, and distinctive sloping back.
Tanzania is home to vast herds of blue wildebeest, particularly in the Serengeti ecosystem, where they play a vital role in shaping the landscape by grazing and fertilizing the grasslands.
Wildebeests are highly social animals, forming large herds that provide protection against predators such as lions, hyenas, and cheetahs. They often graze alongside zebras, which help them detect threats and improve survival chances.
Their strong migratory instinct is influenced by rainfall patterns, allowing them to find nutrient-rich grasses essential for their survival. Despite their seemingly clumsy appearance, wildebeests are fast runners, capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 mpg (80 km/h) to escape predators.
The wildebeest can be seen in these parks:
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area
- Tarangire National Park
- Ruaha National Park
Wildebeest: facts & figures
The best time to see the big five in the wildlife
For the best chance to spot the big five, consider visiting Tanzania during the dry season, when wildlife is more concentrated around water sources.
That’s when most animals are more easily seen, making the most of your time.
We wrote a full article about the best time to visit Tanzania, where you can learn more about the different periods of the year and plan your journey ahead of time.
Best safari to see the big five
Now that you know more about the big five in Tanzania, you might be wondering: what would be the best safari to see them in the wild?
Well, the answer depends on different variables such as period of the year, amount of available time, side interests, and budget. Explore our most popular safari packages on our website. Also, our team is ready to help you plan a tailor-made safari experience.