Tanzania is a wildlife sanctuary, home to exceptional biodiversity. A safari is a continuous quest for identification and discovery. To help you recognize the animals you may encounter, from the most famous to the most elusive, here is a Tanzania wildlife guide. Keep it handy in your jeep!
Large Herbivores
These herbivores are the backbone of the savanna ecosystem. They are often the most numerous and easiest to spot.
- Giraffe: Elegant and majestic, giraffes are impossible to miss. There are several subspecies, but the Maasai giraffe is the most common in Tanzania.
- Zebra: With its unique stripes, the zebra is one of the most photogenic animals. It is an integral part of the Great Migration.
- Wildebeest: Often underestimated, the wildebeest is at the heart of the Great Migration. Millions of wildebeest move each year in search of new pastures.
- Gazelles: Thomson's and Grant's gazelles are everywhere on the plains. They serve as prey for predators, and their spectacular leaps are a delight to watch.
- Antelopes: From elegant Impalas to large Kudus, antelopes are very diverse in Tanzania.
Big Cats and Predators
Predators are the highlight of a safari for many travelers. Watching them hunt is a thrilling experience. For the most famous ones, check our article on the Big 5.
- Lion: The king of the savanna is a social hunter. Lions are found in prides of several individuals, resting under trees.
- Leopard: This solitary and elusive cat is the hardest to spot. It is often seen in trees, where it drags its prey.
- Cheetah: The fastest land mammal. Watching it hunt is an incredible spectacle. It prefers open plains for its sprints.
- Hyena: Often misunderstood, hyenas are formidable predators and essential scavengers of the savanna.
Rare and Endemic Animals
For a unique experience, seek out these lesser-known but equally fascinating animals. Our article on the 7 lesser-known animals provides a more detailed overview.
- African Wild Dog: Also called the Lycaon, it is one of the rarest predators.
- Serval: A small cat with large ears, hiding in tall grass.
- Gerenuk: A long-necked antelope that stands on its hind legs to feed.
