Best places to see animals in Tanzania : Tanzania is home to captivating beaches, historic archaeological sites, old cultural structures, amazing wildlife spectacles, and breathtaking landscapes, making it one of the most popular safari destinations in the world. The annual wildebeest migration, lions that climb trees, massive herds of elephants, sightings of the Big Five, flamingo-covered lakes, and crocodile-infested rivers are just a few of Tanzania’s amazing wildlife spectacles.
The well-known national parks and reserves in Tanzania, renowned for their diverse range of wildlife, are included in our helpful list of the top locations to watch animals in Tanzania.
Arusha National Park.
Arusha is home to many giraffes, buffaloes, and zebras despite not having the big five. The game vehicles will stop at the Ngurdoto Crater, a volcanic crater with a swamp floor, on the majority of Arusha safaris. Encircled by forests, Ngurdoto Crater is a wonderful spot to view warthogs, buffaloes, elephants, and antelopes of all sorts. The Big Momela, Little Momela, El Kekhotoito, Kusare, Lekandiro, Rishateni, and Tulusia are among the Momella Lakes. It is also typical to see buffaloes and giraffes near the banks of these rivers.
The park’s lone freshwater lake, Lake Longil, gives safari guests the opportunity to witness buffaloes and waterbucks in their native environment. Within the borders of Arusha National Park, the Tululusia Hill and waterfall area is a great place to see animals. On their safari, a few lucky guests have encountered leopards, red duiker, and tree-dwelling pythons.
Diverse animals can be found in the forests, savannahs, and fertile slopes of Mount Meru. Colobus, olive, and red-tailed monkeys can be found in the mountain’s wooded areas, while zebras and giraffes can be spotted grazing in the savannas.
Lake Manyara National Park.
You will be met at the entry of Lake Manyara National Park not only by park rangers and staff, but also by local primates including olive baboons and blue monkeys who live in the forest patch there.
One of the many things that visitors to Lake Manyara National Park have to look forward to is the fact that lions that climb trees have demonstrated a penchant for acacia trees. Numerous investigations have attempted to identify the cause of the lions’ actions at Lake Manyara National Park. While some argue that lions climb trees because they provide an excellent viewpoint, another hypothesis contends that lions first climbed trees to avoid fly and mosquito epidemics a strategy that has been replicated by succeeding generations.
There are thousands of migratory birds drawn to Lake Manyara. Among these are the pink flamingos that cover the lake’s surface, which contrast spectacularly with the lake’s ash-colored waters. On the northern banks of Lake Manyara, the park’s hippo pool is one location where seeing hippos is a given.
In Lake Manyara National Park, around 400 different species of birds may be found. During a safari, guests can witness a wide variety of bird species due to the abundance and diversity of birds in the area. The black heron, glossy ibis, small bee-eater, martial eagle, and silvery-cheeked hornbill are the bird species most frequently spotted.
Serengeti National Park.
While Serengeti is a great spot to see animals all year round, June through September is the best time to witness the wildebeest migration there. Because there is less foliage during the dry season, which runs from July to October, it is even simpler to see species. View the yearly evolution of the wildebeest migration by viewing our comprehensive infographic. You can select the ideal time to visit the park based on your schedule and preferences.
One of Africa’s deadliest predators, the Nile crocodile, lives in the wetlands of the Mara River, together with hippos. With its high concentration of elephants, buffaloes, and lions, Serengeti is one of Tanzania’s finest locations to observe three of the big five. A few fortunate safari-goers may also be able to spot the seldom seen black rhino and leopard. Furthermore, a significant number of cheetahs may be found in Tanzania’s Serengeti, and spotted hyenas, black-backed jackals, and golden jackals constantly follow the lead set by the big cats, who are the apex predators. These hunters will either attempt to take their victim by stealth or feed on their remains.
Grumeti River provides fantastic views of mammoth herds crossing its banks during the migration. Grumeti River’s isolated location in the park’s western corridor provides tourists with a respite from the crowds. Throughout the year, tourists can also frequently spot lions, cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, and Nile crocodiles.
Ruaha National Park.
Ruaha River, which flows along the park’s southeast boundary and bears the park’s name, is the ideal location for game viewing. Njombe, another river, winds through the gorges and rugged terrain of the park. On the banks of these rivers are Nile crocodiles, relaxing in the sun for visitors to see. Several species, including herds of elephants, buffalo, giraffes, impalas, and kudus, come to these water sources to drink and relieve their thirst. Additionally, there’s a possibility to see one of the many predators, including spotted hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, and wild dogs.
Visitors should explore the Mbage-Mwagusi circuit for a better chance of seeing wildlife, and the Mdonya Woodlands for views of roan antelope, sable, and hartebeest.
The abundance of lions and elephants in Ruaha National Park is one of its main draws. Protecting Tanzania’s lion population, it is also one of the country’s most important Lion Conservation Reserves.
Selous Game Reserve.
One of the main draws along Tanzania’s southern park circuit is the Selous Game Reserve. Owing to its high concentration of wildlife, Selous Game Reserve offers fantastic chances for wildlife observation. Despite its prominence, it is one of Tanzania’s less frequented and hence less congested parks, giving visitors the freedom to see the wildlife without being disturbed. Along with lions and leopards, the African wild dog an endangered species has a robust and sizeable population in Selous Game Reserve.
Predators frequently follow the park’s fauna, which includes giraffes, zebras, impalas, buffaloes, and waterbucks, to the Rufiji River, Lake Tagalaga, and many waterholes in the Selous. Should fortune favour you, you may even get a glimpse of a lion pursuing its meal. Selous is well-known for its thrilling boat excursions and walking safaris, which let guests get up close and personal with the wildlife in its natural environment.
Tarangire National Park.
For those who like to witness massive herds of elephants in their native environment, Tarangire National Park is the best option. Together with four of the big five African animals elephants, lions, buffaloes, and leopards it boasts Tanzania’s biggest population of elephants. Primates that are frequently seen around the national park include groups of baboons and vervet monkeys. Vervet monkeys especially congregate around the park’s picnic areas and aren’t above stealing your meal.
The swamps and water sources in Tarangire are the best locations to watch hippos. Of all the predators, lions are the most likely to be spotted than any other, including cheetahs, leopards, and African wild dogs. Another feature of Tarangire is its tree-climbing pythons, which are compelled to go for cover when the wetlands dry out.
Five of the most frequently seen birds in the Tarangire sky are the ashy starling, speckle-fronted weaver, red-and-yellow barbet, red-bellied parrot, and tawny eagle. With over 500 different bird species in the park, November through April is the greatest time to see them.
