The Big Five Safari in Tanzania

The Big Five Safari in Tanzania: Tanzania is perhaps one of the most endowed countries in terms of natural beauty, featuring some of the best safari destinations in Africa. Of these, the Big Five safari is an archetypical way of wildlife viewing. The term “Big Five” refers to five of the most iconic and sought-after animals in Africa: This comprises of; lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, and rhinoceros. These were the most formidable and perilous game to chase after, or to hunt, and are today the ‘big five’ on most safari traveler’s wish lists. These unique animals can be easily met in Tanzania’s national park and game reserve areas in their natural environment.

Serengeti National Park: The Land of Endless Plains

Wildlife lovers especially those fascinated by the Big Five will find the Serengeti National Park; arguably Tanzania’s most famous wildlife reserve to be a perfect haven. There are large plain areas in this park and this makes it easy to find animals such as lions and elephants. The Serengeti also forms part of the Great Migration path that sees millions of wildebeest, zebras and other bovines migrating in search of better pastures and water, the compliment of which is a following caravan of predators.

Lion: The Lion: Large prides of lions are easily spotted in Serengeti either lazing around the kopjes or hunting on the plains. These splendid predators can be viewed doing their best in the open-countered park areas.

Elephant: Lions are documented to live in large numbers in the Serengeti and many elephants are found dotted around rivers and water sources. They are such gentle animals and it ‘is always interesting to observe how they go around the park and with one another.

Leopard: It is possible to see leopards but they are more camouflaged; they can be found in the Serengeti area, dozing off in ACACIA trees. Leopard being a nocturnal animal people find it even more exciting because of their ability to be inconspicuous combined with colorful patterns.

Buffalo: These wild animals are easily spotted in the Serengeti ecosystem especially during the dry seasons and they are usually found in big herds. These are powerful animals that are characterized by stout and muscular bodies and sleek curved horns.

Rhinoceros: Although the occurrence of the black rhinoceros is disclosed in the location where the movie is set, the ecosystem of the Serengeti, the animals’ population is reported to be quite scarce and secretive. Nonetheless, the conservation efforts have been deemed active towards the protection and enhancement of their numbers.

Ngorongoro Crater: A Natural Wonder

Another point of interest with the Big Five in Tanzania is the Ngorongoro crater which is a UNESCO heritage site. The largest unbroken volcanic caldera offers a home for several species since the area has various settlers. Grassy areas of the crater, thick acacia woodland, the slopes with ever-green trees and the crater’s lakes offer a perfect environment for viewing the Big Five.

Lion: A good underground crater is also inhabited by a large number of lions; it is one of the most fantastic places to observe lions in Tanzania. These apex predators can be easily sighted here when hunting or resting because of the space that is enclosed within the rim of the crater.

Elephant: Although not frequently seen to the extent experienced in the Serengeti ecosystem, the elephants in the Ngorongoro Crater are mainly older bulls that can easily be identified with their large tusks. These elephants mostly inhabit the crater forested zone.

Leopard: Leopards are rare to sight in the Ngorongoro crater but this can be done and mostly at some few specific areas after waiting for a few hours.

Buffalo: There are big herds of buffalos and you will always see them feeding on the crater floor. These animals are important for the crater ecosystem, are hunters, and offer great observation occasions.

Rhinoceros: The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the few areas in Tanzania in which anyone is pretty likely to come across a black rhino, a severely threatened species. Hence, the conservation measures put in practice have assisted in stemming the demise of this critically endangered species and this makes the crater a significantly important place.

Tarangire National Park: The Elephant Paradise

Tarangire National Park, which boasts mesmerizing views of the austerity of the landscapes with numerous baobabs, is one more place to have a Big Five hunting. This park has particularly large elephant groups among which it is one of the largest territories in Tanzania.

Elephant: Elephants are some of the common animals found in Tarangire; mostly seen in large groups of families. Due to the availability of Perennated water sources and Baobab trees within the park, these giant tortoises have a home in this park, especially in periods of drought.

Lion: Tourists can observe Lions walking and hunting or sleeping in the twilight of the park’s famous trees; the baobabs. This forms a suitable environment for these predators ranging from swamps to savannas in the park.

Leopard: There are leopards in the park, despite the fact that they are very hard to spot, the various features of the land in the park make spotting leopards relatively easy.

Buffalo: Pastoralist Buffalos are dominant in Tarangire, especially in places with water. These animals play a very important role in being prey for these lions and other carnivorous animals in the park.

Rhinoceros: Surprisingly, rhinos that are other big Five animals are not found in Tarangire National Park. Nevertheless, there are many other animals and extraordinary geology of the park that any fan of Safari will find very interesting.

Lake Manyara National Park: A Unique Ecosystem

One cannot compare it to the Serengeti or Ngorongoro, but has a fairly diverse habitat that includes groundwater forests and alkaline lakes. It has internationally recognized features such as tree climbing Lions and a huge number of Flamingoes.

Lion: The last special feature that is worth noticing is the Tree-climbing lions which siesta in the branches of acacia trees, for instance, in the Lake Manyara. It is a not very clear behavior though, but the animals being organized in this manner provide a spectacular view to any observer.

Elephant: The park has healthy stocks of elephants and these can be sighted around the lake area or the forest. The African elephants within the Manyara Lake Park are relatively more stagnant and less aggressive thus providing good shots.

Leopard: Lions in this park are few and hard to sight, however the vegetation cover in the park makes it home to solitary cats such as leopards.

Buffalo: While on a visit to the park, you are most likely to come across buffalo mainly within the savannah and along the marshy regions. This boosts the diversity of wild animals that can be viewed in the park.

Rhinoceros: While rhinos can be found in other parks in Tanzania, the other attractions such as the tree-climbing lions and vast bird life in the park make the Manyara National Park different from the other ordinary parks.

Conclusion

A typical Big Five sightseeing in Tanzania is one of the most adventurous holiday activities that provide a perfect platform to view and marvel at the biggest wildlife giants in their natural home. With the savannahs of the Serengeti, the unique flora and fauna of the Ngorongoro Crater, wildlife is the true treasure of Tanzania’s national parks. Regardless of how many times you have been on a safari, or if it is your first time, viewing the Big Five right from their natural habitat will definitely shape a memory that they will cherish for the rest of their lives. On this trip, do not forget the unique and impressive opportunities to observe the richness of the countries’ flora and fauna, and to contribute to the work of programs that focus on the protection of the Tanzanian land, forests, and waters.