Big 5 Wildlife Animals in Tanzania

Breathtaking ruins, the seductive Mount Kilimanjaro, a fascinating culture and some of the best beaches in Africa, this is what travelers expect while heading for a trip to Tanzania. The country is famous for its captivating culture and excellent hospitality. In fact, the warm attitude of the locals is often one of the best experiences for most travelers visiting the country. And those enchanting beaches along the Indian Ocean coastline aren’t any pushover either. Dotted with ancient Swahili culture and historic villages, each beach has its own story to tell. But that’s not why you go to Tanzania, or Africa for that matter. That’s not African adventures are all about! No sir. No way. You want beaches, go to the Caribbean, or better yet, explore Bora Bora. But when you visit Africa, you do what millions others before you have done and millions after you will do – you fall in love with its safaris. Tanzania is home to the best safaris in Africa, and spending time with those hippos in its muddy waterways or the wildebeests in its plains, leaves you mesmerized with the true beauty of nature. Lazy crocodiles lay hungry eyes on you and the majestic lion tries to get a whiff of its newest prey. Chimpanzees accompany you along your journey to keep you company and the odd elephant wanders around its seasonal migration route without a care in the world. Yes sir, that’s what life is all about. That’s the reason why African tourism flourished. After all, the experience that these safaris have to offer, simply cannot be put down in words. Tourism has continuously been on the rise since the early 2000s. The year 2011 saw as many as 843,000 tourists visiting to Tanzania, and this increased to 1,063,000 by the year 2013. Early 2015 saw a major slump in Tanzanian tourism because of the Ebola scare, but things are again starting to pick up for the country. Much of the tourism in Tanzania is claimed by its rich national parks and incredible safaris with more than 50% of the travelers entering the country choosing the Serengeti or the Ngorongoro Conservation Area over everything else. To help you on your way, Bookmundi prepped this Wildlife Safari Guide, a guide that focuses on Tanzania and helps you understand what to expect and how to move forward.

There are a few natural phenomena that attract great fanfare all around the world. The Northern Lights is surely one such wonder, a sight that every traveller wants to experience at least once in their life. The Great Wildebeest Migration of Africa is another such wonder that is as (if not more) famous than those dancing lights. Splendid in its own right, this massive migration of millions of animals can only be seen in two places in the world – Tanzania and Kenya. Here are all the facts you need to know about the Great Wildebeest Migration, which brings nature at her stunning best!

Think of Lake Manyara as a baby safari, as an acclimatizing period before you go deal with the big boys. The natural beauty found here is second to none, but the game viewing opportunities in the area feel somewhat pale, especially when compared to the ones found in the Serengeti. All that glitters might just be gold! Lake Manyara covers 330 sq. kms., making it one of the smallest national parks in Africa, but its small size does nothing to prevent it from supporting as many as 11 ecosystems and offering countless experiences. This can also be attributed to its varying altitude, which ranges from 953 meters to 1,445 meters. Animals are so easy to spot due to its size Since roughly two-thirds of the park is covered by the lake, a majority of the animals can be found in concentrated areas, making animal sightings easy and pleasurable. Lake Manyara National Park gets the following relevant safari ratings. One of the best places on the planet to see pink flamingos Lake Manyara is most famous for its tree-climbing lions and thousands of flamingos, but it also hosts animals such as elephants, wildebeests, giraffes, buffalo, water bucks, impala, warthog, zebra, klipspringer, Kirk’s dik-dik and leopards. The park has a huge population of baboons as well, many of which rank among the largest in Africa. Tree climbing lions at Lake Manyara National Park Ever seen images of tree-climbing lions on acacia trees – that’s Manyara for you! Lions can be found climbing trees in other parks as well, but it is somewhat of a specialty here. Checking out an entire pride of lions resting in an acacia tree is sure to be the best experience of your African safari. And if you happen to capture that on film, expect your Instagram account to go crazy within moments! Who knows, you might even end up winning one of those Instagram contests! Easy access to night safaris and special camps inside the park Game drives during the daytime have always been popular, but Lake Manyara is one of those few national parks in Africa to introduce night safaris as well as camps inside the park. This opens up a wealth of opportunities for adventure and nature lovers and presents activities such as mountain biking, village trips, hiking and trekking.

Mount Kilimanjaro located in Tanzania is the highest mountain in Africa. It is also considered the highest free standing mountain in the world. Mt. Kilimanjaro, a volcanic mountain consists of three volcanic cones, the highest being Kibo at 5,895m, Mawenzi at 5,149m and Shira at 3,962m. Another name for the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is Uhuru Peak, which is situated on the Kibo’s crater rim, thus Uhuru Peak and Kibo Peak are simultaneously referred to as the highest points. While Mawenzi and Shira are extinct volcanic cones, Kibo is dormant and could erupt again. Mount Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb/trek and therefore trekkers without previous experience and skills can undergo the journey. But, the volcanic mountain should not be underestimated. Mt. Kilimanjaro is regarded as a difficult trek because of the high attitude and the weather contrasts during the trek. Furthermore, trekkers will experience variation in temperature while traversing through 5 different climatic zones: Cultivated Areas (793m – 1,799m) Rainforest (1,829m – 2,744m) Heath and Moorlands (2,805m – 3,993m) Alpine Desert (3,993m – 4,999m) Arctic (4,999m+) 5 different climatic zones, changing weather and high altitude are all factors which challenge your body and mind and test your determination during this adventure, yet all the same variables will provide you with the very rewarding feeling it is reaching atop Mt. Kilimanjaro at 5,895m. Mount Kilimanjaro has several routes up the mountain but the most popular routes are: Machame Route - about 45 % of all climbers Marangu Route - about 35% of all climbers Lemosho Route - about 8% of all climbers Rongai Route - about 7% of all climbers All in all, Kilimanjaro is a trekking adventure of a lifetime and is highly recommended for your Tanzania tour.

September is a magical time to tour Tanzania. As the cooler dry season sets in, wildebeest and zebras start their annual migration across Tanzania's vast Serengeti Plains in search of green pastures. Visitors will also find an abundance of wildlife in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Selous Game Reserve, and Tarangire National Park. Meanwhile, the white sand beaches and crystal clear waters of Zanzibar beckon. As visitor numbers ease between peak seasons, Tanzania in September also serves up quieter trails to hike the peaks of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro.

Tanzania's proximity to the equator means the country experiences a tropical climate throughout the year, without distinct seasons and only minor variations in temperature. Technically, the period between June and September is considered the winter or dry season in Tanzania. It is that time of year when the country is bursting with natural beauty and wildlife activities. Winter in Tanzania is typically less hot and humid than other months. This means you can enjoy various activities, such as wildlife safaris, beach holidays, cultural tours, hot air balloon rides, climbing, hiking, and trekking. From the snow-capped mountains of Mt. Kilimanjaro to the vast plains of Serengeti, you will find plenty of adventure and sightseeing opportunities on your Tanzania tour during the winter season.

Tanzania’s short rainy season draws to a close in early December and gives way to the short dry. There are fewer tourists, and prices are also lower compared to the peak season, making this month a good time to tour Tanzania. As the country emerges from its short rainy season, so does the wildlife. Emerald grasses blanket the Serengeti and other national parks. December also brings ideal weather for lounging on Zanzibar's picturesque beaches. From going on safari adventures to beach lounging, traveling to Tanzania in December is a great option if you want to avoid tourist crowds and the high season rates.

August falls in the heart of Tanzania's dry season. It is also the prime safari season in the country, thanks to the thin vegetation and cooler weather conditions. The month is also great for outdoor adventures, such as trekking in Mount Kilimanjaro, relaxing on Zanzibar beaches, and hiking in the Ngorongoro Crater. But since this is the high season, expect a spike in tourist crowds on your trip to Tanzania in August.

Tanzania in February offers a perfect setting for exploring the country's natural wonders, especially the safari parks. While you won’t be able to catch the Wildebeest Migration itself, you will witness the wildebeest calving season in Serengeti National Park during the month, which is just as spectacular. Climb the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, hike the Usambara Mountain Range, or hit the pristine beaches of Zanzibar. There is no dearth of fun and exciting activities if you plan a Tanzania trip in February.

Favorable weather, fewer crowds, and incredible wildlife opportunities make May a good time to visit Tanzania. The warm temperatures, sunny skies and minimal rainfall are ideal for exploring the diverse landscapes of Tanzania and whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast looking forward to a safari adventure in the savannah, an adventure seeker looking to climb atop Africa’s highest peak, or a culture lover ready to explore Tanzanian tribes and history, a trip to Tanzania in May promises an unforgettable experience.

October is when Tanzania's weather is mostly clear skies and sunny days. Enjoy lakeside views, beach bathing and swimming, and excellent wildlife safaris. From hiking to the top of the highest mountain in Africa—Mount Kilimanjaro—to the thrill that comes with the Bagamoyo Festival, taking a trip to Tanzania in October is a wild dream come true. Read on to learn more about what to expect from this East African land of volcanic peaks and savannah in October.

The best time to embark on a Tanzania trip depends on your interests, whether you prioritize wildlife safaris, trekking adventures, cultural interactions, or unique seasonal experiences. But generally, the dry season from June to October is considered the best time to visit Tanzania. The weather is dry and comfortable around this time, and wildlife congregates around water sources, making it easier to spot animals. The Great Wildebeest Migration also takes place during this time, a must-see spectacle that should be at the top of any safari lover's list. If you are planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the dry months of January to February and June to October present optimal trekking conditions. January to March is slightly colder but less crowded, while June to October offers warmer conditions with a higher chance of clear skies. The short rainy season from November to December and the long rainy season from March to May can be rewarding for birdwatching and experiencing Tanzania's lush, green landscapes. You will also encounter migratory birds and fewer tourists during these months.