Tanzania is one of the best countries in Africa for seeing the Big Five - lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros. Here's where to find each of these magnificent animals.
Lions
The Serengeti is home to one of Africa's largest lion populations, with an estimated 3,000 individuals. The Ngorongoro Crater also offers excellent lion sightings due to its enclosed ecosystem.
Elephants
Tarangire National Park is famous for its large elephant herds, especially during the dry season when hundreds gather along the Tarangire River. The Serengeti and Ruaha also have significant populations.
Buffalo
African buffalo are common throughout Tanzania's parks. The Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti offer reliable sightings, often in large herds of several hundred animals.
Leopards
These elusive cats are best spotted in the Serengeti's Seronera Valley, where they often rest in sausage trees. Early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best chances.
Rhinoceros
Black rhinos are critically endangered, but Tanzania is working to protect them. The Ngorongoro Crater is your best bet, with a small but protected population. The Serengeti's Moru Kopjes area also has rhinos.
Best Parks for All Five
For the best chance of seeing all Big Five in one trip, we recommend combining the Ngorongoro Crater (rhinos, lions, buffalo) with the Serengeti (lions, leopards, elephants) and Tarangire (elephants, buffalo).
