Wildlife in Tanzania are of a variety and can be seen throughout the year during safaris across different destinations in the country. Tanzania is also known to have a large number of predators in Africa as well as the big five which include lions, leopards, buffalos, rhinos and elephants that can be seen in different wildlife parks. The country’s varied landscapes, which include savannah, forests, wetlands, and mountains, provide habitats for a wide range of wildlife species which can be seen during tours around Tanzania.  

Places to see wildlife in Tanzania

There are different locations in Tanzania where wildlife species can be seen during safaris. The northern part of the country is however popular among tourists although wildlife can be seen in other parts of Tanzania.

Serengeti national park

One of Tanzania’s most famous wildlife destinations is the Serengeti National Park, which is located in the northern part of the country.  Serengeti national park is known for its annual wildebeest migration, during which millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores move across the savannah plains in search of food and water.  The Serengeti is also home to large populations of lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and many other species. The vast savannah plains of the national park can be explored during the search for the wildlife species which involves activities such as game drives, hot air balloon safaris and guided nature walks among other. To see wildlife in the Serengeti, visitors can go on game drives with experienced guides who know the best spots for viewing different animals.  Serengeti national park is divided into several regions, each with its own unique landscape and wildlife and they include the north, south, west and central areas. The Southern Serengeti Plains are known for their vast herds of wildebeests and zebras during the annual Great Migration.  The Central Serengeti is home to large prides of lions and other predators. 

Ngorongoro conservation area

Another popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is located in the Crater Highlands region of Tanzania.  The Ngorongoro Crater, a large volcanic caldera that contains a diverse array of wildlife species is also part of the places to visit in the conservation area. Visitors to Ngorongoro can see lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos, and many other animals during safaris. Ngorongoro is also a good place to interact with the Maasai people who live in the conservation area. Other attractions around Ngorongoro include Empakaai crater and Olduvai gorge. Wildlife around the Ngorongoro conservation area can also be seen around Lake Ndutu, Lake Magadi, and Lerai Forest. 

Tarangire national park

Tarangire National Park is another great destination for wildlife viewing in Tanzania. This park is known for its large herds of elephants, as well as its baobab trees and diverse birdlife. Visitors can also see lions, leopards, cheetahs, and other species of animals in this park. Places around Tarangire national park where wildlife can be seen include the Silale Swamp – which is located in the southern part of the park and is a great place to see elephants, buffalo, and other animals that come to drink from the water. Wildlife in Tarangire national park such as lions, leopards, and hyenas among others can also be seen around the Tarangire river which flows through the national park. It is also a good place to spot different bird species during a safari. Larmakau Swamp is located in the northern part of Tarangire national park and is a great place to see birds such as yellow-collared lovebirds, Fischer’s lovebirds among others.

Lake Manyara national park

Lake Manyara national park is the destination in Tanzania which is home to the tree climbing lions. Many other wildlife species are found in Lake Manyara national park and they include hippo, giraffe, impala and zebra, monkeys among others. Places where wildlife species can be seen during safaris around Lake Manyara national park include the shores of Lake Manyara itself. The lake is home to large flocks of flamingos, as well as other water birds such as pelicans and storks. Visitors can take a boat tour or engage in canoeing on the lake to get up close to these beautiful birds and also see wildlife. Another great place to see wildlife in Lake Manyara national park is in the acacia woodlands that cover much of the area where wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, and buffalo can be seen grazing among the trees. The woodlands are also home to many species of birds, including hornbills and eagles. Exploring the famous hippo pools of Lake Manyara national park is another place where wildlife can be seen during safaris. These shallow pools are home to dozens of hippos, which can be seen lounging in the water or grazing on nearby grasses.

Selous game reserve

Selous game reserve is found in the southern part of Tanzania and is also referred to as Nyerere national park. It is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, and many more.   There are several places where wildlife in Selous Game Reserve can be seen and they include along the Rufiji River, which runs through the reserve. Here you can take a boat safari and see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. Another great place to see wildlife is in the northern part of Selous game reserve, where there are several large lakes that attract a variety of animals. Lake Tagalala is particularly popular for its large herds of elephants and buffalo. You can also go on a walking safari or a game drive to see wildlife in Selous Game Reserve

Ruaha national park

Ruaha national park has several game viewing tracks that take you through different habitats where you can see different species of animals. Mwagusi River is one of the best places to see wildlife in Ruaha National Park. Many animals come to the river to drink and cool off during the hot afternoons. You can expect to see elephants, giraffes, zebras, impalas, and many other animals at the river. Mdonya River is another great place to see wildlife in Ruaha National Park. It is located in the western part of the park and is known for its large number of crocodiles and hippos. You can also see elephants, buffalos, and many species of birds at the river. Jongomero River is located in the southern part of Ruaha National Park and is a great place to see predators such as lions and leopards. The river is also home to many species of antelopes and birds. The coastal areas of Tanzania also have a variety of wildlife. There are several marine parks and reserves that protect coral reefs and sea turtle nesting sites. The Mafia Island Marine Park is one such reserve that is known for its diverse marine life, including whale sharks, dolphins, and humpback whales. In addition to these well-known destinations, Tanzania has many other national parks and reserves that offer opportunities to see a wide variety of wildlife. These include Tarangire National Park, Selous Game Reserve, and Katavi National Park.

Best time to see wildlife in Tanzania

The best time to see wildlife around Tanzania is during the dry season (from late June to October) when animals congregate around water sources.