The Big Five in Tanzania
Everything you must know about the big five safaris in Tanzania. Tanzania is located on the eastern side of Africa in the Great Lakes region. Tanzania is made up of the mainland and coastal land. The country is neighbored by Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, and many others. The coastal land of the country is made up of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Unguja. In Tanzania,30% of Tanzania’s mainland is made up of national parks and game reserves. In these parks, there is a variety of wildlife. These parks are home to the big five animals which include lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos. The big five are some of the major attractions in Tanzania. The big five animals are one of the wildlife which are difficult to hunt. They also control the ecosystem of the area.
Where to see the big five animals in Tanzania?
In Tanzania, there are several destinations where travelers on their safaris can see the big five animals and they include;
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti is the most popular destination located in the northern part of Tanzania. It is near the border of Tanzania and Kenya. Serengeti National Park is known for the great wildlife migration which travelers on their safaris usually engage in. It is a home to a variety of wildlife and it hosts the big five animals. The big five animals in the park include lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes. Other wildlife includes giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, wildebeests, and many others.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Established in 1959, the conservation area is within the Ngorongoro crater. In the area, there are several volcanic features. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is located in the northern area of Tanzania. In this area, there is a high population of wildlife which travelers can encounter during the safari. It is also home to the big five animals which include lions, leopards, rhinos, buffaloes, and elephants. Most of this wildlife is usually seen during the game drive. They can be sited around the crater and within the crater floor. While in this area, travelers will also see the Masai community who are majorly Nomadic pastoralists.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is within the Manyara and Arusha region within the Great Rift Valley Area. 3 quarters of the park is covered by the lake Manyara. The park is known for the tree climbing lions which is one of the big five animals. The park is home to 4 of the big five animals and the rhinos are the only wildlife missing.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is found within the Manyara region. It originates its name from the Tarangire River which is the primary source of water to the park. The big five animals are one of the most thought wildlife in the park and also other wildlife can be seen in the park. Usually in this park, the large herds of elephants are sited more than any other big five.
Nyerere National Park
This is the largest national park found in the southern part of Tanzania. The park was initially known as the Selous Game Reserve. It is a great destination for travelers to see the big five animals where large herds of rhinos are usually sited in this park.
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park originates its name from the Ruaha River which is one of the primary sources of water in the park. It was declared a national park in 1964. The park is also a great destination for travelers to see the big five animals which travelers engage in during a Tanzania safari.
What are the activities that travelers can engage in to see the big five animals in Tanzania?
There are several activities that travelers engage in to site the big five animals and they include;
Game drive or game viewing
Game drives or game viewing is the primary activity that travelers engage in to view the Big Five animals. A game drive is done in designated trails of the park in a 4×4 safari van with a pop-up. The game drives can be done in the morning, afternoon, full day, and night. Travelers are required to have guides and follow the rules governing the park to ensure the best in their activity.
Hot air balloon safaris
The hot air balloon safari is one of the activities in which travelers can see the Big Five animals. The viewing of the wildlife is done in the air. This is one of the luxurious activities which is done in the morning hours of the day.
Nature walks / safari walks
Nature walks or safari walks is another activity in which travelers can see the big five animals. It is done on foot by travelers under the guidance of the ranger guide within the park. Travelers are required to ensure a distance of about 8 meters away from these wildlife since they are dangerous in the wild.
What are the roles of the big five animals in the ecosystem?
The big five animals play a great role in the ecosystem and these include;
- They help in the regulating the population of the other wildlife in the ecosystem. This is done by lions and leopards who they hunt down weak wildlife for food.
- Lions and leopards help the scavengers in getting food after they eat and leave out the rest.
- The elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos help in the seed dispersal and are considered to be the engineers in the ecosystem.
What is the best time to see the big five animals in Tanzania?
The big five animals can be seen throughout the year. However, the best time to see the big five animals is during the dry season June to September, and December to February. During this time the parks are dry and clear to view the wildlife since vegetation in the park is short and they can easily be sited during a safari.
