Best National parks in Tanzania to see the Big Five animals on a game drive

Seeing all five of the Big Five while on safari in Tanzania is a probability, but a visit to Serengeti National Park opens more opportunities. The Big Five while on safari in Tanzania include lions, leopards, buffaloes, elephants, and rhinos.

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Whereas some of the big five may be seen elsewhere in the game parks of Tanzania, it is quite challenging to spot them in a single safari destination. Even though you get to see at least two or three of the big five, it is exciting as the wild has plenty to offer. While on Tanzania safari, you just need to trust the process. When you get lucky and spot all five of these famous big five as an adventure seeker, you can never forget this African safari experience.

Tanzania offers some of the best wildlife opportunities while on safari as about 33% of the country is designated for wildlife conservation that is approximately 312,600 square kilometers of land. There are few places in the world that still hold unspoiled locations but are exclusive and can appeal to almost all classes of travelers in the world. Tanzania is one of the few game viewing and ornithological destination which have become synonymous with the word safari.

Other than the big five, while on safari in game parks of Tanzania, you may get the opportunity to see other wild animals like impalas, waterbucks, gazelles, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, hyenas to mention but a few. The long list of different bird species that live in different locations in the various destinations in Tanzania is mesmerizing.

Where to see the Big Five on a Tanzania Safari?

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is Tanzania's foremost game safari destination right from the great wildebeest migration. Tie great wildebeest migration is one of the best opportunities too the big five as ungulates move towards the north in search for greener pastures but the carnivores also accompany them to make a feast of the weak trekkers.

During the great wildebeest migration from Serengeti National Park, millions of wild animals move and are not scared of human interference. This season event may start estimated to start in June to August. The Climax is at the bloody river crossing at Mara River where even the huge Nile crocodiles join the eliminator by feasting on the animals that fail to cross over.

Other than the great wildebeest migration season, during game drives in Serengeti National Park, you may get the opportunity to spot some of the big five, that is lions, elephants, Rhinos, Leopards, Buffaloes and other wild animals that are residents of this park. Other than the big five, Serengeti National Park hosts impalas, wildebeest, waterbucks, Thomas gazelles, elands, hartebeests, and others.

Check on the different birds the spend time in Serengeti National Park but you need a professional and experienced birding guide to have a great collection.

Ngorongoro National Park

Ngororongo National Park lies on the floor of Ngorongoro crater and one of the UNESCO wildlife heritage sites. The stunning view of Ngorongoro National Park and its rich wildlife is heart melting while on safari in Tanzania. When standing at the rims of this crater game park, you enjoy some of the wildlife's best views. While on a game drive in Ngorongoro National Park, you may get the opportunity to spot animals like lions, elephants, Rhinos, Buffaloes, and leopards. Other animals you may while on safari in Ngorongoro National Park include impalas, waterbucks, bushbucks, gazelles, elands, wildebeest, hyenas, cheetahs, jackals and several others.

Schools of hippos find comfort in the waters of Ngorongoro crater while other animals may get the opportunity to bath from this crater or quench thirst.

Nyerere National Park 

As you travel to the southern part of Tanzania, you may spot the Big Five in Nyerere National Park. The chances of spotting the Big Five—leopards, lions, Rhinos, elephants, and Buffaloes—are more open. Other animals you may have the opportunity to see include impalas, elands, gazelles, wildebeests, and much more. The varied vegetation in Nyerere National Park provides a comfortable habitat for different wild animals to thrive.

The Ruaha National Park 

While in Ruaha National Park, you may get the opportunity to see at least four of the big five. The varying vegetation zones of this park offer great habitats as the park is composed of Riverine swampy areas, lush green forests, large baobab trees, and others. This park offers great opportunities to superb game viewing. The park has red soils with stunning panoramic views.

During the game drive in Ruaha National Park, you may see elephants, buffaloes, Lions, and leopards, excluding Rhinos. You may also spot other animals like Impalas, gazelles, wildebeest, elands, gazelles, reedbucks, cheetahs, wild dogs, topis, hippos, and crocodiles.

Lake Manyara National Park

If you wish to see the tree climbing lions, Lake Manyara National Park offer you that opportunity. During the game drive in this park, you may spit at least four of the big five, that is, lions, elephants, buffaloes, and leopards that love hiding in the forested area of this park. Other animals that feast on the freebies of this National Park include impalas, gazelles, and elands, to mention but a few.

Tarangire National Park

 Four of the big five may be seen on game safari in Tarangire National Park. During the game drive in this park, you may spot elephants, buffaloes, lions, and leopards, excluding rhinos. This is a wildlife rich destination in Tanzania with stunning vegetation inclusive of baobab trees and acacia.

The presence of River Tarangire which supports the all year around existence of fauna and flora in this National park keeps the park lively. The unique ecosystem of Tarangire National Park supports the survival of wild animals like wildebeests, impalas, elephants, hyenas, and elands, to mention but a few.

When is the best time to do a Tanzania safari To see the big five?

For Tanzania safaris, the entire year is open but the dry season is most preferred when most animals are in the open plans feeding while savages sneak at them. Most of the wildlife drama is best seen in the dry season when grass is lower.

The dry season is normally June to September and December to February all factors kept constant. This is the high tourism season in Tanzania when the great wildebeest migration is too in high gears. Some Tanzania National Parks have like three to 4 of the famous Big Five. A few tourists get that full opportunity to see the big five during one safari in the same park, but no matter what you see, keep positive about your safari to get the funny surrounding wild adventures.

Even accommodations and other safari logistics in and around these Tanzania game parks are in high demand, creating a scarcity of options for last-minute bookers. It is best to secure all the logistics you need for your Tanzania safari in advance just to be safe.

Contact us at Encounter Africa Safaris about your Tanzania safari and what is necessary for a comfortable stay. We understand that people on safari would like to enjoy the abundant wildlife in the Tanzania game Parks but stay in a home away from home too.

The wet season that is March to May and Mid September to November attracts tourists too who enjoy the beauties of the Tanzania jungle. This season May offer you chance to witness infant births, the grass is longer so infants can hide and there is plenty too feed the added population to the wild kingdom.

Note that there are fewer vehicles on the tracks, and chances of getting obstructed by other safari vehicles are limited. Most of the wild animals hide in the tall grass, so the opportunity to spot so many animals is lower.

In terms of accommodations to use during Tanzania safari, options ranging from Luxury, mid-range and basic facilities are more available because of the low demand for them. In case you have a limited budget but wish to do the Tanzania safari at a more affordable cost, you can try the low season. 

Even those yawning for exclusive moments on the plains of various Tanzania game parks, you may use this low season opportunity when fewer people are booking.

Are children allowed on Tanzania safari?

Children are allowed on Tanzania safari as long as they are in the company of a parent or guardian. It is best to always be in the know of where your children while in the game parks because it is easy for them to wander into the wilderness where they may encounter harmful animals.

Before traveling for the Tanzania safari, brief the children about what to expect while on the safari so that they are not shocked while on the ground. Tell them about the difference between animals they often see in the zoos or exhibits and those to expect in the jungle.

Do not let children stake out their heads or limbs through the windows of the safari vehicle as this may attract animals towards your vehicle and hurt them. Note that during game drives there are no toilet breaks so children should be in the know of this too and prepare accordingly.

Is Tanzania Safe For A Safari?

Tanzania is safe for safaris but as an individual, you must take caution about safari guidelines given. On the ground are trained ranger guides from the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority ( TAWA) to protect wildlife and visitors to the different game parks. 

Individually, as a tourist, you need to abide by the rules of game safaris, like not getting out of your vehicle while on a game drive, not driving off track as you may land on a soggy surface, avoiding noise making while on a game drive, and much more.

How much is a Tanzania Safari?

The cost of Tanzania game safari starts with the park entrance fees cost that is compulsory for all budgets. Other items included in the cost of a Tanzania safari may include a number of people traveling, the number of days on safari, additional safari activities, accommodation, transport, and much more.

During the peak season, the cost of Tanzania safaris is higher because of high demand worldwide. Prices of Tanzania safaris may lower during the low season as there is less demand for even logistics that support these safaris like accommodation, vehicle hire, drive guides and much more. 

It is best to book your Tanzania safari in advance so that even other additional amenities to accompany this safari can be arranged in advance. Last minute safaris bookings in Tanzania limit you on the choices of linguistics.

Guidelines For Tanzania Safari

• Do not go off track while on a game drive in Tanzania, as this is punishable, and you may kill some animals. In case you have to seek permission from the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority.
• Do not enter any national park without a ranger guide, especially if you have to walk. The wilderness has other occupants that may be harmful to you.
• Dumping garbage is forbidden while in the wilderness as plastic wraps, cans alter the nature of the habitats where wild animals thrive.
• Shouting or making noise while in the wilderness is forbidden as this scares the wild animals.
• Feeding wild animals is forbidden because they must depend on the supplies from their habitats and not on human provision.
• When traveling with children, let them be in the company of a guardian or parent all the time. Leaving them to wonder into the wilderness may worry you and it is dangerous for them.
• Do not drive off track during the game drive unless you seek permission from the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority.
• Drive on the speed limit advised by park authorities because when you knock animal, you are penalized.
• Open your mind to different features, animals, and sceneries in the park, and do not expect to see all the animals in the pack everywhere. These are wild animals that move freely so enjoy your Uganda safari and not focus on spotting particular animals.

Contact us for more information, and let us plan your safari in advance.