Safaris in Tanzania – A Guide to the Animals

If you are someone who loves tropical temperatures and exotic wildlife, then going on a safari in Tanzania is a must! Tanzania safari tours feature many unique species of birds and animals that are hard to spot anywhere else in the world. Among the lush green tree groves that cover the forest in every direction the eye lands, there exists a certain peace that you can find while on a safari in Tanzania.

The wildlife that thrives within this exquisite country is greatly spoken of all across the world and attracts tourists year-round to its adventurous peaks and plains. Before you impulsively start sifting through Tanzania safari packages, settle down and make sure you know all you can about its vegetation and wildlife so that you can make the most out of this once-in-a-lifetime experience! In order to understand everything you need to know about the African wildlife  before your tour, keep reading on!

THE 5 MOST BELOVED ANIMALS

The title itself justifies the context, but for the sake of knowledge and clarity, these are the animals that everyone expects and wishes to see during Tanzania safari tours. They are also referred to as the Big 5 since they make up the part of African wildlife that is the hardest to capture. These animals, namely – lions, buffalo, black rhinos, elephants and leopards – can be conveniently witnessed from a great distance.

No matter if it’s a casual yawn from the lion or the prideful stride of the leopard, you are bound to be amused by the naturalistic routines of these untamed beasts that roam in the wild. You could also peacefully gaze at the more dormant creatures of the bunch like the elephant or the black rhinos as they go about their day, chewing on grass or playing in lakes. Since these views are so hypnotizing and enticing, they make up for experiences that will stay in your mind for a lifetime.

THE OTHER ANIMALS

The Giraffes

All across the brown and dry land of Tanzania walk these tall yet calm animals that can reach heights of up to 6 meters! They stand as the national symbol of Tanzania and for good reason, since tourists love seeing their long and slender necks and their massive bodies roam around in the wild, looking for leaves from equally tall trees to chew on. The speeds that they can reach when running with their tribes can shock you!

The Grant and Thompson Gazelles

These rapid creatures are almost always described by tourists as “dashing through the wind”. It is said that the Grant and Thompson gazelles can reach speeds of about hundred kms/hr in their attempts to escape any predators that they might cross ways with while mapping the Tanzanian landscapes. They are one of the most common wildlife elements that tourists can witness while on safari in Africa.

The Reptilian Beasts

Crocodiles in the Tanzanian ecosystem are known to fully enjoy themselves by indulging in deep dives throughout the cold lakes that are scattered all over the landscape. Even when they might seem hard to spot, all you require is a little more attention to detail since these cold-blooded creatures like to use their scaly camouflage to the best of its ability. If you are lucky enough, you might even catch them fully out of the water, preying on other creatures of Tanzanian wildlife.

The Stripped Glory of Tanzania

Zebras complete the exotic wildlife of Tanzania and when they run in large numbers through the landscape, their stripes come across as the illusions of nature beneath the orange glow of the setting sun. To witness them is to be completely mesmerized!

The Fastest Animal In The World

Cheetahs continue to be the quickest predators in the world and can reach speeds of up to 98 kms/hr. If they ever run past your safari jeep, all you would see is a blur of yellow and black and the only way to see them completely would be to witness one of these spotted cats enjoying the sun while lying down in the dry grass.

The Flocks Of Flamingos

Beneath the simmering sun, these birds shine their pink glow onto the African landscape, enhancing the already perfect safari experience for tourists like you. They move in flocks and are almost always found around lakes and ponds with their slender long legs sticking straight up from the water’s surface. Some of the lakes they are found near within the Tanzania area are:

• Lake Natron
• Lake Manyara
• The Ngorongoro Crater

The Mighty Hippos

A chance encounter with a hippo during your safari will make you realize why they are so beloved around the world. A hippo’s day consists of them lying leisurely in warm lakes while swatting flies that land on their bodies. But if you do see these magnificent creatures out of the water, you will be struck by their massive size and bulky limbs. Even with that heavy body structure, they can reach speeds up to 40 kms/hr!

The Clever Hyenas

Hyenas moving in groups, looking out into the wild for any predators, is one of the most common occurrences in Tanzanian wildlife, yet it is one worth witnessing. These creatures are immensely clever and know how to hide and defend themselves around larger predators. You can even hear their high-pitched laughs as they stroll along through the dry plains of Tanzania.

Get The Chance To Witness The Beautiful and Exquisite Life of Tanzania

Other than these magnificent creatures, you will also get a chance to explore the exotic plant life that blooms throughout Africa. Whether it be the bright standalone trees that stand as miracles within the dry Tanzanian soil or the shimmering water bodies scattered throughout the landscape, you are bound to be enticed by it all. After gaining the required knowledge from this blog, you are now ready to choose among different Tanzania safari packages that offer you the best views and prices!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Q1. Will I be able to see the animals up close?

Ans. You would be able to view the animals from a short distance but given the risks involved, the safari guides also have to make sure that you are kept safe from the carnivore population of Tanzania. Due to that, there are limitations to close up viewing of the animals.

Q2. Can we exit the safari vehicle and roam around?

Ans. Sure! There are safe spots where your driver, when asked, can let you off the vehicle and let you explore within close range the Tanzanian plains and click photographs of animals around you. These spots typically lie around tourist attractions within the national parks.