I Need to Travel to Tanzania. Are Wild Animals Found Everywhere in the Country?

I've come across a common misconception many times when it comes to Africa and safaris. Most people think wild animals are everywhere, even in people's daily lives. But today, I'm here to set the record straight.

Tom Snoyd
Tom Snoyd 6 Min Read

Tanzania is a lovely East African country where the number of attractions exceeds the expectations of many safari-goers. This scenic country is enriched with natural beauty dispersed in every corner of its boundary. Tanzania is populated with wild animals concentrated in its protected areas: parks, game reserves, conservation areas, and forest reserves. Therefore, if you plan to visit this fabulous country for a wildlife safari, you’re going to the right place.

Is Tanzania full of wild animals everywhere?

No. Wild animals are not everywhere but in protected areas in Tanzania. Tanzania has dedicated about 57 percent of its land to protected areas, which include national parks, game reserves, and forest reserves. Over 14,000 species of wild animals reside in these protected areas.

Serengeti Big Cats - Wild animals

Where to see wild animals in Tanzania

Although Tanzania is rich in diverse wild animals, you shouldn’t expect to see them all over the country. They can be found in various protected areas in this fabulous country. We have detailed a few places where you can go to see them while on a wildlife safari in Tanzania.

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is a perfect spot for wildlife safaris in Tanzania. This incredible wildlife sanctuary is well-known for hosting the wildebeest migration, one of the Seven Wonders of Africa. Nearly two million wildebeests and thousands of zebras and gazelles migrate seasonally from the south of Serengeti to the north and into the Masai Mara of Kenya. The most exciting part of the wildebeest migration is crossing the mighty Mara River, where fascinating scenes of wildlife films are shot. If you want to discover untold truths about this gigantic event, you can book a remarkable wildebeest migration trekking safari. 

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Serengeti also hosts the largest population of lions. Dubbed the ‘kings of the jungle,’ lions live in groups called pride in the ‘endless plains’ of Serengeti. The lion is also one of the Big Five animals found in Serengeti. A wildlife safari to Serengeti will reward you with scenic views of lions practicing their skillful hunting techniques.

Serengeti also hosts all the Big Five animals: lion, leopard, elephant, black rhino, and buffalo. So, if you travel to Tanzania to see the Big Five, Serengeti is your perfect destination. You can ride through the plains to see big herds of Cape buffalos or elephants. African giants (elephants) also reside in the woodlands, while leopards prefer the rocky outcrops and kopjes.

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Crater is another perfect destination for a wildlife-viewing safari. This crater is fabulous and well-known as the world’s most enormous unbroken caldera. It was formed millions of years ago after the collapse of the Ngorongoro Mountains, thus creating a giant caldera that supports the growth of plants. Thousands of grazers called this extraordinary crater home, including the predators. 

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The Highlands Ngorongoro

Your travels to Ngorongoro Crater will reward you with encounters with many wild animals. This crater also hosts the Big Five. On our memorable Big Five viewing safari, we take you to places where no one has been to view the black rhinos. These endangered mammals are less social and like to hide in shrubs and scrubs. Other animals, such as wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, cheetahs, hyenas, antelopes, and many others, are also seen in the Ngorongoro Crater.

Mahale and Gombe National Parks

The diversity of wild animals in Tanzania is incredible. On your wildlife safari tour to this country, you may be interested in seeing wild animals beyond what is usually encountered. It would be best to transfer to the Western Circuit, where Gombe Stream National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park are situated. These parks are located on the eastern shores of the second-deepest lake in the world. 

They host the last remaining species of eastern chimpanzees. Your visit to these parks is exceptional, as you will see the beautiful primates in their natural habitats. Chimpanzees can’t be viewed on a game drive, unlike other wild animals. They are viewed on a chimpanzee trekking safari that involves hiking through the montane forests to see chimpanzees in their territories. Chimpanzee trekking is far from regular wildlife-viewing safaris. You will spend almost an hour learning the chimpanzees’ behavior and daily hustle and bustle.

Tanzania’s wildlife is dispersed in many parks, besides a few highlights above. We at East Africa Safari Guides appreciate the diversity of wildlife nationwide. We are always delighted to take you to the iconic wildlife sanctuaries, where you will see many wild animals and enjoy much of your travel. If you want to experience the wildlife of Tanzania at its best, we are excited to invite you to book a trip with us. 

Need to travel to Tanzania

If you were thinking the same thing, that Tanzania is full of wild animals everywhere, now you have confidence that you can spend your time outside the wild parks and enjoy the best of your trip. Drop your email, and our experts will find the best for you.

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Luxury Travel Blogger | African Safari Specialist. Hey there! I'm a luxury travel blogger with a passion for exploring the unspoiled beauty of Africa. As an African Safari Specialist, I'm here to help you discover the wonders of this captivating continent. Through my journeys and in-depth knowledge of East Africa, I've had the privilege of working closely with East Africa Safari Guides, collaborating to curate unforgettable experiences for adventurous souls like yourself. From the golden sunsets over the undulating plains of the Serengeti to the magnificent wildlife encounters in the Maasai Mara, I've been fortunate to witness nature's marvels up close. My journal is your window into the enchanting world of luxury travel in Africa, offering insider tips, captivating stories, and expert insights that will ignite your wanderlust. Allow me to be your trusted guide, taking you on a virtual journey beyond borders. Together, we'll unfold a tapestry of cultural treasures, breathtaking landscapes, and extraordinary encounters with nature's magnificent creations.