The Big Five – and Beyond

Introduction

Tanzania is a wildlife lover’s paradise. It’s one of the few places on Earth where you can witness the iconic Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino—alongside a host of other extraordinary species in their natural habitats.

At Dream Peak Safaris, we know where to find the action and how to give you the best chance of seeing the stars of the savannah. Here are seven unforgettable animals you shouldn’t miss on your Tanzanian safari.

🦁 1. Lion – The King of the Jungle

The African lion is perhaps the most iconic of all safari sightings. Watching a pride of lions lounging under an acacia tree or stalking prey across the plains is pure safari magic.

• Best Spots: Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater

• Fun Fact: Lions are the only big cats that live and hunt in social groups (prides).

🐘 2. Elephant – Gentle Giants of the Wild

African elephants are a powerful and peaceful presence across Tanzania. Their playful young and family dynamics are a joy to observe.

• Best Spots: Tarangire National Park (especially during the dry season), Ngorongoro Crater

• Fun Fact: Elephants can recognize themselves in mirrors—a sign of high intelligence!

🐆 3. Leopard – Elusive and Elegant

Stealthy, solitary, and mysterious, leopards are harder to spot—but a true highlight when you do. Look up: they love resting in trees.

• Best Spots: Serengeti, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire

• Fun Fact: Leopards can drag prey heavier than themselves up into trees to avoid scavengers.

🐃 4. Buffalo – Strong, Stubborn, and Surprisingly Dangerous

Cape buffalo may not look as glamorous as big cats, but don’t underestimate them. They’re powerful, social, and surprisingly unpredictable.

• Best Spots: Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, and Arusha National Park

• Fun Fact: Despite their size, buffalo are excellent swimmers and often enjoy wallowing in mud.

🦏 5. Rhino – Rare and Resilient

Rhinos are the most endangered of the Big Five. While sightings are rare, your best chance in Tanzania is in the Ngorongoro Crater, where small populations are carefully protected.

• Best Spot: Ngorongoro Crater

• Fun Fact: Rhinos have poor eyesight but incredible hearing and smell.

🦒 6. Giraffe – The Towering Grace of the Savannah

Giraffes are elegant and peaceful, with long necks made for browsing treetops. Watch them move through the bush like living sculptures.

• Best Spots: Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, and Serengeti

• Fun Fact: Despite their long necks, giraffes have the same number of neck vertebrae as humans—just seven!

🐆 7. Cheetah – The Speed Demon of the Plains

Built for speed, cheetahs are sleek and agile hunters. Unlike leopards, they prefer open terrain where they can chase down prey.

• Best Spot: Serengeti’s central and southern plains

• Fun Fact: Cheetahs can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3 seconds—faster than most sports cars!

Let Dream Peak Safaris Bring You Closer to the Wild

Each safari is unique—and no two game drives are ever the same. With our experienced local guides and custom itineraries, you’ll have the best chance of spotting these amazing animals up close, safely and respectfully.

👉 Join us on a guided safari and check off your wildlife bucket list with Dream Peak Safaris.
Let your adventure begin today!