Serengeti National Park Big 5
Serengeti National Park Big 5 are among the most sought-after wildlife species to see during safaris around Tanzania.
The big 5 animals found in Serengeti National Park include lions, leopards, buffalos, elephants, and also rhinos which can be seen around the park.
- Lions
The lion which is also known as the “king of the jungle,” is among the big five which are found in the savannah plains of Serengeti National Park.
Lions can be seen in prides which are found in Serengeti national park and they consist of female lions and also their cubs. The male lions tend to roam in the plains of the national park and can be seen during tours in Tanzania.
One of the characteristics of lions is that they are apex predators and can be seen and they hunt and attack their prey. Lions can hunt at night but are also spotted in the daytime around tree shades and the rock outcrops in Serengeti National Park.
During tours in Serengeti National Park, tourists can hear the lions roar and also watch them from the safety of their 4×4 safari vehicles during activities such as game drives carried out at the destination in search of different wildlife species.
Male lions can be distinguished from the female lions by their manes. Lions are also known to roar to communicate with other lions and also to mark their territory in the national park.
- Leopards
Leopards are also part of the big five animals to see in Serengeti National Park and they are also known for being predators.
They are also known for being naturally elusive and solitary wildlife species which can be seen during tours in Serengeti National Park. Leopards are known for moving in silence, especially while hunting their prey in the vast savannah plains.
Some of the characteristics of leopards include that they have spotted coats, and are extremely versatile predators that can pursue everything from small birds to huge antelopes.
They are also good climbers and can pull their kills into trees to keep them safe from scavengers in the plains below. Leopards are also good swimmers and can flourish in a variety of habitats in Serengeti National Park including savannas and riverine forests.
Their secretive nature makes them one of the most difficult animals to locate on a safari in Serengeti National Park and seeing them is one of the exciting experiences to enjoy during a tour around the destination. They are also nocturnal animals and can be seen when exploring the park at night.
- Elephant
The elephant is considered the world’s largest land animal and they can be seen during the big five tours in Serengeti National Park.
Elephants are known for their big size for being gentle giants and for moving in their herds around the vast savannah plains of Serengeti National Park. These animals are herbivorous and can be seen as they graze in the park.
They also play an important role in their habitat through their feeding habits which serve to sustain the savanna ecosystem by limiting vegetation overgrowth and promoting the emergence of new plants. Elephants are easy to spot during safaris in Serengeti National Park as they stand out from the endless plains in the park.
- Buffalo
Buffalos are also part of the big five animals which can be seen during wildlife safaris in Serengeti National Park.
They are tough and persistent animals and can be seen in huge numbers when exploring Serengeti National Park in search of different wildlife species. Buffalos have unpredictable behavior and outstanding strength.
Buffalos are known for living in big herds and have a complicated social structure, with strong protective behaviors towards their young. Despite being preyed on by lions, buffalo can aggressively defend themselves, often fighting the predators and sometimes winning.
Their grazing habits are critical to preserving the healthy balance of the grasslands, making them an important species in the biological ecosystem of Serengeti National Park. They can also be seen around water sources as they gather to drink, especially during the dry seasons.
- Rhinos
Rhinos in Serengeti National Park are also a rare sight to see during wildlife viewing experiences in Tanzania.
The types of rhinos that can be seen in Serengeti National Park are the black rhinos which are considered to be an endangered species. These rhinos are known for their thick, protective skin and strong horns which unfortunately make them popular targets for poaching.
The black rhino is a solitary animal that feeds on bushes and small trees which makes the herbivorous in nature.
Serengeti National Park Big 5: Wildlife viewing in Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti National Park which is located in the northern part of Tanzania consists of stunning landscapes, which range from vast savannah grasslands to acacia woodland as well as riverine forests.
A variety of wildlife species can be seen during wildlife viewing experiences in Serengeti National Park apart from the big five and they include antelope species like gazelles, waterbucks, bushbucks, topi, impalas, hartebeests, elands, kudu as well as cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, warthogs among others.
Wildebeest migration is also among the attractions that can be seen during wildlife safari experiences in Serengeti National Park. This migration involves the movement of over 2 million wildebeests across the savannah plains. This migration takes place throughout the year in different parts of the national park including the northern part of the park where the river crossings take place, in the central plains of the park, and also in the western and southern plains of the national park.
Around the diverse habitats of Serengeti National Park, different bird species can be seen during safaris. During the big five safari experience at the destination, tourists can engage in game drives, guided nature walks, bird watching, and also hot air balloon safaris.
How to get to Serengeti National Park for the Big Five Safari
Tourists can get to Serengeti National Park by flying and also by driving during wildlife safaris around Tanzania.
The drive to get to Serengeti National Park from Arusha town takes about 7 to 8 hours and the park can also be accessed by flights to the different airstrips.
