In nature’s hierarchy, the Big Five animals reign supreme at the top of the food chain. These are Africa’s most formidable and hazardous creatures, making them the essential sightings during a visit to Tanzania. The African big five comprises the leopard, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo and Lion.
The designation “Big Five” isn’t solely based on size, but rather on the danger and difficulty they presented to hunters. In the past, these animals were highly sought after during hunts. However, with stricter regulations, hunting has decreased significantly, making it much easier to spot the Big Five while traveling in Africa.
Elephant
Elephants hold the title of the largest land animals, as confirmed by Guinness World Records. Standing up to 4 meters (13 feet) tall and weighing as much as 6,600 kilograms (14,550 pounds), they are truly colossal creatures. While there are reports of even heavier individuals, envisioning the weight of an adult elephant is akin to stacking a couple of hefty Toyota Land Cruisers, commonly used for safaris in Tanzania, on top of each other.
Elephants possess a unique capacity to reshape landscapes unlike any other wild animals. They carve pathways through dense vegetation, uproot trees with their mighty tusks, and excavate large watering holes in dried-up riverbeds.
This transformative behavior thins out forests and savannahs, creating essential resources for other wildlife. Zebras, antelopes, and various plains animals benefit from the open spaces and water sources created by elephants. Due to their role in altering ecosystems, elephants are often referred to as ecosystem engineers. A notable example is Rubondo Island in Tanzania, where elephants were introduced during the establishment of the national park. Their actions facilitated the creation of open spaces within the forest, enabling the introduction of smaller animal species.
Presently, you can observe these majestic creatures in national parks and reserves like Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Ruaha, and Nyerere.
Lion
Lions require no introduction; they stand out as one of the most striking and captivating animals in Africa. Tanzania is home to approximately 16,000 lions, serving as apex predators in their habitats. Their daily routines are particularly fascinating for wildlife enthusiasts. African lions are highly social creatures, residing in prides comprised of about 3 male lions, 6 to 12 female lionesses, and their cubs.
Within the Big Five, lions stand out as the most straightforward due to their singular species known as Panthera leo. While there were once other lion species and subspecies, such as the cave lions that inhabited Europe, Siberia, and the Americas during the Ice Age, they have all vanished. Notably, the sole remaining species, found in Africa south of the Sahara and a solitary forest in India, is a cause for concern among scientists, primarily due to human activities.
Male lions are easily recognized by their majestic manes and typically refrain from hunting. Conversely, it is the females who undertake the hunting, tracking their prey until they are within striking distance. Surprisingly, lions have few adversaries in the wild. However, they may face challenges from packs of hyenas, notorious for stealing their kills.
Lion sightings are common in national parks like Lake Manyara and Tarangire, and they are even more abundant in the vast expanses of Serengeti, Ruaha, Nyerere, and notably in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Buffalo
Buffaloes belong to the bovid family, encompassing over 10 distinct species, including the true buffalo and bison. In Africa, the bovids are represented by a single species that humans have never succeeded in domesticating. This fact underscores why the African buffalo is included in the formidable Big Five.
On the African plains, these creatures congregate in herds, sometimes quite sizable, containing up to 500 individuals. Occasionally, they unite into super-herds, numbering several thousand. This collective behavior serves as a defense mechanism, aiding in their safety and the protection of their young against predator attacks
In the 19th century, African buffaloes were given the moniker “Black Death” and also referred to as “widow-makers.” Hunters regarded them as the most perilous adversaries during foot hunts. Nowadays, when traveling through a national park in a secure safari vehicle, grazing buffalo bulls may appear docile and skittish as they scatter upon hearing the engine noise. However, during the era of safari hunting, encounters with buffaloes often ended tragically for hunters. Buffaloes exhibit an intriguing behavior – even when approached from a distance in a vehicle, they lift their heads and attentively stare in the direction of the observer, maintaining unwavering eye contact. If approached on foot, armed, they may initiate an attack. Trackers had to demonstrate agility and caution to trail these dangerous animals and react promptly before an attack ensued. Often, there wasn’t enough time for a shot.
Herds of African buffaloes can be spotted in several Tanzanian national parks, including Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. In the neighboring Serengeti, expansive herds roam the plains. Additionally, buffaloes can be encountered in southern national parks such as Nyerere and Ruaha
Rhino
After elephants, rhinos rank as the second largest terrestrial animals. The hefty white rhinos typically weigh around 2,300 kilograms (5,070 pounds) on average. However, some males have been documented to reach staggering weights of up to 3,600 kilograms (7,937 pounds)! Although there are claims of even heavier rhinos, these figures remain unverified.
The defining characteristic of these creatures is the keratin growths on their skulls, known as horns. African rhinos typically possess two horns: a longer one on the nose and a smaller one on the forehead. Occasionally, some rhinos may develop a third horn behind the second, which is usually the smallest. Rhinos are renowned for their exceptional hearing and sense of smell, which compensate for their notably poor eyesight. Despite being formidable creatures, there are few natural threats to them besides humans. Only lions, crocodiles, packs of hyenas, and wild dogs occasionally pose a risk by targeting rhino calves or sick individuals.
Rhinos are territorial beings. Upon detecting intruders in their grazing areas, these ancient and formidable creatures swiftly charge towards the trespasser. Due to their limited vision, it’s not uncommon to witness them charging into rocks or trees during such encounters.
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area stands out as the top spot for observing rhinos in their natural habitat. Despite their relatively low numbers, this ancient crater in northern Tanzania provides a favorable chance to witness these magnificent creatures grazing peacefully. In Tanzania’s famous Serengeti National Park, located in the northern region, rhino sightings are also possible. Furthermore, rhinos inhabit Nyerere National Park, the largest national park in Tanzania, situated in the southern part of the country.
Leopard
Leopards are elusive predators, often hunting under the veil of night and employing the surrounding vegetation for concealment. They are adept at conserving energy and typically opt for a stealthy approach rather than prolonged pursuits. Utilizing their intelligence, leopards cautiously stalk their prey before executing a swift and powerful leap, relying on their robust legs and sharp claws to make the kill.
Leopards hold the title of apex predators, with no specific predators targeting them. However, their primary threat arises from territorial competition with other leopards. Additionally, they can become prey to crocodiles and larger cats such as lions, often resulting in unfavorable outcomes for the leopards in these encounters.
Leopards are renowned for their danger and craftiness, attributed to their agility and sharp intellect. They operate in secrecy, exhibit remarkable mobility, excel at climbing, and execute powerful leaps with ease. Known for their patient stalking of prey, which can include humans, leopards are formidable hunters. There’s a belief that if a leopard is wounded by a human, similar to a buffalo, it will retaliate without fail in every instance.
Spotting leopards, the most elusive of the Big Five in Africa, demands effort from both you and your safari guide. Thankfully, with the experienced guides we have at 7 Wonders Safaris , you can trust their expertise. For increased chances of encountering these majestic creatures, consider extending your stay in a protected area for a few extra days.
Leopards can be found inhabiting various national parks in Tanzania, including Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Serengeti, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including its crater. In the southern national parks like Ruaha and Nyerere National parks, leopards are frequently spotted.
Can you encounter all five representatives of the Big Five African animals in one location? Absolutely! Tanzania boasts protected areas where lions, elephants, rhinos, buffaloes, and leopards coexist harmoniously. These areas include:
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Nyerere National Park
Explore these captivating protected areas of Tanzania and more through the package safari programs provided by 7 Wonders Safaris. With longer safari trips, your chances of encountering the Big Five increase significantly.
By booking a trip to Tanzania, you open doors to immerse yourself in the raw beauty of Africa and uncover a tapestry of diverse landscapes and ecosystems. From the vast plains of East Africa to a myriad of forest types, ancient volcanic craters in the Great Rift Valley, expansive alkaline lakes, and rural areas offering glimpses into everyday life and local culture, 7 Wonders Safaris guarantees an unforgettable adventure.
