The animals in Serengeti National Park are one of the main reasons travelers from all over the world visit Tanzania for an African safari. Serengeti National Park covers more than 5,700 square miles and supports a very large number of animals. From large mammals to small insects, the park offers many wildlife viewing chances throughout the year.
The Serengeti is home to millions of grazing animals, many predators, hundreds of bird species, reptiles, and insects. This wide range of animals makes the park one of the best safari destinations in Africa. Wildlife can be seen in grasslands, woodlands, rivers, and rocky areas, making every game drive different and rewarding.
The Big Five African Animals in Serengeti National Park
Many visitors come to Serengeti National Park to see the Big Five. These animals are the most well known safari animals in Africa and are a major highlight of any safari.
The African lion, also known as Simba, is easy to see in Serengeti. Large prides live across the open plains and rocky areas. Lions are often seen resting during the day or hunting early in the morning and late in the evening.
The African elephant, called Tembo, is the largest land animal in the world. Elephants move in family groups and are commonly seen near rivers and waterholes as they search for food and water.
The African leopard, known as Chui, is shy and hard to spot. Leopards often rest on tree branches during the day and hunt at night. Looking up into trees during game drives improves your chances of seeing one.
The African buffalo, also called Nyati or Cape buffalo, lives in large herds. These animals are strong and protective, with thick curved horns. They are common in many parts of the park.
The rhinoceros, known as Kifaru, is rare in Serengeti National Park. A small number of endangered black rhinos live in protected areas, mainly around Moru Kopjes in the central Serengeti.
Other Animals in Serengeti National Park
In woodland areas, you may see topi, impala, kongoni, dik dik, elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, waterbuck, reedbuck, warthogs, oribi, grey duiker, roan antelope, and greater kudu.
On the open plains, common animals include wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, lions, cheetahs, hyenas, leopards, bat eared foxes, and elands. These plains are also where the Great Migration takes place.
In river areas and near water, animals include mongooses, bushbucks, olive baboons, vervet monkeys, black and white colobus monkeys, crocodiles, and hippos.
Other wildlife includes monitor lizards, leopard tortoises, snakes, frogs, skinks, jackals, civets, servals, African wildcats, and very rare African wild dogs. Insects such as dung beetles, butterflies, termites, ants, and grasshoppers are found throughout the park.
The Serengeti ecosystem supports animals of all sizes. This rich wildlife makes Serengeti National Park one of the best places in Africa for safari game viewing.
