The wide range of animals to see in Serengeti National Park is a major attraction of tourists from all over the world who wish to have a magical African Safari experience.
Spanning over 5,700 square miles, the Serengeti is home to wide range of animals; big and small comprising of millions of ungulates, hundreds of birds, insects and thousands of predators. There is so much to explore and see in this vast park.
The Big Five African Animals
Always on top of the list of must see for any traveler coming to Africa for a game viewing safari. A safari to Serengeti (home to the Big 5) presents you with the chance to see the famous iconic animals in their natural environment. These include:
- The African Lion (Simba) famously known as the king of the jungle: Fairly easy to spot while on game drives as the Serengeti has excitingly large prides spread in the grasslands.
- The African Elephant (Tembo): Weighing up to 7 tons, the African Elephant is the largest and heaviest land mammal in the world. Now imagine seeing this incredibly big animal in its natural habitat, amazing just.
- The African Leopard (Chui): The elusive of the Big 5, with perfect camouflage abilities, a skilled tree climber and the prince of darkness as it is predominantly nocturnal. Nevertheless, while on a day game drive, be sure to keep looking up in the tree branches are that is their best hiding/resting place.
- The African Buffalo (Nyati): Also known as the Cape buffalo, is one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. Large herds of Buffalos inhabit the grasslands of Serengeti; you will not miss seeing them while you drive around the park. They are really strong animals with pronounced thick horns.
- The Rhinoceros (Kifaru): Serengeti National Park is home to a few of the endangered Black Rhinos. Poaching has affected the numbers of the Rhinos in the park. But with some luck, you will able to spot the Rhinos on your visit to the park. Visit the Moru Kopjes in Central region of Serengeti for a high chance of spotting this endangered animal.
More animals that inhabit Serengeti National Park
In the Woodlands
Topi, Impala, Kongoni, Dik-dik, Elephants, Buffalos, Giraffes, Waterbuck, Bahor reedbuck, Warthogs (scarce), Oribi, Grey diker, Raon antelope, Greater kudu
In the Plains
Wildebeests, Zebras, Gazelles, Lions, Cheetahs, Hyenas, Leopards, Bat eared foxes, Elands
In the Riverine Forests and around / in the River
Banded mongoose, Marsh mongoose, Shrews, Duiker, Bushbucks, Tree hyrax, Olive baboons, Vervet monkeys, Black and white colobus monkeys, Crocodiles, Hippos
Others
Monitor lizards, Leopard tortoise, Catfish, Serpents, Frogs, Skinks, Golden Jackals, Black backed Jackals, Civet, Serval, African Wildcats, African Wild dogs (very rare), dung beetles, grasshoppers, butterflies, termites, ants, weevils, bees
The Serengeti Ecosystem supports so many different species of animals, birds, insects and plants. It beams with rich flora and fauna.
Visit Serengeti National Park in Tanzania with these recommended Tanzania tour operators or inquire with us below to book your safari directly through this website.
