Which are the Big Five Parks in Tanzania?
Big Five Parks in Tanzania, the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino – are the most sought-after animals in Africa. They’re indeed a major drawcard for many visitors coming to Tanzania. And about 75% of visitors entering Tanzania for a safari (based on our bookings) crave the Big Five animals. In this article, we’ll discuss the best spots where you can find all these spectacular creatures in one place.
Before we dive in, let’s pause and be a little bit curious. Why are these animals called the ‘Big Five’? Are they the only large animals in the wild? Of course, no. The name “Big Five” doesn’t mean they are so big, though some of them are very big. Here’s a story:
Back in the day, hunters went on foot in the wild to hunt. They did so to earn prized trophies. But they found it dangerous to hunt these five animals on foot. Because when cornered or injured, these animals kill or severely injure the hunter. Some of them looked so polite like a buffalo, which, when agitated, never forgives. Another animal with an innocent appearance is the elephant, which also turns into real death when seriously annoyed.
Enough with lecturing! Let’s get back to the point. Tanzania has four places where you can spot all five animals of the Big Five – that’s the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Nyerere, and Mkomazi. Let’s explore one after another.
Serengeti National Park.
In Serengeti, you will find these animals in their natural habitats. The Serengeti’s diverse habitats enable them to exist, each within its favorite habitat.
The lions are plains predators. Since plains are dominant in the central Serengeti (Seronera) and the southern Serengeti, lions are concentrated in these regions. Lions are a common sighting when driving in the Seronera Valley and the far south. With over 3,000 lions, Serengeti is the best place to see lions in Tanzania.
Elephants are abundant in most parts of the park. Lobo is a promising place to spot even large elephant herds. The buffalo stays in 400-strong herds headed by a few strong bulls. They roam the woodlands and plains where they eat long grass.
Leopards are present, but very rare. They avoid the heat and noisy predators like hyenas by napping in trees (acacia and sausage trees are their favorites). Rhinos are the rarest of the Big Five in Serengeti. This is not only because of their solitary behavior, but also their small number. Serengeti has around 80 black rhinos. Chances are better in the south-central region called the Moru Kopjes.
Ngorongoro Crater.
Though small in size, this unbroken caldera offers views of the Big Five. And it’s much easier to spot them than in the Serengeti. Why? Because the rarest one (which is a limiting factor) is the black rhino, which is easily spotted in the crater. The crater has just 30 rhinos. But the nature of its habitats, which comprise plains, makes it simple to find and locate these mammals.
The lion population ranges between 65 and 75. The elephants and buffalo are also very common on the floor. The population of leopards is slowly improving. Better sightings are common in the Lerai Forest, where they relax in trees.
Nyerere National Park.
Often overshadowed by sister parks in the north, Nyerere boasts the Big Five. Characterized by open plains, riverine forests, thickets, and acacia woodlands, this park ensures that each of the big five finds its favorite habitat:
Lions thrive in the plains where they find it easier to scan and chase prey, elephants love the riverine forests along the Rufiji River where they feed on tree branches, and leopards prefer acacia and riverine forests where they find their favorite trees.
While lions, buffalo, and elephants are abundant, leopards and black rhinos require special techniques to find. But with our guides who know Nyerere very well, you will be one of the luckiest guests to tick all the boxes. Besides this search for the Big Five, you can embark on unique experiences like boat cruising in the Rufiji River or fly camping.
Mkomazi National Park.
A remote park in Tanzania’s northeast, yet it delivers beyond expectation. Stretching further to the Kenyan border, Mkomazi hosts all the big five. Lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo are in their natural habitats, while rhinos are in protected zones.
A rhino sanctuary started in 1991 and currently has over 35 rhinos. The park allowed rhino tourism in 2021, and as of 2025, visitors can visit this park to satisfy their desire to see rhinos and the rest Big Five animals. This park is also home to rare species like African wild dogs. Other animals include giraffes, wildebeest, zebras, and spotted hyenas.
Wrapping things up…
Spotting all the Big Five in one place is every safari-goer’s wish. By visiting these hotspots, we’re confident you’ll tick them off. Plus, we are here to help you spot these wonderful creatures. You can trust us with your Big Five safari. So, let’s start planning your dream adventure.
