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A header picture, featuring a large herd of zebras grazing on an open plain dotted with solitary trees, set against a backdrop of open woodlands atop grassy hills.


Animals You'll Meet on Safari

 

Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned adventurer, embarking on a safari is one of the most thrilling ways to experience the natural world. The animals you might encounter during your safari in northern Tanzania, number in the thousands. We summed up a few of the most common species you can look for.

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Ungulates

 

Tanzania is home to a remarkable diversity of ungulates, from towering giraffes to swift antelopes. These hoofed mammals roam the country's plains, savannas, and woodlands, playing a vital role in the ecosystem by shaping vegetation and serving as prey for predators. Their presence is integral to the iconic wildlife scenes of Tanzania, particularly in renowned areas like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.​

 

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A close-up image of a towering giraffe positioned to the right, standing on a sandy outcrop in a grassy field with hills and solitary trees in the background, looking to its right.

Giraffe: 

Twiga

  • Habitat: Giraffes are found in savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands throughout northern Tanzania, including the Serengeti, Tarangire, and Manyara regions. They thrive in areas where acacia trees are abundant, when they tend to avoid dense forests, as their large size makes movement in such environments difficult.

  • Characteristics: The giraffe is the tallest land animal, reaching up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) in height. They have long necks and legs, with a distinctive coat pattern of irregular, star-shaped spots that are dark brown or almost black, separated by light brown or cream-colored lines. This pattern is unique to each giraffe, much like a human fingerprint. Giraffes are social animals and often seen in large herds.

  • Diet: Giraffes are browsers, primarily feeding on leaves, shoots, and fruits from trees and shrubs, especially acacias. Their long necks allow them to reach food sources that are inaccessible to other herbivores.

A close-up image of a zebra positioned to the left, standing in a grassland with a tree and a bush in the background, gazing slightly to its left.

Zebra: 

Pundamilia

  • Habitat: Zebras are commonly found in grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands throughout northern Tanzania, particularly in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

  • Characteristics: Zebras are recognizable by their black and white striped coats. Each zebra's stripe pattern is unique, like a fingerprint. They are social animals, living in herds that can include dozens to hundreds of individuals. Zebras have a strong sense of community and use vocalizations and body language to communicate.

  • Diet: Zebras are grazers, primarily feeding on grasses. They may also eat leaves, bark, and shrubs, especially during the dry season when grasses are scarce. They require a daily intake of water, which influences their movement patterns.

A close-up image of a wildebeest walking to the right across a dry grassland.

Wildebeest: 

Nyumbu

  • Habitat: Wildebeest inhabit open plains, grasslands, and woodlands. They are most famously associated with the Serengeti, where they participate in the Great Migration.

  • Characteristics: Wildebeest have a robust build with a large head, short neck, and a long face. Their coat is grayish-brown with a darker face and mane. Wildebeest are highly social and form large herds, especially during migration, where they move in search of fresh grazing.

  • Diet: Wildebeest are primarily grazers, feeding on short grasses. They prefer areas with abundant fresh grass, which is why they migrate seasonally. They also need to drink water regularly.

A close-up, rearview of an impala with large horns, standing in a dry grassland, looking over its left shoulder.

Impala: 

Swala Pala

  • Habitat: Impalas are found in woodlands, savannas, and grasslands, especially near water sources. They are common in Serengeti, Tarangire, and Manyara regions.

  • Characteristics: Impalas are medium-sized antelopes with a reddish-brown coat and a white underbelly. Males have long, curved horns, while females do not. Impalas are known for their incredible agility and can leap up to 10 feet in the air to evade predators.

  • Diet: Impalas are mixed feeders, grazing on grass and browsing on leaves, shoots, and fruits. Their diet varies with the season, and they can switch between grazing and browsing depending on the availability of food.

A close-up image of a Grant gazelle with large horns, positioned to the left, standing in a green grassland, gazing slightly to its left.

Grant Gazelle: 

Swala Granti

  • Habitat: Grant's Gazelles prefer open plains, grasslands, and shrublands, often in slightly drier regions than Thomson's Gazelles. They are found in the Serengeti and other northern regions.

  • Characteristics: Grant's Gazelles are slightly larger than Thomson's Gazelles, with a light brown coat and white underbelly. Unlike Thomson's Gazelles, they lack the black side stripe. Both males and females have horns, with the males’ being longer and thicker.

  • Diet: Grant's Gazelles are mixed feeders, consuming both grasses and shrubs. They are more drought-resistant than Thomson's Gazelles and can survive longer periods without water by getting moisture from the plants they eat.

A close-up image of a Thomson's gazelle with large horns, positioned to the right, standing in a green grassland, gazing slightly to its right.

Thomson's Gazelle: 

Swala Tomi

  • Habitat: Thomson's Gazelles are found in the open grasslands and plains of northern Tanzania, particularly in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

  • Characteristics: Thomson's Gazelles are small and slender with a tan coat, white underbelly, and a distinctive black stripe along their sides. They are fast runners, capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 mph (97 km/h) to escape predators.

  • Diet: Thomson's Gazelles are primarily grazers, feeding on short grasses. They also browse on shrubs and leaves during the dry season. They are highly water-dependent and need to drink frequently.

A close-up image of a topi walking to the right, across a green grassland.

Topi: 

Nyamera

  • Habitat: Topis inhabit savannas, floodplains, and grasslands. They are commonly found in the Serengeti and other protected areas in northern Tanzania.

  • Characteristics: Topis are medium-sized antelopes with a reddish-brown coat, dark face, and darker patches on their legs. They have slightly curved, lyre-shaped horns. Topis are known for their speed and endurance, making them difficult prey for predators.

  • Diet: Topis are primarily grazers, feeding on medium to tall grasses. They prefer fresh, green grass and are often found in areas where recent rains have promoted new growth.

A close-up, rearview of a hartebeest standing in a dry grassland, looking over its left shoulder.

Hartebeest:

Kongoni

  • Habitat: Hartebeest are found in open grasslands, savannas, and lightly wooded areas. They are common in northern Tanzania, particularly in the Serengeti and Tarangire regions.

  • Characteristics: Hartebeests have a unique elongated face and a reddish-brown coat. Their horns are V-shaped and slightly curved. They are highly social animals, often found in herds of 20-30 individuals. Hartebeests are known for their stamina and ability to run long distances.

  • Diet: Hartebeests are primarily grazers, feeding on a variety of grasses. They prefer medium to tall grasses and will travel long distances in search of fresh grazing grounds. They can survive in areas with limited water availability.

A close-up image of a brown eland positioned to the right, gazing slightly to its right.

Eland:

Pofu

  • Habitat: Elands inhabit savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands. They are often found in northern Tanzania, including the Serengeti and Ngorongoro regions.

  • Characteristics: Elands are the largest antelope species, with a robust build and a tan coat. Both males and females have spiral-shaped horns, though the males’ are thicker. Elands are generally slow-moving but can run with surprising speed when necessary. They are social animals, forming large herds.

  • Diet: Elands are mixed feeders, consuming grasses, leaves, fruits, and bark. They can go for long periods without water, obtaining most of their moisture from their diet. Elands are highly adaptable and can survive in various environments.​

A close-up image of a bushbuck walking to the left through a forest, gazing to its left.

​Bushbuck:

Pongo

  • Habitat: Bushbucks are found in dense forests, thickets, and areas near water sources. They are commonly seen in forested regions of northern Tanzania, such as around Mount Kilimanjaro and Arusha National Park.

  • Characteristics: Bushbucks have a reddish-brown coat with white spots and stripes on their sides. Males have straight, spiraled horns, while females lack horns. Bushbucks are solitary animals and are usually seen alone or in pairs. They are shy and prefer to remain hidden in dense vegetation.

  • Diet: Bushbucks are browsers, feeding on leaves, shoots, fruits, and herbs. They are primarily nocturnal feeders, coming out at night to forage. Their diet is varied and changes with the availability of food throughout the year.

A close-up image of a waterbuck positioned to the right, standing in a lush landscape with tall grass, gazing slightly to its right.

Waterbuck:

Kuro

  • Habitat: Waterbucks are found near rivers, lakes, and wetlands. In northern Tanzania, they are commonly seen around Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and the Serengeti.

  • Characteristics: Waterbucks are large antelopes with a shaggy brown-gray coat and a white ring on their rump, which is their most distinctive feature. Males have long, curved horns. Waterbucks are highly water-dependent and are always found near water sources. They are gregarious animals and live in herds of varying sizes.

  • Diet: Waterbucks are primarily grazers, feeding on grasses, but they will also browse on leaves and shrubs. They require a daily intake of water and are often seen grazing near water bodies.

A close-up image of a dikdik walking to the left across a dry grassland, scattered with stones.

Dik-Dik:

Digidigi

  • Habitat: Dik-Diks are found in dry bushlands, scrublands, and savannas. They are commonly seen in the Serengeti and Tarangire regions of northern Tanzania.

  • Characteristics: Dik-Diks are small antelopes with a distinctive elongated snout, which helps regulate their body temperature. They have a tan coat with a white belly. Dik-Diks are monogamous and live in pairs. They are shy and elusive, often hiding in thick vegetation.

  • Diet: Dik-Diks are browsers, feeding on leaves, shoots, and fruits. They obtain most of their water from their diet, which allows them to survive in arid environments. Dik-Diks are highly selective feeders and prefer fresh, tender -vegetation.

A close-up image of a klipspringer positioned to the right, standing on a large rock with another large rock extending behind it, and dry grass peeking between the stones.

Klipspringer:

Mbuzi Mawe

  • Habitat: Klipspringers are found in rocky terrains, including cliffs and hills. They are often seen in the rocky outcrops of northern Tanzania, such as in the Serengeti and Tarangire regions.

  • Characteristics: Klipspringers are small, sturdy antelopes with coarse, grizzled fur. They have short, spiky horns, which are present in males. Klipspringers are adept climbers, with specially adapted hooves that allow them to navigate rocky terrain with ease. They live in pairs or small family groups and are highly territorial.

  • Diet: Klipspringers are browsers, feeding on leaves, shoots, fruits, and flowers. They prefer vegetation found in their rocky habitats and can survive with minimal water intake, getting moisture from their food.​

A close-up image of an oribi positioned to the left, standing in a green grassland with tall grass, looking to its left.

Oribi:

Taya

  • Habitat: Oribis are found in open grasslands, savannas, and lightly wooded areas. They are less common than some other antelopes in northern Tanzania but can still be seen in protected areas.

  • Characteristics: Oribis are small, slender antelopes with a light brown coat and a white underbelly. Males have short, straight horns, while females are hornless. Oribis are social animals, often living in small groups or pairs. They are known for their alertness and agility, often using their speed to evade predators.

  • Diet: Oribis are primarily grazers, feeding on grasses and herbs. They prefer areas with short grass and are often seen grazing in the early morning and late afternoon. Oribis also browse on leaves and fruits when grass is scarce.

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