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A header image, featuring a large flock of flamingos flying to the right, set againt a backdrop of a blue sea with approaching waves.


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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Birdlife

 

Tanzania is a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting over 1,100 species that thrive in its diverse habitats. From the coastal mangroves to the expansive savannas and lush forests, the country's avian life is incredibly rich and varied. Whether it's colorful residents or seasonal migrants, Tanzania offers a spectacular array of bird species that contribute to its vibrant ecosystem.​​​​


Big Birds

 

The larger birds that can be found in Tanzania, encompass some of the most impressive avian species across various habitats, known for their size and unique characteristics. From the towering ostrich to the graceful flamingo and majestic pelican, these birds captivate with their striking appearances and behaviors.

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Smaller Birds

 

Tanzania's smaller birds are equally remarkable, with a dazzling array of species that add vibrant color and melody to the landscape. These birds, ranging from tiny sunbirds to colorful bee-eaters, thrive in the diverse habitats across the country. Their presence highlights the intricate beauty and ecological importance of Tanzania's rich birdlife.

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Birds of Prey

 

Tanzania's birds of prey are among the most majestic, dominating the skies with their powerful flight and keen hunting skills. Species like eagles, hawks, and vultures can be found across the country's varied landscapes, from mountains to savannas. These raptors play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, serving as top predators and scavengers in Tanzania's diverse ecosystems.

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A close-up image of a male Ostrich walking to the left, across a dry grassland.

Ostrich: 

Mbuni

  • Habitat: Ostriches are primarily found in savannas, open woodlands, and arid regions. In northern Tanzania, they are commonly seen in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park.

  • Characteristics: The ostrich is the world’s largest and heaviest bird, standing up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall and weighing up to 320 pounds (145 kg). It has long, powerful legs adapted for running, and can reach speeds of up to 45 mph (72 km/h). Ostriches have a distinctive appearance with a long neck, large eyes, and small wings that are not used for flight but for balance and courtship displays.

  • Diet: Ostriches are omnivores, feeding primarily on plants, seeds, fruits, and flowers. They also consume insects, small vertebrates, and invertebrates. Ostriches are well-adapted to arid environments and can survive without direct water intake for long periods, obtaining moisture from the plants they eat.

A close-up image of a flamingo, slowly walking to the right through shallow waters.

Flamingo: 

Heroe Mkubwa's - Greater Flamingo

Heroe Mdogo - Lesser Flamingo

  • Habitat: Flamingos inhabit shallow lakes, salt pans, and lagoons. In northern Tanzania, large flocks of flamingos are found at Lake Manyara, Lake Natron, and occasionally at Lake Eyasi.

  • Characteristics: Flamingos are known for their striking pink feathers, long legs, and distinctive downward-bending beak. The pink coloration comes from carotenoid pigments in their diet. Greater flamingos are larger, standing about 4.6 feet (1.4 meters) tall, while lesser flamingos are smaller, at about 3 feet (0.9 meters). Flamingos are social birds, living in large colonies that can number in the thousands.

  • Diet: Flamingos feed by filtering small organisms, such as algae, plankton, and brine shrimp, from the water using their specialized beaks. They are filter feeders, often seen wading in shallow water with their heads upside down, using their beaks to sieve food from the water.

A close-up, rear view of a swimming great white pelican, with his head turned to the left.

Great White Pelican: 

Pelikani

  • Habitat: Great white pelicans are found in large lakes, rivers, and wetlands. They are commonly seen in Lake Manyara, Lake Natron, and the Serengeti, where they inhabit shallow water bodies.

  • Characteristics: This large bird is notable for its all-white plumage and large, distinctive bill with a large throat pouch. The great white pelican has a wingspan that can exceed 3 meters (10 feet) and is known for its graceful, soaring flight. It often congregates in large, noisy flocks.

  • Diet: Great white pelicans primarily feed on fish, which they catch by dipping their bill into the water and then draining it to capture prey. They also consume amphibians and crustaceans. The pelican uses its large bill to scoop up fish and then drain out the water before swallowing.

A close-up image of a secretary bird positioned to the right, standing in a dry grassland with tall grass.

Secretary Bird: 

Karani

  • Habitat: Secretary birds are found in open grasslands, savannas, and lightly wooded areas. In northern Tanzania, they are frequently seen in the Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro regions.

  • Characteristics: The secretary bird is a unique bird of prey with long legs and a distinctive appearance, resembling a stork but related to raptors. It stands about 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall and has a black crest of feathers on its head. Secretary birds are known for their terrestrial hunting habits, often seen stalking through grasslands in search of prey.

  • Diet: Secretary birds primarily feed on snakes, including venomous species, as well as small mammals, insects, and birds. They hunt by stomping on their prey with their powerful legs, delivering lethal blows. They may also use their beaks to catch and kill smaller prey.

A close-up image of a crowned crane slightly positioned to the left, standing in a grassfield, with its head turned to its left.

Crowned Crane: 

Korongo Taji

  • Habitat: Crowned cranes are typically found in wetlands, marshes, and grasslands near water sources. In northern Tanzania, they are often seen around Lake Manyara, the Serengeti, and in the wetlands of Ngorongoro Crater.

  • Characteristics: Crowned cranes are medium-sized birds with a distinctive golden "crown" of feathers on their heads. They have a gray body, white wings, and a red throat pouch. These cranes are known for their graceful courtship dances, which include bowing, jumping, and wing flapping. They are often seen in pairs or small family groups.

  • Diet: They are omnivores, feeding on a varied diet that includes insects, small reptiles, seeds, grains, and aquatic plants. They forage in wetlands and grasslands, often probing the ground with their beaks to find food.

A close-up image of a marabou stork positioned to the right, standing in shallow waters, with a muddy shoreline and a grassland in the background.

Marabou Stork: 

Korongo Mfuko Shingo

  • Habitat: The Marabou Stork is commonly found in open, semi-arid regions near water bodies, including lakes, rivers, and marshes. In Tanzania, it is frequently seen around Lake Manyara, Lake Natron, and the Serengeti. They are also found in areas with human settlements, such as dumpsites.

  • Characteristics: This large, scavenging bird has a distinctive appearance with a bare, dark-colored head, a large, curved bill, and a prominent, naked throat pouch. The Marabou Stork's plumage is primarily white with a dark brown back and wings. It has long legs and a powerful wingspan, allowing it to soar over large distances. The stork’s unique appearance, including its large bill and throat pouch, is adapted for its scavenging lifestyle.

  • Diet: Marabou Storks are opportunistic feeders and scavengers. Their diet mainly consists of carrion, including dead animals and fish. They also feed on other scavenged remains and occasionally hunt small mammals, birds, and insects. Their scavenging behavior often leads them to garbage dumps and areas where large herbivores are present, as they search for food in the dung of these animals.

A close-up image of a yellow-billed stork positioned to the left, standing in a green grassland, with its beak slightly open.

Yellow-Billed Stork: 

Korongo Domo Njano

  • Habitat: Yellow-Billed storks are typically found in wetlands, along rivers, and in shallow lakes. They are a common sight in Tanzania's large bodies of water, such as Lake Manyara, Lake Natron, and the Tarangire River.

  • Characteristics: This large wading bird has a predominantly white body with black flight feathers and a distinctive yellow bill. The bill is long and slightly curved, which it uses to probe for food in shallow waters. Yellow-Billed storks are often seen standing still or slowly wading through water as they hunt. They are social birds, often found in small groups or mixed flocks with other waders.

  • Diet: Yellow-Billed storks feed on a variety of aquatic prey, including fish, frogs, small reptiles, and insects. They hunt by moving their open beak through the water, snapping it shut when they sense prey. They are also known to follow large animals like hippos to catch disturbed fish.

A close-up image of a superb starling positioned to the right, landed atop a wood block, with a lush environment in a blurred background.

Superb Starling: 

Kwezi Maridadi

  • Habitat: Superb starlings are common in open savannas, grasslands, and agricultural areas. They are widespread throughout Tanzania and are often seen in national parks like Serengeti, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro.

  • Characteristics: This starling is easily recognized by its striking iridescent plumage, with a metallic blue-green back, orange belly, and white chest. They have a sociable nature, often seen in flocks that forage together. Superb starlings are known for their chattering calls and their habit of following large animals to catch insects disturbed by their movement.

  • Diet: Superb starlings are omnivores, feeding on a variety of insects, fruits, seeds, and small invertebrates. They are often seen hopping on the ground in search of food, or catching insects in mid-air. During the breeding season, they may also consume larger prey to feed their chicks.

A close-up, rear view of a red-billed hornbill landed on a thick branch, with its head slightly turned to the left.

Red-Billed Hornbill: 

Fimbi Domo Jekundu

  • Habitat: The Red-Billed Hornbill is commonly found in savannas, dry woodlands, and bushlands across northern Tanzania. They are often seen in areas with sparse tree cover, where they can forage on the ground and nest in tree cavities.

  • Characteristics: This small to medium-sized hornbill is easily recognizable by its long, curved, and bright red bill. The bird has a black and white plumage with a distinctive white belly and a dark stripe running down its neck and head. Unlike some other hornbill species, the Red-Billed Hornbill lacks a casque on top of its bill. These birds are known for their strong pair bonds and often seen in pairs or small family groups.

  • Diet: Red-Billed Hornbills have an omnivorous diet, primarily consisting of insects, such as beetles, grasshoppers, and termites, which they forage for on the ground. They also eat small reptiles, fruits, seeds, and occasionally, small mammals. During the breeding season, they become more insectivorous to provide protein for their chicks.

A close-up image of a lilac-breasted roller positioned to the right, landed on a small mound.

Lilac-Breasted Roller: 

Kambu

  • Habitat: The Lilac-Breasted Roller inhabits open woodlands, savannas, and bushlands. It is commonly seen perched on trees or telephone wires across Tanzania, especially in the Serengeti, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara National Parks.

  • Characteristics: This bird is easily recognizable by its vibrant plumage, which features shades of blue, green, purple, and a lilac-colored breast. It has a long tail with two central feathers that extend further out, giving it a striking appearance during flight. Lilac-Breasted Rollers are territorial birds, often seen alone or in pairs. They are known for their acrobatic flight displays during courtship.

  • Diet: Lilac-Breasted Rollers are carnivorous, feeding primarily on insects like beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets. They also hunt small lizards, rodents, and even birds. They often hunt by swooping down from a perch to catch prey on the ground.

A close-up image of a malachite kingfisher positioned to the left, landed atop a broken branch, gazing in the distance.

Malachite Kingfisher: 

Kizamia Dagaa

  • Habitat: Malachite kingfishers inhabit freshwater habitats, such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and swamps. They are often seen along the banks of the rivers in the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire National Park.

  • Characteristics: This small kingfisher is known for its striking blue and orange plumage. It has a brilliant blue back, wings, and head, with an orange chest and belly. The bird has a short tail and a long, sharp bill, which it uses to catch fish. Malachite kingfishers are often seen perched on a low branch or reed near water, where they watch for prey.

  • Diet: The diet of the malachite kingfisher consists mainly of fish, which it catches by diving from its perch into the water. It also feeds on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and small amphibians. Once caught, the bird typically returns to its perch to eat its prey.

A close-up image of a grey-headed kingfisher positioned to the right, landed on a small branch, with its beack slightly open.

Grey-headed Kingfisher: 

Kurea Tumbo Jekundu

  • Habitat: Grey-headed kingfishers are found in dry savannas, woodlands, and near water bodies. In northern Tanzania, they are commonly seen in the Serengeti, Tarangire, and around Lake Manyara.

  • Characteristics: This medium-sized kingfisher is known for its striking grey head, bright blue back, and rufous underparts. Unlike other kingfishers, the grey-headed kingfisher is more terrestrial and often found away from water. They are solitary birds, often seen perched on branches scanning the ground for prey.

  • Diet: Grey-headed kingfishers primarily feed on insects, particularly grasshoppers, beetles, and locusts. They also eat small reptiles, amphibians, and occasionally small fish. They hunt by swooping down from a perch to catch their prey on the ground or in vegetation.

A dual close-up image featuring, in the upper section, an African fish eagle on a branch of a bare tree, facing left with its head turned, and below, an African fish eagle gracefully flying to the left, with its wings pread out.

African Fish Eagle: 

Furu Kombe

  • Habitat: African Fish eagles are typically found near large lakes, rivers, and wetlands. In northern Tanzania, they are commonly seen around Lake Manyara, Lake Victoria, and along the Mara River in the Serengeti.

  • Characteristics:This large raptor has a distinctive white head, dark brown body, and a powerful yellow bill. Its call is a recognizable and distinctive high-pitched, whistling cry. African Fish Eagles are known for their impressive flying skills and their ability to spot prey from high altitudes.

  • Diet: As the name suggests, African Fish Eagles primarily feed on fish, which they catch by swooping down to the water's surface and grabbing with their talons. They also prey on waterfowl, small mammals, and carrion, particularly when fish are scarce. They often perch on tall trees or rocks near water, watching for potential prey.

A dual close-up image featuring, in the upper section, a bateleur eagle on a branch of a bare tree, facing right and gazing in the distance, and below, a bateleur eagle soaring high in the sky to the left, with its wings spread wide.

Bateleur Eagle:

Pungu

  • Habitat: The Bateleur is typically found in open and semi-open savannas, woodlands, and forest edges. In northern Tanzania, it is often seen in the Serengeti and Tarangire National Park. This raptor is highly adaptable is present in a variety of habitats including dry bushveld and lowland forests.

  • Characteristics: The Bateleur is a striking eagle with a distinctive appearance. Adults are easily recognizable by their short, square tails, black plumage on the back, and bright reddish-brown wings and underparts. The head is bald with a characteristic red face, and the legs are bright yellow. It has a unique way of flying with its wings held in a characteristic dihedral position, making it easily identifiable in flight.

  • Diet: The Bateleur primarily feeds on small mammals like rodents, birds and occasionally reptiles such as lizards and snakes. The Bateleur often soars high in the sky, using its keen eyesight to spot potential prey or carrion on the ground. It also scavenges and may feed on the remains of larger animals, taking advantage of opportunities in its environment.

A dual close-up image featuring, in the upper section, a steppe eagle landed in a dry grassland, facing right and gazing in the distance, and below, a flying steppe eagle gaining altitude to the left, with its wings spread wide.

Steppe Eagle:

Tai Nyika

  • Habitat: The Steppe Eagle prefers open, dry, and semi-arid areas, including savannas and grasslands. In northern Tanzania, it is commonly seen in the Serengeti and around the Ngorongoro Crater.

  • Characteristics: This large eagle has a dark brown body with lighter head and shoulders, and a distinctive pale belly. The Steppe Eagle has broad wings and a strong, powerful build suited for soaring over large distances. It often has a slight variation in color between individuals.

  • Diet: The Steppe Eagle feeds primarily on small mammals, such as rodents, as well as birds and reptiles. It is known for its hunting prowess, often seen hunting from a perch or in flight, using its keen eyesight to spot prey on the ground.

A dual close-up image featuring, in the upper section, a eurasian kestrel atop a small branch, facing right with its head turned, and below, a frontal view of a flying eurasion kestrel, with its wings and tail feathers spread wide.

Eurasian Kestrel:

Kozi Kichwa Chekundu

  • Habitat: The Eurasian Kestrel is adaptable and can be found in a range of habitats, including open fields, grasslands, and semi-arid areas. In northern Tanzania, it is often observed in the Serengeti and around the edges of the Ngorongoro Crater.

  • Characteristics: This small falcon has a reddish-brown body with a distinctive grey head and tail. The males have a more colorful plumage compared to females. The Eurasian Kestrel is known for its hovering flight while hunting, where it holds its position in the air with its wings flapping rapidly.

  • Diet: The Eurasian Kestrel feeds primarily on insects, small rodents, and reptiles. It hunts by hovering in the air or perched on a high vantage point, using its keen eyesight to spot and catch prey.

A dual close-up image featuring, in the upper section, a peregrine falcon positioned to the right with its head slightly turned, and below, the underside of a flying peregrine falcon, with its wings spread wide.

Peregrine Falcon:

Kozi Tembere

  • Habitat: The Peregrine Falcon primarily inhabits coastal cliffs, savannas, and highland regions. In northern Tanzania they are most commonly found above the vast plains of the Serengeti and in the Ngorongoro Crater. They can also be found in urban areas like Dar es Salaam, where it nests on tall buildings.

  • Characteristics: It is a medium-sized raptor with a dark blue-gray back, white underside with black barring, and a black "helmet" marking on the head. Females are larger (up to 50 cm), while males are smaller (33-38 cm). With a wingspan 75 to 120, they are known for being the fastest animal, and famousfor their hunting dives (stoops), reaching speeds of over 240 mph in a dive.

  • Diet: They primarily feeds on birds such as pigeons, doves, and shorebirds, capturing prey mid-flight. Occasionally preys on small mammals and insects.

A dual close-up image featuring, in the upper section, a white-backed vulture perched on a thick branch to the right, and below, the underside of a white-backed vulture, soaring through the sky with its wings spread wide.

White-Backed Vulture:

Tumbusi Mgongo Mwepe

  • Habitat: The White-Backed Vulture typically inhabits open savannas, grasslands, and arid regions. They are often seen near water sources and are commonly found near animal carcasses. In northern Tanzania, it is commonly seen in the Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks.

  • Characteristics: This large vulture has a distinctive white back with a dark brown body and head. It has a bare head and neck, which are adapted for feeding on carrion. The White-Backed Vulture is known for its large wingspan  of 2 meters and soaring flight, often seen circling high in the sky. They are highly social, often seen in large groups, especially around carcasses, fighting for their piece of it.

  • Diet: White-Backed Vultures are scavengers, feeding primarily on carrion, including the remains of large animals. They play a crucial role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carcasses and preventing the spread of disease.

A dual close-up image featuring, in the upper section, a Rüppell's vulture facing right while landed on the ground, and below, the underside of a Rüppell's vulture, soaring through the sky with its wings spread wide.

Rüppell's Vulture:

Tumbusi Mbuga

  • Habitat: Rüppell's Vulture prefers open savannas, grasslands, and semi-arid regions. It is often seen in the Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks in northern Tanzania, where it can be found scavenging in areas with abundant carrion.

  • Characteristics: This large vulture has a distinctive appearance with a white neck and head, and dark brown wings and body. It features a pale-colored, bare head and neck adapted for scavenging. The Rüppell's Vulture is known for its impressive wingspan, which is among the largest of any bird, allowing it to soar effortlessly over large distances.

  • Diet: Rüppell's Vulture primarily feeds on carrion, including the remains of large mammals. It plays an important role in the ecosystem by consuming dead animals and preventing the spread of diseases.​​​​

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