The 3rd of March marks World Wildlife Day. Today we celebrate the animals of the world, many of which you’ll be fortunate enough to see on safari.
Here are some of the top wildlife you can see on safari!
Wildebeest
One of the main reasons tourists go on safari in Tanzania is to see the great Serengeti migration where approximately 1.5 million wildebeest make their way over the plains in search of food and water. Because of the sheer size of the herd, the animals have to keep moving to survive. The herds generally follow the rain, as where there is rain, there is fresh grass. Once the grass is exhausted in one area, they will move on to the next. They will trek in a northerly direction from around March to October each year when they then turn around and head back south again for the birthing season.
Lions
You will never forget the thrill of your first lion sighting. It is quite common to spot these magnificent felines in Tanzania’s parks, and if you’re lucky you may even spot them up a tree. Throughout the year the lions roam the parks in search of prey and you can often hear their roar at night from miles away. Tanzania is known to have a healthy population of lions, lionesses and cubs. On a bright, sunny day you can spot the lions in the shade of trees, waiting for the cooler evenings.
Elephants
Elephants in Tanzania are a very common sight and each wildlife park or forest reserve has an abundant population of elephants. Elephants are usually seen walking in small groups or contained in a particular area. In the dry season, elephants will always be found near waterholes drinking and covering themselves in mud to help cool them down. The elephants move across the Serengeti in large herds during the migration season.
Giraffe
A safari in Tanzania is incomplete without spotting a few giraffes. The task is easier than it sounds as Tanzania has one of the largest giraffe populations in the world. Giraffe are known for their long necks used to reach leaves on the tops of trees.
Hippopotamus
Tanzania has a huge population of hippos which live in the waterways such as rivers and lakes. Their skin may be thick but it is extremely sensitive and can easily burn or dry out in the fierce African sun. So, they spend most of their day in the water or mud to keep cool, wet, and protect their delicate skin.
Zebra
Did you know? Each zebra has its own unique pattern of distinctive stripes, just as humans have their own unique pattern of fingerprints. The white and black stripe animal has always been a favourite for most of us. If you are planning to visit Tanzania, you will have the chance to see the zebras up close and personal as there are so many. Zebra also migrate together with wildebeest making the Serengeti migration even more spectacular.
Book Your Safari
The best time to go on safari is a personal matter, based on your personal circumstances and preferences and you need to take many factors into consideration before you decide.
Nature Discovery holds a privileged position among safari outfitters, offering 30 years of expertise as a fully licensed tour operator running photographic wildlife safaris and treks in Tanzania.
All of our trips are custom designed and we take your interests and budget into account while planning your trip.
Email us to discuss ideas and to get a quotation.
