Big Five and more: the animals that surprise you most on a safari in Tanzania

When we think of a safari in Tanzania, one expression almost always comes to mind: the Big Five. Lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceroses and buffaloes have become the ultimate reference of the African safari and the main goal for many travellers.

But the reality is that a safari in Tanzania is much more than a list of five animals. Beyond the Big Five, there are encounters that surprise, move and stay with you long after the journey ends: animals that do not always feature in brochures, but that truly define the safari experience.

In this article, we explain what the Big Five are and why they are so famous, while also inviting you to look beyond them. Because, in our experience, the animals that are most remembered after a safari in Tanzania are not always the most famous ones.

What are the Big Five and why are they so famous?

The term Big Five dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, during the era of big-game hunting in Africa. It did not refer to the size of the animals, but to the five species considered the most difficult and dangerous to hunt on foot: the lion, the leopard, the African elephant, the rhinoceros and the Cape buffalo.

Over time, luckily, the concept evolved from hunting to safari tourism and wildlife conservation. Today, talking about the Big Five on safari means referring to the most iconic animals of the African savannah and a powerful symbol of the dream journey to Africa.

The term is still widely used because it is clear, recognisable and easy to understand. However, focusing exclusively on the Big Five can offer an incomplete picture of what a safari truly is.

The Big Five on a safari in Tanzania: what to really expect

Seeing the Big Five in Tanzania is possible, especially in areas such as the Serengeti or the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Still, it is important to adjust expectations and understand how these sightings actually happen in the wild.

Lion

One of the most visible members of the Big Five. Tanzania is home to one of the largest lion populations in Africa, and watching them resting or interacting in groups is often one of the highlights of the safari.

Leopard

More elusive and solitary. Spotting a leopard requires patience and a trained eye, both from the guide and the traveller. When it finally appears, it often becomes one of the most memorable moments of the trip.

African elephant

Impressive and commonly seen in many regions. Encounters with elephants, especially family groups moving calmly through the landscape, create moments that are hard to put into words.

Rhinoceros

The hardest of the Big Five to see. Spotting a rhino is a true privilege and never guaranteed, which makes every encounter even more meaningful.

Cape Buffalo

Very present in Tanzania. Often moving in large herds, buffaloes form part of the everyday safari landscape, even if they do not always receive the attention they deserve.

The key message is clear: seeing all five is possible, but it is not the only thing that makes a safari in Tanzania unforgettable. Many of the most special moments happen when we stop searching and simply start observing.

Our favourite animals on a safari in Tanzania (beyond the Big Five)

These are not rare or exceptional species. They are animals that are frequently seen and yet leave a deep impression on the safari experience. For many travellers, even more so than some members of the Big Five.

Cheetah: speed and daylight hunting

The cheetah is one of the great stars of a safari in Tanzania. Unlike other big cats, it is active during the day, which makes it possible to observe it moving, patrolling or even hunting.

Witnessing its acceleration, its focus before the chase and its natural elegance is often one of the most striking moments of the journey.

Masai Giraffe: the silent symbol of Tanzania

The Masai giraffe, Tanzania’s national animal, is present across many safari landscapes. Its height, slow movements and social interactions convey a unique sense of calm.

It is one of those animals that does not need action to impress: simply standing against the horizon already creates an unforgettable image.

Spotted hyena: the great misunderstanding of the safari

Often unfairly associated with the so-called Ugly Five, the spotted hyena is one of the most intelligent and fascinating animals on safari.

Its complex social structure, cooperative behaviour and essential ecological role surprise many travellers. It is common for perceptions of hyenas to change completely after seeing them in the wild.

Nile Crocodile: tension along rivers and waterholes

Nile crocodiles do not need to move to make an impact. Their silent presence along rivers and water sources creates moments of tension and anticipation that are hard to forget.

Watching them wait patiently, especially in migration areas, is one of those scenes that stays with you.

Serval: one of the most special sightings

Discreet, elegant and difficult to spot, the serval is one of those animals that feels like a true gift for the attentive traveller.

Its slender silhouette and graceful movement make every sighting brief, yet incredibly special.

Banded Mongoose: small moments that stay with you

Banded mongooses bring energy and lightness to the safari. Moving in groups, interacting constantly, they create curious and often amusing scenes.

Very often, it is these small moments that bring the biggest smiles at the end of the day.

Birdlife: the great surprise for many travellers

Tanzania boasts an extraordinary diversity of birdlife, with species of all colours and sizes: flamingos, avocets, hornbills, marabou storks, crowned cranes, ostriches and many more. For many travellers, birds go from being a secondary element to a true revelation.

Lakes full of life, ever-changing skies and constant natural sounds turn the safari into a complete sensory experience.

The animals that surprise travellers most (and why)

There are animals that, although seen countless times in photographs, only truly make sense when observed in their natural environment.

• Wildebeest, the stars of the Great Migration, impress not only because of their numbers, but because of the collective energy and power they transmit. No image can truly capture the real experience.
• Zebras often come as a surprise. Accustomed to seeing similar animals such as horses or donkeys in other environments, few expect the visual impact of seeing zebras in the wild, their black-and-white stripes standing out against the savannah.
• Birds, as mentioned before, completely change the perception of the landscape and add an unexpected richness to the safari.

These are animals that may not always make headlines, but they transform the experience.

Safari in Tanzania: an experience far richer than a checklist

A safari is not a race to tick animals off a list. It is an experience that unfolds with time, observation and attention to detail.

Trusting the guide, listening to their explanations, observing behaviour and accepting the rhythm of nature allows travellers to enjoy the safari on a much deeper level. The diversity of wildlife, from large mammals to the smallest species, is what truly makes Tanzania special.

The Big Five in Tanzania are only the beginning. A safari is a living, ever-changing experience, where every day brings something different.

Looking beyond famous names, allowing yourself to be surprised and embracing the diversity of wildlife is what turns a safari into an unforgettable memory. Because in Tanzania, every encounter matters.