The Big Five« are the most desirable animals to be seen on safari and consist of the following animals:
For more information about particular animal simply click on its name or scroll down this page.
In Tanzania you can witness »the Big Five« in many national parks and reserves; the hardest animal to locate is Black Rhinoceros, as their numbers have been drastically reduced in last couple of decades due to poaching. Consider yourself lucky if you spot a Leopard, as they are mostly nocturnal animals.
Cape Buffalos are Africa’s only native wild cows. They are strongly built (shoulder height 1.6m; weight from 400kg-900kg) and with its typical curving horns and black color of coat quite easily distinguished from any other animal. The size and shape of the horn varies and depends on age and sex of the Buffalo; the old mature bulls carry »the prize sets« while the ones of the females are much reduced.
Primly being grazers, their habitat is not limited only to open plains; they are also found in dense forests and woodlands browsing leaves and shoots and always near water. They are gregarious, forming herds of 20-40 animals on average, and sometimes of several hundred; with the exception of the old bulls who are usually solitary. Although appearing »at ease«, Buffalos can be quite dangerous and therefore need to be treated with caution.
The African Elephant is undoubtfuly the worlds’ largest land mammal with its mass from 5000kg-6500kg and shoulder height up to four meters! It is bigger compared to its Indian relative having larger ears (shape of Africa), while the Indian Elephant has smaller ones (shape of India). The big ears act as a very effective cooling system; with constant flapping the animal regulates its body temperature.
The most fascinating part of Elephants body is surly its unique trunk, being not only a nose but also acting as an additional limb, with an extremely sensitive and flexible tip. Poaching for the great white tusks contributed to great reduction of Elephant population over recent years. Reproduction cycle of Elephants is slow; pregnancy period takes long 22 months, being the longest among mammals. But their life expectancy is long; Elephants can live up to 100 years.
Female Elephants and calves live together in matriarchal family herds averaging 10-20 animals, while bulls tend to live a solitary existence or in bachelor groups and join females only when they are in season. Elephants are herbivores and eat a wide variety of vegetation from grasses and herbage to bush and trees, consuming daily about 250kg on average! The passage of a large herd can cause a considerable damage in woodland areas.
The Black Rhino is distinguished from its larger relative White Rhino, Cerototherium simium, by the narrow mouth and hooked upper lip which is used for browsing leaves and shoots from bushes and trees; the shape of the White Rhino’s mouth is wider and used for grazing on short grasses. Otherwise they are both grey and the corruption of the Afrikaans word “weit” (meaning “wide” and read “white”) lead to its name.
Poaching for their two horns has made the White Rhino extinct in East Africa; however, in last years some have been imported from South Africa. The Black Rhino still exists in East Africa, however due to the poaching their numbers are quite reduced. They are unpredictable when alarmed and therefore quite dangerous. In spite of their bulk and size (shoulder height 1.6m, length 3m-4m, mass 800kg-1500kg), the Black Rhinos are very maneuverable and capable of a top speed of 50km/h. Their eyesight is poor, so they rely on their sharp senses of smell and hearing. The Black Rhinos are solitary animals although females are usually accompanied by their most recent offspring.
Although
not frequently seen the Leopard is found all over East Africa. A
powerfully built cat (shoulder height 70-80cm, length 160-210cm,
mass up to 90kg) is commonly recognized by its yellowish coat covered
with black/brown spots, grouped in rosettes on the body and solid
black ones on the head and lower legs. Hunting mainly during the
night, Leopard is rarely encountered during the day, but can be found
wherever there is cover and sufficient food. During the day it is
most likely to be spotted resting in deep vegetation and up in a
tree.
A remarkable vision, exceptional hearing and a good sense of smell make Leopard a very dangerous predator. Their diet includes everything from insects to Zebras, but primarily Antelopes; it also has a particular liking for Baboons. It usually lifts its kills high up in the tree to avoid loosing them to other predators like Lions and Hyenas. Adult Leopards lead a solitary existence, coming together only during mating period. Females will give birth to as many as six cubs and will raise them on their own.
The largest and the most powerful of East African’s cats and, after the Stripped Tiger, the second largest cat in the world (shoulder height 120cm, length 250-300cm, mass 160kg-240kg). The main distinction between male and female Lions is the mane, which is present only on the males covering their neck and shoulders; it may take up to six years to develop.
Lions are animals of open savannah, grassy plains and lightly wooded areas and can be quite easily spotted; they differ from other cats by being very social, living in prides of 30 and more individuals. Hunting singly, in pairs or in large prides, and mostly at night and mainly by females, Lions are inactive for much of the day, resting and sleeping up to 20 hours per day! Their good eyesight and sense of smell with exceptional hearing make them good but not very successful hunters. Capable of running at speeds up to 60km/h, Lions have little stamina and if they are not successful within 200m, they often give up the chase. They eat nearly anything, but Wildebeest, Zebras and Buffalos form the basis of their diet.