Are you dreaming of a real African safari? Do you want to see lions, elephants, and other wild animals up close in their natural home? Then Tanzania is the perfect place for you! This beautiful country in East Africa is one of the best safari destinations in the world. In this guide, we will show you where to find the famous Big Five in Tanzania during the 2026-2027 travel season. Whether it's your first time on safari or you’re returning for another adventure, this will help you plan the perfect trip.

What Are the Big Five in Tanzania Wildlife Safari?

The "Big Five" are the five most famous animals people want to see on safari. They got this name from hunters in the past because they were the hardest animals to hunt. Today, people don’t hunt them they go on safari to see them and take pictures!

The Big Five animals are:

1. Lion - The king of the jungle
2. Elephant - The gentle giant
3. Leopard - The shy and secretive big cat
4. Buffalo - Strong and powerful with big horns
5. Rhinoceros - Rare and often hard to find

Best Places to See the Big Five in Tanzania

Tanzania has many national parks and wildlife reserves. Here are the top places to visit if you want the best chance of spotting all five animals.

1. Serengeti National Park

Best time to visit: June to October

The Serengeti is one of the most famous national parks in the world. It is home to thousands of animals, including all of the Big Five. It’s also known for the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the plains.

• Lions are very easy to see here. The Serengeti has one of the largest lion populations in Africa.
• Leopards like to rest in the trees near rivers keep your eyes open!
• Elephants can be seen walking through the open plains or near water.
• Buffaloes are often in big groups, grazing on the grass.
• Rhinos are harder to find in the Serengeti but are sometimes seen in the Moru Kopjes area.

2. Ngorongoro Crater

Best time to visit: Year-round

The Ngorongoro Crater is a massive volcanic crater filled with wildlife. It’s one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five in one day!

• Black rhinos are more commonly seen here than in most other places.
• Lions, buffaloes, and elephants are often spotted inside the crater.
• Leopards live around the forested edges and may be harder to see, but lucky visitors catch a glimpse.

Because the crater is small (compared to other parks), animals are easier to find.

3. Tarangire National Park

Best time to visit: June to November

Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds. It’s also known for its beautiful baobab trees and many other animals.

• You will almost certainly see elephants here especially in the dry season when they gather near the Tarangire River.
• Lions and leopards are present, but sightings are a bit less common than in the Serengeti.
• Buffaloes are usually seen in the grassy areas.
• Rhinos are not found here, so if you're looking for all Big Five, you’ll need to visit another park too.

4. Lake Manyara National Park

Best time to visit: June to October

Lake Manyara is a small but beautiful park near the Great Rift Valley. It’s famous for its tree-climbing lions.

• Lions can sometimes be seen relaxing in trees a rare behavior!
• Elephants are common and often seen near the lake or in the forest.
• Buffaloes live in the open grasslands.
• Leopards are shy and rarely seen, but they are there.
• Rhinos are not found in this park.

Lake Manyara is a great stop if you're doing a longer safari trip.

5. Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere National Park)

Best time to visit: June to October

Located in southern Tanzania, this is one of the largest wildlife reserves in Africa. It’s less crowded than the northern parks, so it offers a more peaceful experience.

• Elephants, lions, and buffaloes are common.
• Leopards are also found here, especially near the river areas.
• Rhinos are extremely rare and almost never seen in this park.

Selous is a great choice if you want a mix of boat safaris, walking safaris, and fewer tourists.

Tips for a Successful Safari in 2026–2027

• Use a good safari guide: A knowledgeable guide can help you find animals and explain their behavior.
• Bring binoculars and a camera: You'll want to get a close look and take great photos!
• Be patient: Wildlife is wild sometimes you have to wait to see the animals.
• Travel in the dry season: Animals are easier to spot from June to October because they gather near water.
• Choose the right safari company: Go with a trusted tour operator with good reviews.

Seeing the Big Five in Tanzania is an unforgettable experience. Whether you're exploring the endless plains of the Serengeti, driving into the Ngorongoro Crater, or watching elephants in Tarangire, every moment on safari brings you closer to nature.

With careful planning and a bit of luck, your Tanzania safari in 2026-2027 could be the adventure of a lifetime.

So, pack your bags, charge your camera, and get ready to explore the wild heart of Africa!