Lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo — meet the icons and the parks they call home.
The term 'Big Five' comes from old hunting days — the five animals considered hardest to take on foot. Today it's a shorthand for the most charismatic safari sightings.
Lion — strongest populations in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Ruaha. Look for the famous tree-climbers of Lake Manyara and Ishasha.
Leopard — secretive and solitary; central Serengeti and the Seronera River area offer some of the most reliable sightings.
Elephant — Tarangire is the standout in dry season, with herds gathered along the river. Ruaha and Selous also deliver in numbers.
Rhino — black rhino are rare; the Ngorongoro Crater offers your best chance in Tanzania.
Buffalo — abundant across all major parks, often in herds of several hundred.
