Big Five Encounters: Best Parks in Tanzania to See Them All

Tanzania is one of the few places in the world where you can witness the legendary “Big Five” in their natural habitat. If spotting lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos is on your travel bucket list, this guide will show you where your safari dreams come true.

Drive

What Are the Big Five?

Originally coined by big-game hunters, the “Big Five” refers to the five most challenging animals to hunt on foot. Today, these incredible species represent the pinnacle of wildlife viewing in Africa:

Lion – The majestic king of the savanna
African Elephant – The world’s largest land mammal
Cape Buffalo – Unpredictable and powerful
Leopard – Stealthy and elusive, often spotted in trees
Rhinoceros – Critically endangered and rare to see

Tips

Tips for Spotting the Big Five

Go with experienced local guides, like those from Sasatrip, who know where and how to find elusive animals.
Consider a multi-park itinerary to improve your chances of seeing all five.
Travel during the dry season (June–October) when animals gather around water sources.
Be patient! Spotting the Big Five is as much about timing and luck as it is about skill.

Where to See the Big Five in Tanzania

Tanzania is home to over 16 national parks, but only a handful give you the best shot at seeing all five species on a single trip. Here are the top locations:

Ngorongoro Crater
Big Five: All 5 possible
The Ngorongoro Crater is the best place in Tanzania to potentially spot all members of the Big Five in one day. Thanks to the crater’s enclosed ecosystem, wildlife viewing is exceptionally concentrated. Black rhinos, while still rare, are frequently sighted here.

Why Go?

One of the most reliable rhino-viewing locations
Dense wildlife populations in a compact area

Serengeti National Park
Big Five: All 5 (Rhino sightings rare)
The Serengeti is world-famous for the Great Migration, but it also offers incredible Big Five viewing. Large prides of lions, elephants, and buffalo are easy to spot, while leopards are common in riverine forests. Rhinos are harder to find but present in some areas.

Why Go?

Endless plains teeming with wildlife
One of the best places to see leopards on game drives

Tarangire National Park
Big Four: Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Buffalo
Tarangire is known for its giant baobab trees and massive elephant herds. While rhinos are not found here, it’s one of the best parks for close elephant encounters and peaceful game viewing with fewer crowds.

Why Go?

Excellent off-the-beaten-path feel
Ideal for photographers and elephant lovers

Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere NP)
Big Five possible
This lesser-known gem in southern Tanzania offers a more remote and wild safari experience. Elephants, lions, buffalo, and leopards roam freely, and rhino sightings—while rare—have been recorded in protected areas.

Why Go?

Boat safaris and walking safaris available
A great destination for repeat visitors looking for something different