Wildlife of the Serengeti (A Collection of Creatures in Serengeti & Images)

The primary motivation for visiting Serengeti National Park is to witness the incredible wildlife in its expansive, untouched natural setting. We can guarantee you’ll be thoroughly pleased!

The Serengeti offers an abundance of sights and knowledge, making it a challenge to capture all the remarkable moments in wildlife observation. From the legendary Big 5 of Africa to vast gatherings of zebra and wildebeest, countless bird species, and charming little creatures like the delightful dung beetle.

Catalog of Creatures in Serengeti

The magnificent Big Five roaming the vast Serengeti

The Big Five represent the ultimate thrill of an African safari; observing these incredible creatures, such as the lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and Cape buffalo, roaming freely in their wild environment is an experience that stays with you forever. However, you may find yourself wondering why those specific species are part of the Big Five. A giraffe is impressively large, indeed. An intriguing fact is that the term “Big Five” didn’t come from the size of the animals; instead, it was coined by big game hunters. These creatures turned out to be the most formidable to pursue, primarily due to their fierce nature when cornered.

It’s a wonderful thing that the Serengeti’s Big Five can now only be captured through the lens of a camera. With the help of your guide and tracker, you can check off the Big Five from your list. (And while we’re at it, let’s not overlook that other creatures, such as giraffes or hippos, offer their own thrilling experiences to witness.)

Lion Majestic ruler of the African savannah, encountering a pride of lions in their wild habitat will leave an unforgettable mark on your soul. The Serengeti boasts remarkably large prides of lions, and spotting them is quite an easy endeavor. This is thrilling news for you. Lions, being incredibly social creatures, form dynamic groups known as prides. The females in a group engage in hunting more frequently than the males, yet many will happily scavenge when the opportunity arises. Their preferred pastime is lounging under a tree, a leisurely activity they indulge in for about 20 hours a day!

Leopard
They possess a stunning coat—the leopard, often called “The Prince of Darkness”—and move with an effortless grace. Among the Big Five, this one stands out as the most reserved and hard to spot. Leopards possess an incredible ability to conceal themselves, effortlessly merging with their surroundings when they choose to remain unseen. The leopard you’re likely to encounter in the Serengeti is lazily resting on a tree branch. They enjoy spending time on the expansive branches of the sausage tree. Always remember to look up, for you might spot a leopard enjoying its meal high in a tree, safe from the reach of lions and other predators.

Buffalo is a place brimming with excitement and exploration.
The buffalo is far from the lazy bush cow you might think; instead, it stands as one of the most formidable creatures in Africa, facing very few natural predators. Lions might try to take down a calf, but they could face consequences later when the herd seeks retribution. Buffalo often gather around waterholes, drawn by their daily need for hydration. Despite their reputation for fierce tempers, particularly when wounded, their piercing gaze—described by one novelist as “looking at you like you owe them money”—makes them captivating to behold. In the Serengeti, buffalo roam in abundance, and you might just find yourself in the midst of herds that number at least 1,000 of these captivating animals.

A majestic creature of the wild
Encountering the largest land animal in the world in its natural habitat is truly awe-inspiring. These majestic grey giants roam the vast plains and disappear into the enchanting forests of the Serengeti. Elephant females thrive in tight-knit clans, where familial bonds can endure for an astonishing 50 years. After 12 years, males often set off on their own journeys or band together in bachelor herds. Elephants often make their way to the nearby waterholes close to the resorts. When left to their own devices, elephants exhibit a gentle nature, but should one perceive a threat, it is wise to step back. There is nothing more exhilarating than being chased by a creature that weighs 7,000 kg and emits a thunderous trumpeting sound.

Rhinoceros, a magnificent creature that roams the wild, embodies the spirit of exploration and the thrill of the untamed. Its presence evokes a sense of wonder and excitement, inviting us to delve into the mysteries of nature.
The rhino, tipping the scales at 2,500 kilograms, was a true giant in the age of the dinosaurs. The black and white rhinos are the two remarkable species of rhinos that roam the wilds of Africa. The white rhino surprises many, as it is not the expected color but instead shares a grey hue with its counterparts. The early Dutch immigrants, using the term “wijd” to describe its expansive lips, led to a fascinating misunderstanding of the name “white.” Sadly, the worth of a rhino’s horn surpasses that of all the gold on the planet. The rhino population in the Serengeti habitat has dramatically dwindled over the past few decades, plummeting from 1,000 to fewer than 70 animals due to poaching. The rhino is a rare sight in Serengeti National Park, as the female brings forth a calf only once every five years. However, with a skilled guide by your side, fortune may smile upon you.

Additional creatures roaming the Serengeti
The Serengeti, a remarkable realm of change, hosts an incredible variety of wildlife. The park showcases an incredible array of species and ecosystems, reflecting the striking shift from the lush flatlands in the south to the rugged, less fertile hills in the north.

The riverine woodlands offer a unique habitat, serving as a beloved gathering place for hippos and crocodiles. Long-neck giraffes and a variety of other hoofed creatures, such as eland, zebra, topi, kongoni, impala, and Grant’s gazelle, are also frequently spotted. As mentioned before, all three magnificent big cats are on display. Lions are often spotted on thrilling hunts for their next meal. Unlike leopards, often spotted lounging in the expansive trees by the Seronera River, cheetahs are commonly found roaming the vast southeastern plains. Wild dogs are a rare sight, while hyenas often roam the landscape. Discover the fascinating world of diverse animal species.

Constantly in motion: avian wonders of Serengeti National Park
There’s a good possibility that after experiencing the Serengeti, even if you don’t have a prior interest in birds, you might find yourself captivated by them. This is a haven for bird enthusiasts, showcasing over 500 unique species of birds recorded. Most guides are eager to highlight the fascinating species found in this area, like the vibrant green and yellow Fischer’s Lovebird or the striking Kuri bustard with its distinctive white beard. The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem boasts five bird species that are exclusive to Africa, with half of them found only on the Tanzanian side of this remarkable landscape. It is also one of Africa’s unique regions, essential for the conservation of bird habitats. Discover the fascinating world of the Serengeti’s birds.