What Are The Big Five Animals In Serengeti National Park? : Serengeti national park is located in Tanzania and it is well renowned for it has breathe taking landscapes and hosts large herds of wildlife species. More so, this national park is therefore seen as a vast ecosystem home to five iconic animals that stand out to be referred as the “the Big Five”. The big game hunters who used to hunt these animals on foot coined this term the big five was originally. In addition, currently today, this concept is reversed more about the conservation and the incredible biodiversity that these species represent.
However, apart from the big five, there other many other wildlife species that can be spotted in Serengeti national park while on your adventurous safari and some of these species include; African wild dogs, spotted hyenas, black and golden jackals, gazelles, impalas. Water backs, topi, dik-dik, hartebeests, common eland, black and white colobus monkeys, kori bustards, greater kudu, grey-breasted spur fowl, blue wildebeests, coke’s hartebeests, Thomson’s gazelles, wildebeests and many others.
More so, Serengeti national park is also considered as a perfect destination for bird lovers to visit because it harbours a variety of bird species which include; painted-snipe, common waxbill, rufous-tailed weaver, grey-crested helmet shrike, black-headed gonolek, kori bustard, grey throated spur fowl, red throated tit, rufous tailed weaver, Schawlow’s turaco and many others. In the context below; we will delve into a detailed exploration of the big five animals that are found within Serengeti national park hence contributing to the parks unique charm and ecological balance.
Serengeti Big Five Animals.
The ultimate African safari experience is to see the big five that are found in Serengeti national park. The Big-game hunters are the ones who first used the name “Big Five,” which has nothing to do with the animals’ sizes. These creatures proved the hardest to hunt compared to the other animals within the park because of how fierce they can be when cornered. However, rhinos are becoming less common. And of these big five animals include;
Lion.
The lions which are commonly referred to as the “the King of Jungle” and Witnessing a pride of lions in their natural environment will leave you with a remarkable safari experience. There is a rather large pride of lions living in the Serengeti National Park and they are easily spotted. Lions are highly gregarious animals and live in groups called prides that consist of related females, their off springs and a coalition of males. However Within these groups, females hunt at a higher rate than men do. Lions can spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping beneath trees, which is their favorite activity.
Leopard.
The African Leopards are known as a master of stealth which are often spotted lounging in the branches of Acacia trees and they are spotted while the gracefully navigate through the rocky outcrops within Serengeti national park. In addition, Out of the Big Five, leopards are the most elusive and reserved. They are quite good at hiding and seeking. More so, these leopards, can be expertly disguised if they wish to remain unseen. Leopards lounging on tree branches can be seen in the Serengeti. Never forget to glance up while on a safari in the Serengeti National Park. A leopard may be high up in a tree, savoring his meal, safe from lions and other predators.
Buffalo.
African buffalos, which are famously known on cape buffalos, are recognized easily because of their robust build, curved horns, and their unpredictable temperament. With so few predators, buffaloes are among the most hazardous animals in Africa. Buffaloes are frequently located around a waterhole since they must drink water every day. They have a very short fuse, particularly when hurt. They are renowned for acting as though you owe them money. Seeing them is exciting because of this. Buffaloes are abundant and in good health in the Serengeti. In addition, the open plains within this park provide a scenic backdrop, which helps tourists to observe these powerful creatures as they move through different areas of the park.
Elephant.
Elephants are famously known as the largest terrestrial animals in the world, and it is an amazing safari experience to see one in its native environment. These grey, gentle giants explore the plains and eventually vanish into the trees of the Serengeti National Park. Elephant females have close-knit tribes and can have family ties that span almost 50 years. After 12 years, the male elephants frequently break away from the tribe to roam alone or create bachelor herds. Elephants regularly come to the waterholes near the lodges. When left alone, elephants are calm, but when they sense danger, they can turn vicious.
Rhinoceros.
Rhinoceros, which are both black and white species that complete the big five, line up in Serengeti national park. These species are magnificent herbivorous species, which are characterized by their thick skin and distinctive horns. However, these rhinos usually face significant threats such as poaching for their horns, which are erroneously believed to have medicinal properties. Therefore, the conservation efforts are put up in order to protect and preserve these iconic creatures. More so, the rhino is a heavyweight of about 2,500 kilograms prehistoric proportions. Unfortunately, the rhino has a horn that is worth more in gold than the rhino itself.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about the big five animals found in Serengeti national park and then book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Kenya.