Africa's Iconic Wildlife

Tarangire hosts one of East Africa's highest elephant densities, with herds numbering in the hundreds during the dry season. The Serengeti's migratory herds move with the rains, while Amboseli-style giant tuskers can be found in select locations.

The Serengeti hosts one of Africa's largest lion populations. Ngorongoro Crater holds one of the densest. In Queen Elizabeth National Park, lions climb fig trees — a rare behaviour seen in only a few places across the continent.

The most elusive of the big cats, leopards are best found in the Serengeti's riverine woodlands, Tarangire's acacia belts, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Night drives in selected areas improve sightings.

Black rhinos are critically endangered but can be found in the Ngorongoro Crater, the Moru Kopjes area of the Serengeti, and Akagera National Park in Rwanda. sightings are never guaranteed and always require patience and distance.

Cape buffalo herds roam the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and the southern parks. In Ruaha, buffalo herds number in the thousands — one of Africa's great wilderness spectacles.

The Serengeti plains are cheetah territory — particularly the Ndutu area in the south. African wild dogs are rarer but found in Ruaha, Nyerere, and occasionally the Serengeti — always a highlight when encountered.

Masai giraffe roam the Serengeti and Tarangire. The endangered Rothschild's giraffe is found in selected areas of Uganda. Each species occupies a different habitat and behaviour niche.

Mountain gorillas in Rwanda and Uganda, chimpanzees in Kibale, Gombe and Mahale, and colobus monkeys across the montane forests — primates add a profound dimension to any wildlife journey.