Top 5 Best Places To See Big Cats In Tanzania
Top 5 Best Places To See Big Cats In Tanzania : Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, and other national parks are among Tanzania’s top 5 spots to see big cats. They are excellent places to see big cats like lions, cheetahs, leopards, servals, and more. You can see rare examples of the large cat family that are typically only seen in a handful of countries or parks. On a safari through the biggest animal savannah on the planet, find out more about these well-known tigers. You can look for the following big cats on a Tanzania safari:
LION
Because it is the most recognizable of the big cats, safari goers to Tanzania frequently make seeing a lion their top priority. In several national parks in Tanzania, you can go on a safari and get up close and personal with these ferocious predators. The “Jungle King” or “king of the beast” is the name given to this dangerous hunter from Tanzania’s savannahs due to the symbolism of regal authority and prestige it conveys.
CHEETAH
One of the five cheetah subspecies that can be found worldwide is the East African cheetah. The best place to see this subspecies is Tanzania, though you can also see it in Kenya, Uganda, and even Somalia. The oldest and largest cheetah subspecies exist in this region. A tear mark that runs from one eye to the other and then crosses the lower lip sets them apart from other members of their subspecies.
LEOPARD
One of the most ferocious big cats overall, leopards are more likely to be seen in Tanzania’s northern national parks. One of the best places in Tanzania to see leopards is the lovely Seronera River Valley in the center of the Serengeti. Since leopards are relatively easy to spot, a lot of wildlife photographers visit this region in an effort to capture a good image of the elusive cats in motion. In addition to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, you can search for leopards in Manyara and Tarangire. Other than mating pairs or a mother and cubs, it is uncommon to see more than one leopard in a single location.
CARACAL
One of the most acrobatic cats in the Tanzanian savannah, caracals are frequently spotted in the nation’s numerous wildlife refuges. These diminutive but fierce felines are better known for their distinctive hunting methods. It’s incredible how adept these cats are at hunting because they can catch birds in mid-flight. Due to the long, elongated hair that grows on top of their ears and can be longer than the size of the ear, this elusive species is easy to spot on a Tanzania safari.
SERVAL
The serval, an exclusively African species, is widespread throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa but is only occasionally seen there. There are 19 subspecies of these native species, some of which can be found in Tanzania’s national park. Leptailurus serval is the scientific name for the serval. These creatures are naturally solitary, only congregating for mating during the mating season.
GENETS
Starting out in more than 25 different African nations, the opportunistic eaters known as genets will eat anything they can get their hands on. In a few specific areas of Tanzania, there are between 14 and 17 species of these well-known carnivores. They can reach lengths of 40 to 60 centimeters and weights of 1 to 3 kilograms. Small rodents, reptiles, amphibians, and insects make up the majority of their diet.
AFRICAN WILD CAT
Due to this species’ domestication, African wild cats are frequently found in Tanzania national parks as well as residents’ homes. The sandy-grey, light fur of an African wildcat has a subtle hint of yellow or reddish color. They consume small to medium-sized birds, rodents, mice, gerbils, hares, and rodents.
PANTHERA ONOTOCANS
Black-footed cats, also known as little spotted cats, are the smallest and deadliest of the country’s wild cats and are only found in the south-western dry zone of Southern Africa. These African cats can weigh between 1.3 and 1.65 kg, have a body length between 36.7 and 43.3 cm, and a tail length between 16.4 and 19.8 cm. The fact that the pads and undersides of this species of cat’s feet are also black is how “black-footed cat” got its name. These cats hunt viciously and feed on small creatures and birds.
AFRICAN GOLDEN CAT
Only found in Africa, the African golden cat is a close relative of the serval and the caracal. An African wildcat’s coat can range in color from light tan to black. The areas around their eyes, cheekbones, chin, and throat are lighter, almost white-colored, than the rest of their bellies and bodies. As a result, it is easy to recognize them.
CONCLUSION:
Some of these recognizable and uncommon felines may be found elsewhere in the world, but they are all indigenous to Africa and are only found in a few spots in Tanzania. The best option for planning a trip to Tanzania is to work with a seasoned tour operator. They can tell you everything you need to know about each animal, from the largest to the smallest and rarest. You can go on a safari in Tanzania with Focus East Africa Tours to see the breathtaking wildlife and scenery of Africa.
