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Wildlife Paradise: Tanzania and Zanzibar!

Discover the wildlife of Tanzania! From the mainland to the exotic Zanzibar, the biodiversity is astonishing. Tanzania is home to an abundance of animals, from the iconic Big Five to the unique underwater world. A safari is an unforgettable encounter with nature. Every meeting with the animals in Tanzania tells a unique story.

Charlie's Travels | Blog | Wildlife Paradise: Tanzania and Zanzibar!

Animals in Tanzania: A Glimpse of the Wilderness

Tanzania, drenched in beautiful landscapes, is home to a wealth of wildlife. From the animals running across the savannas to the colourful and slippery sea creatures, Tanzania is a treasure trove for fauna lovers!

How many animals are there in Tanzania?

The biodiversity of Tanzania is impressive, with more than 400 mammal species and over 1000 bird species. Take the Great Migration in the Serengeti, for example, where you’ll encounter vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles as they move and search for fresh grass.

What animals live on Zanzibar?

The island of Zanzibar is surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. Here, you can spot dolphins during boat trips, and underwater unfolds a wondrous world with tropical fish and coral reefs. On the mainland of Tanzania and in Tanzania’s national parks, you can encounter iconic animals such as lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos. We will tell you more about these later in this article.

"From the animals roaming the savannas to the colourful and slippery sea creatures, Tanzania is the ultimate treasure trove for wildlife lovers!"

Which animals can you find in Tanzania’s largest safari park: the Serengeti?

The place where The Lion King and National Geographic come together. Wherever you look, something is always happening. The Serengeti is known as one of the world’s most iconic safari destinations, and for good reason. You drive across the vast plains in search of all kinds of wildlife. Think of zebras, buffalos, giraffes, elephants, rhinos, and an impressive collection of big cats.

Birds in Tanzania: A Melody of Colours!

As far as we’re concerned, Tanzania is the place to be for everyone—but even more so for bird lovers! From colourful songbirds to majestic birds of prey, the Tanzanian skies are full of them! Whether you're captivated by the stunning blue bird or other striking species, Tanzania is the perfect excuse to dust off those binoculars from the attic.

"Tanzania is the perfect excuse to dust off those binoculars from the attic."

Animals on Zanzibar: Tropical Encounters

If I say Zanzibar, you say tropical island. And you’d be absolutely right! Here, you’ll find palm trees, pristine beaches, an azure-blue sea, and plenty of wildlife. But… what animals actually live on Zanzibar? This island is home to a diverse range of creatures, including giant tortoises basking in the sun, friendly reef sharks, and mischievous monkeys like the red colobus monkey.

Face to face with a shark in the waters of Zanzibar

Diving with sharks in Zanzibar is, of course, an unforgettable experience for diving enthusiasts. While great white sharks are not particularly fond of the relatively warm waters around Zanzibar, the island still offers the opportunity to encounter other shark species, such as the white-tip reef shark and the black-tip reef shark.

Diving in Zanzibar

Diving locations such as Mnemba Island and the surrounding reefs offer excellent opportunities to admire the underwater life up close. Diving expeditions are often led by experienced guides who know the best spots to spot sharks, ensuring that the dive experience is both safe and informative. Whether you are an experienced diver or just beginning your diving adventure, Zanzibar offers a colourful underwater world and the chance to come face to face with some of the fascinating shark species that inhabit the Indian Ocean.

Want to learn more about Tanzania's fauna? Schedule a conversation with one of our Tanzania experts, and they'll be happy to tell you more.

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