Tanzania’s vast landscape – which spans Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Tarangire National Park – is home to some of Africa’s most fearsome and majestic carnivores. From iconic big cats to often overlooked predators, these predators play a crucial role in the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Elusive Tiger: Masters of Stealth
Cheetahs thrive in all three regions, although they are most commonly spotted in the Seronera region of the Serengeti and the dense forests of Tarangire. These solitary hunters are known for their unparalleled ability to stealth, often dragging their prey into trees to keep them safe from scavengers. Their flowered coats provide perfect camouflage among tall grasses and tree canopies.
We saw a leopard taking down a deer. It crept stealthily through the tall grass, so completely camouflaged that we lost track of it most of the time. We saw it getting closer and closer, but we couldn’t see the final swoop. All we saw was that fewer antelope escaped than we had originally spotted.
The Great Lion: King of the Savannah
Lions are the undisputed rulers of Tanzania’s national parks, especially in the Serengeti, where prides roam the plains. Unlike other big cats, lions are highly social, forming groups of related females and their cubs, led by one or more dominant males. They specialize in hunting wildebeest, zebras and buffalo, using teamwork to take down the prey.
We were able to see the intricacies of lion hunting in person in Ngorongoro. We were watching a pride of lions resting at a spring, and then, as if by silent command, they left en masse to hunt the herds grazing in the valley. They spread out in an almost perfect semi-circle, evenly spaced behind tall grasses. We didn’t see them pounce, but they were coordinated and precise like a military parade.
Panthers: Speed demons of the plains
The open grasslands of the Serengeti National Park provide an ideal hunting ground for cheetahs, the fastest land animals on Earth. Unlike other big cats, cheetahs rely on speed rather than power, reaching speeds of up to 70 mph in short bursts to chase gazelles. Their slender bodies, long legs and distinctive black “tear marks” help them excel in high-speed pursuits.
We saw the cheetah with its meal, but we didn’t see it hunting it. When we lived in San Diego, we would go to cheetah enrichment activities at the wildlife park. The Panthers put everything they had into this short run, and it was difficult for them to come up empty. Of all the big cats, cheetahs seem to have the cards stacked against them.
Secret Serval: Tanzania’s small spotted cat
Although less known than cheetahs or cheetahs, servals are magnificent medium-sized cats found in the grassy areas of the Serengeti and Tarangire. With their long legs and large ears, they specialize in hunting rodents, birds, and even fish. Their impressive vertical leaps allow them to snatch birds in the air.
Lynx: Acrobatic hunters
The lynx is among the most elusive carnivores in Tanzania. Although rarely seen, they inhabit the grasslands and savannas of Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Recognizable by their tufted ears and muscular build, these cats are skilled hunters who can jump more than 10 feet to catch airborne prey.
Unfortunately for us, both the lynx and the serval were too elusive to spot. Cheetahs are the largest of the small cats, but the one we saw was very skittish. She ate quickly and disappeared into the grass. With their stress projected onto the kittens, it’s no wonder these little beauties are still on our pet-to-see bucket list.
Spotted Hyenas: Opportunistic hunters and scavengers
Often misunderstood as mere scavengers, spotted hyenas are skilled hunters who capture a significant portion of their prey. Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park are prime locations to see their matrilineal clans in action. Their powerful jaws can crush bones, allowing them to access nutrients that other predators leave behind.
We didn’t see the hyenas killing their prey, but we did see them cleaning up a poor giraffe that had passed by during the night. They were very capable of opening the carcass and accessing the initial cuts for themselves.
Eagles: Savannah Cleanup Crew
No list of Tanzania’s carnivores would be complete without mentioning vultures, nature’s ultimate recyclers. These scavengers play a vital role in the ecosystem by consuming carcasses, preventing the spread of disease. The Serengeti is a stronghold for several species of vultures, including the lesser-faced vulture, the white-backed vulture, and the Rubel-griffon vulture.
Black-backed and side-striped jackals: clever opportunists
Jackals may be smaller than lions and hyenas, but they are exceptionally resourceful carnivores. Black-backed jackals are often seen scurrying through the Ngorongoro Crater, scavenging for food scraps from larger predators or hunting small mammals. The side-striped jackal, which is a little more elusive, prefers wooded areas such as those in Tarangire.
It was not our day to cross any jackal species off our list of visible animals, the hyenas must have kept them away from the giraffe carcass. If we had had the time, we could have spent hours there and I think it would have been their turn at the table, but we had to head to the Seronera airstrip to catch a flight to Mafia Island.
African Wild Dogs: The Ultimate Team Players
African wild dogs are one of the rarest predators in Tanzania and are highly intelligent and cooperative hunters. They are known for their amazing endurance and pack coordination, allowing them to stalk prey until it collapses from exhaustion. Although rare, they have been documented in the Serengeti and parts of Tarangire.
Maybe it’s too bad that my desire to see wild dogs comes from the popular music of my youth. It is poetic to long for solitary company. More idyllic anyway than lions, nocturnal predators, sleeping outside a peaceful village. I can tell you from the nights we spent camping that the lions are wide awake at night and their deep roars are far from peaceful.
Bat-eared foxes: insectivorous carnivores
Not all carnivores hunt large prey, bat-eared foxes specialize in hunting insects, especially termites. Their large ears help them detect movement underground, making them formidable nocturnal searchers. They are usually found in the drier areas of the Serengeti and Tarangire, and live in pairs or small family groups.
I think we were surprised to see the bat-eared fox for two reasons. Firstly, they are nocturnal animals and it is difficult to go on a night trip with all the predators roaming around. Secondly, they prefer dry areas and we tend to prefer wetlands which attract the most valuable animals.
Crocodiles: silent predators of rivers
The rivers and irrigation basins of the Serengeti and Tarangire are home to one of Africa’s oldest carnivores: the Nile crocodile. These massive reptiles lurk beneath the surface, waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. With their powerful jaws and death twisting technique, they can take down anything from fish to zebras that venture too close.
We saw alligators and their American cousins, alligators, and often just seeing them wasn’t at the top of our bucket list, although we did see the back of one. However, seeing these prehistoric predators hunting in the Mara River during the Great Migration is near the top of our animal bucket list.
Predators and the balance of nature
Tanzania’s carnivores are not only noteworthy, they are essential to maintaining the delicate savannah ecosystem. Every predator, from the mighty lion to the smallest fox, contributes to the circle of life, ensuring a healthy and thriving wilderness. Whether stalking prey in the tall grasses of the Serengeti or feeding in the Ngorongoro Crater, these carnivores define the wild heart of Africa.
Hello! We are Jane and Ed Coleman also known as Coleman Concierge. In short, we are a 10th generation couple from Huntsville sharing our stories of amazing adventures through transformative and experiential activity-based travel.
