Tanzania’s vast landscapes—spanning Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Tarangire National Park—are home to some of Africa’s most fearsome and fascinating carnivores. From the iconic big cats to the often-overlooked scavengers, these predators play a crucial role in the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
The Elusive Leopard: Masters of Stealth
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Leopards thrive in all three regions, though they are most commonly spotted in the Seronera area of the Serengeti and the dense woodlands of Tarangire. These solitary hunters are known for their unmatched stealth, often hauling their kills into trees to keep them safe from scavengers. Their rosette-patterned coats provide perfect camouflage among the tall grasses and tree canopies.
We did see a leopard take down a gazelle. She stealthily crawled through tall grass, so perfectly camouflaged that we lost track of her most of the time. We saw her creeping closer and closer, but couldn’t see the final pounce. All we saw was that one fewer antelope ran away than we had originally spotted.
The Mighty Lion: King of the Savannah
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Lions are the undisputed rulers of Tanzania’s national parks, particularly in the Serengeti, where vast 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 buffalos, using teamwork to take down prey.
We were able to see the intricacies of a lion hunt in person in Ngorongoro. We were watching a lion pride rest by a spring, then as if by a silent command, they left en masse to hunt the herds grazing in the valley. They spread out in a near perfect semi circle, evenly spaced behind tall grasses. We didn’t see them pounce, but they were as coordinated and precise as a military parade.
Cheetahs: Speed Demons of the Plains
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
The open grasslands of Serengeti National Park provide the perfect hunting grounds for cheetahs, the fastest land animals on Earth. Unlike other big cats, cheetahs rely on speed rather than strength, reaching speeds of up to 70 mph in short bursts to chase down gazelles. Their slim bodies, long legs, and distinctive black “tear marks” help them excel in high-speed pursuits.
We did see a cheetah with her meal, but didn’t see her catch it. When we lived in San Diego, we would go to the cheetah enrichment activities at the Wild Animal Park. The cheetahs put everything they had into that short sprint, and could hardly afford to come up empty. Of all the big cats, it feels like cheetahs have the cards stacked against them.
The Secretive Serval: Tanzania’s Small Spotted Cat
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.
While lesser-known than leopards or cheetahs, servals are fascinating medium-sized cats found in grassy regions of Serengeti and Tarangire. With their long legs and large ears, they specialize in hunting rodents, birds, and even fish. Their impressive vertical jumps allow them to snatch birds mid-air.
Caracals: The Acrobat Hunters
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.
Caracals are among the most elusive carnivores in Tanzania. Though rarely seen, they inhabit the grasslands and savannas of Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Recognizable by their tufted ears and muscular build, these cats are expert hunters that can leap over 10 feet to catch airborne prey.
Unfortunately for us, both caracals and servals were too elusive to spot. Cheetahs are the largest small cat, but the one we saw was very skittish. She ate quickly and disappeared into the grass. Projecting her nervousness down to even smaller cats, it’s no wonder these little beauties are still on our animal sighting wish list.
Spotted Hyenas: Opportunistic Hunters and Scavengers
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Often misunderstood as mere scavengers, spotted hyenas are skilled hunters that take down a large portion of their own prey. Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park are prime locations to witness their matriarchal clans in action. Their powerful jaws can crush bones, allowing them to access nutrients that other predators leave behind.
We didn’t see hyenas take down their own prey, but we watched them clean up a poor giraffe who passed during the night. They were very capable in opening up the carcass and accessing the prime cuts for themselves.
Vultures: The Cleanup Crew of the Savannah
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
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 vulture species, including lappet-faced, white-backed, and Rüppell’s griffon vultures.
Black-Backed and Side-Striped Jackals: The Clever Opportunists
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.
Jackals may be smaller than lions and hyenas, but they are exceptionally resourceful carnivores. Black-backed jackals are often seen trotting through Ngorongoro Crater, scavenging for leftovers from larger predators or hunting small mammals. Side-striped jackals, slightly more elusive, prefer wooded areas like those found in Tarangire.
It wasn’t our day to cross either of the jackal types off our animals sighted list, the hyenas must have kept them at bay at the giraffe carcass. If we had time, we could have spent hours there and I believe it would have been their turn at the table, but we had to push on to the Seronera Airstrip to catch a flight to Mafia Island.
African Wild Dogs: The Ultimate Team Players
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.
One of the rarest predators in Tanzania, African wild dogs are highly intelligent and cooperative hunters. They are known for their incredible endurance and pack coordination, which allows them to chase prey until it collapses from exhaustion. Though sightings are rare, they have been documented in the Serengeti and parts of Tarangire.
Perhaps it’s poor form that my desire to see wild dogs comes from the popular music of my youth. It’s poetic to long for solitary company. More poetic anyway than lions, nocturnal predators, sleeping outside a peaceful village. I can tell you from our nights in tented camps that lions are perfectly awake at night and the deep roars are far from peaceful.
Bat-Eared Foxes: The Insectivorous Carnivores
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.
Not all carnivores hunt large prey—bat-eared foxes are specialists in hunting insects, particularly termites. Their oversized ears help them detect underground movement, making them formidable nocturnal foragers. They are commonly found in the drier areas of Serengeti and Tarangire, living in pairs or small family groups.
I think we were skunked on bat-eared fox sightings for two reasons. First, they’re nocturnal and it’s difficult to go on a night game drive with all the predators on the prowl. Secondly, they prefer dry areas and we tended to favor wetland, which attracts most of the prize animals.
Crocodiles: Silent Predators of the Rivers
Photo Credit: Deposit Photos.
The rivers and watering holes of Serengeti and Tarangire are home to one of Africa’s most ancient carnivores: the Nile crocodile. These massive reptiles lurk beneath the surface, waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. With their powerful jaws and death roll technique, they take down anything from fish to zebras that venture too close.
We’ve seen crocodiles and their American cousins, the alligators, often so just seeing them wasn’t high on our wish list, although we saw the back part of one. That said, watching these prehistoric predators hunt on the Mara River during the great migration near the top of our animal wish list.
Predators and the Balance of Nature
Photo Credit: Jenn Coleman.
Tanzania’s carnivores are not just thrilling to observe—they are crucial to maintaining the delicate ecosystem of the savanna. Each 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 scavenging in the Ngorongoro Crater, these carnivores define the wild heart of Africa.
Hi! We are Jenn and Ed Coleman aka Coleman Concierge. In a nutshell, we are a Huntsville-based Gen X couple sharing our stories of amazing adventures through activity-driven transformational and experiential travel.