Game Viewing

Game viewing, also called wildlife watching, is one of the most exciting activities you can do in national parks. It means going out into the wild to see wild animals in their natural homes. Tanzania is one of the best countries in Africa for game viewing because it has many beautiful national parks full of wildlife.

This guide will explain everything about game viewing, how to enjoy it, what animals to expect, and which parks in Tanzania are the best for it.

What is Game Viewing?

Game viewing means watching wild animals like lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and many others. Unlike a zoo, the animals are free to live and move where they want. You get to see real wild animals in nature, behaving as they do naturally. Game viewing can be done in many ways, but the most common is by riding in a special 4x4 safari vehicle. Sometimes you can also see animals by walking with a guide or even from a boat near rivers.

The goal is to watch animals safely and respectfully, without disturbing or harming them.

 

Why Game Viewing is Special

Watching wild animals in their natural home is an amazing experience. It is different every time because animals move and behave in many ways. One day you may see a lion hunting, another day a herd of elephants bathing in a river. Game viewing helps you understand how animals live and survive. You see the food chain, how predators hunt, how animals protect their young, and how they move in groups.

It is also a great way to connect with nature, enjoy beautiful landscapes, and learn about conservation.

 

What to Expect During Game Viewing

When you go on a game viewing safari, you will usually travel in a 4x4 vehicle with a guide or driver. The guide knows the park well and can find animals, explain their behavior, and keep you safe.

You will visit different habitats like grasslands, forests, rivers, and lakes. Each habitat has different animals to see.

During a game drive, you may spot:

  • Big Cats: Lions, leopards, and cheetahs

  • Elephants: Large herds moving slowly or playing in water

  • Buffalo: Large groups of strong animals that live in plains

  • Giraffes: Tall animals eating leaves from trees

  • Zebras and Wildebeests: Often found grazing together

  • Antelopes: Such as impalas, kudus, and gazelles

  • Hippos and Crocodiles: Near water bodies

  • Birds: Many parks also have rich birdlife to enjoy

 

Best Time for Game Viewing in Tanzania

The best time for game viewing is usually the dry season, from June to October. During this time, the grass is short, and animals gather near water sources, making it easier to find them.

In the wet season (November to May), there is more water everywhere, so animals spread out and can be harder to see. However, this is also the time when many animals give birth, so you may see young animals and beautiful scenery with green landscapes.

 

How to Prepare for Game Viewing

Here are some tips to help you get the most from your game viewing experience:

  • Wear neutral-colored clothes like green, brown, or beige to blend into the environment. Avoid bright colors that can scare animals.

  • Bring binoculars to see animals far away clearly.

  • Carry a camera with zoom to capture your memories.

  • Wear a hat and sunscreen to protect from the sun.

  • Bring water and snacks for long drives.

  • Follow your guide’s instructions to stay safe and respect the animals.

 

Ways to Enjoy Game Viewing

1. Game Drives (Safari by Vehicle)

This is the most popular way. You ride in a special open or closed 4x4 vehicle. The guide drives slowly and stops when animals are seen. This lets you get close safely.

2. Walking Safaris

Some parks offer walking safaris with a trained guide. You walk slowly and quietly to see smaller animals, animal tracks, birds, and plants. This gives a close-up experience of nature.

3. Boat Safaris

In parks with rivers or lakes, like Selous Game Reserve or Lake Manyara National Park, boat safaris let you see animals like hippos, crocodiles, and water birds from the water.

4. Night Game Drives

Some parks offer night drives to see animals that are active at night, such as lions, hyenas, and bush babies. This is a unique way to see wildlife behavior that is different from daytime.

 

Safety During Game Viewing

Wild animals are unpredictable. Always follow these rules:

  • Stay inside the vehicle unless your guide says otherwise.

  • Do not make loud noises or sudden movements.

  • Never feed animals.

  • Keep a safe distance from all animals.

  • Trust your guide—they know how to keep you safe.

 

Some National Parks in Tanzania for Game Viewing

1. Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is Tanzania’s most famous park and one of the best places in the world for game viewing. It is known for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles move in search of food. You can see all the big cats and the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino).

2. Ngorongoro Conservation Area

This is a volcanic (Ngorongoro) crater filled with wildlife. It has a very high concentration of animals, including lions, elephants, rhinos, and hippos. The crater floor is like a natural stadium full of animals.

3. Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is famous for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. It has many animals, especially during the dry season when animals gather near the Tarangire River.

4. Ruaha National Park

Ruaha is one of Tanzania’s largest parks. It is less crowded but has a rich variety of wildlife, including large prides of lions and many elephants. It is a good place for adventurous visitors.

5. Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)

This huge park (Nyerere national park)  in southern Tanzania has many animals and offers boat safaris on the Rufiji River. You can see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and rare wild dogs.

6. Lake Manyara National Park

Famous for its tree-climbing lions and flamingos on the lake. It is smaller but very scenic with a mix of forest, swamp, and lake habitats.

 

Animals You Can See: The Big Five and More

The Big Five are the most famous animals for game viewing in Africa. They are:

  • Lion: The king of the jungle and a symbol of strength.

  • Elephant: The largest land animal, known for its intelligence and strong family bonds.

  • Buffalo: Large and powerful, often seen in big herds.

  • Leopard: A shy and excellent hunter, often hiding in trees.

  • Rhinoceros: Large and rare, with thick skin and one or two horns.

Besides the Big Five, you will also see:

  • Cheetahs: The fastest land animals.

  • Hyenas: Scavengers with a strong social group.

  • Giraffes: The tallest animals, eating leaves high in trees.

  • Zebras: Striped horses that live in herds.

  • Wildebeests: Known for their migration.

  • Antelopes: Many types including impalas, kudus, and gazelles.

  • Hippos and Crocodiles: Living near water.

 

Why Game Viewing is Important for Conservation

Game viewing tourism brings money to parks and local communities. This money helps protect the land and animals from hunting and destruction.

When visitors come to see animals, there is a reason to keep parks safe. Local people can earn a living by working in tourism, which reduces poaching and supports nature.

 

Tips for a Great Game Viewing Experience

  • Be patient. Sometimes you wait a long time to see animals, but it is worth it.

  • Listen to your guide. They know the best places and behaviors of animals.

  • Be respectful. Do not disturb animals or other visitors.

  • Bring a journal. Write down your sightings and memories.

  • Enjoy the environment. Take time to notice the plants, birds, and landscapes too.

 

Game viewing is one of the best ways to enjoy Tanzania’s amazing wildlife and natural beauty. Whether you visit the famous Serengeti, the peaceful Ngorongoro Crater, or the wild Ruaha, you will have unforgettable experiences watching animals in their homes. With patience, respect, and curiosity, game viewing can teach you about nature, conservation, and the magic of the wild.