How to spot the Big five game in Arusha

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Elephant, rhino, cape buffalo, lion and leopard are main trophy of African hunting safari.

The big five hunting is officially forbidden since they were enlisted to endangered species. But still some organizations sometimes manage to get the permission from authority, but the hunting is pretty pricey - rhino trophy is $100 000, the other animals are priced at $5 000 - 10 000.

It's hardest to find a black rhino - they often hide in forest thickets, Arusha

It's hardest to find a black rhino - they often hide in forest thickets, Arusha

Photo: Black rhino is hardest to find - they often hide in forest thickets, © Shane Hawke

Nowadays you can spot the big five on the territory of conservation area in Tanzania and Kenya. Hunting for them is allowed only with photographic rifle.

Serengeti Photo safari, Arusha

Photo: Serengeti Photo safari

How to do?

1. Serengeti National Park is one of the biggest conservation areas in Tanzania inhabited by the big five. Safari here usually takes 4-5 days to spot 1-2 animals a day. On the park's territory you'll find hotels, camp spots and huts to stay overnight. Look them up here. You can rent 4WD safari vehicle in Kilimanjaro airport or in Arusha city centre.

2. Serengeti park is open for visiting from 6am.

A lion could be recognized by the spesific roar, Arusha

A lion could be recognized by the spesific roar, Arusha

Photo: Lion can be recognized by specific roar

You can find elephants bathing in the Orangi River.

Elephants, Arusha

Photo: Leopard, © Thomas Retterath

Cape buffalo is the most dangerous animal among the Big Five, Arusha

Photo: Cape buffalo is the most dangerous animal among the Big Five, © Brian Hampson

Besides the big five animals take a look at hippos in water basin at the Orangi river.

Serengeti Hippo pool on Orangi River, Arusha

Photo: Serengeti Hippo pool on Orangi River, © Jim Tchobanoff

And hugging zebras

Hugging zebras, Arusha

Where to do?

Serengeti national park

Biospheric reserve in the north Tanzania that occupies more than 14 000 square kilometers is a huge ecosystem where more than 3 million wild animals live.

Official website: http://www.serengeti.org/

How much?

Entrance fee to the park territory for adults - $60, for 5-16-year-old children and students - $20, for children under 5 - free.

Vehicular entrance is from $40 (the price depends on car type).
Camp overnight stop - from $30.

Look up prices for hotel staying, excursion and extras in Serengeti park here

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