17 wild animals you can see in the Serengeti

Africa is the land of tradition, immense beauty and, how could we forget, a diverse variety of wild animals. And one of the best places to see such animals up close is during a safari in the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. Whether it’s the big cats, even bigger elephants, or elusive birds with colourful plumage, here are just some of many wild animals that walks the plains of the Serengeti.

Read more: Visit the game parks of Africa

1. Lion

It’s believed that there are more lions in the Serengeti than anywhere else in Africa. There are more than 3,000 in the area.

2. Elephant

Poaches brought down the population of elephants in the Serengeti in the 80s but they’ve recently been on the rise.

3. Leopard

There are around 1,000 leopards in the area but they’re one of the more reclusive animals in the Serengeti.

4. Bushbuck

With large ears and a brown coat, the bushbuck are usually found near water and graze on grass.

5. Hyena

Known as the laughing hyena or the spotted hyena, these animal are the most common large carnivores in Africa.

5. Zebra

Zebras generally live in grasslands and are closely related to horses and donkeys.

7. Hippopotamus

Hippos might look like placid animals but they are actually quite aggressive and won’t turn down a good fight or bite.

8. Vervet monkey

Monkeys can also be found in the Serengeti including the Vervet monkey which has a black face and light-coloured hair. They can usually be found in groups of up to 50.

9. Mwanza flat-headed agama

Known as the Spider-Man agama because of its colourful skin, the Mwanza lizard can change its colours when frightened.

10. Buffalo

11. Wildebeest

12. Von Der Decken’s Hornbill

This interesting-looking bird is found usually in scrublands in the Serengeti and was named after German explorer Baron Karl Klaus von der Decken.

13. Martial eagle

14. The little bee-eater

15. Ostrich

16. Gazelle

17. Giraffe

How many of these animals have you seen in the wild? Let us know in the comments section below.