African Wildlife Encyclopedia – Discover the Extraordinary Animals of Africa

The Big Five are the lion, leopard, African elephant, black rhinoceros and African buffalo. Originally the five most dangerous animals to hunt on foot, today they are the ultimate checklist for safari travellers - all five can be seen in Tanzania, most easily in the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti.

The dry season (June to October) is best for general game viewing as animals gather around water sources. For Great Migration river crossings aim for June to September on the western and northern Serengeti, and December to March for calving season in the southern Serengeti.

It is possible in the Ngorongoro Crater, where the crater walls create a natural enclosure for lion, elephant, buffalo and rhino plus the occasional leopard. Remember that wildlife is wild: patience and a good guide are your best tools.

Wild animals are unpredictable and should always be respected. Stay inside your safari vehicle, follow your guide's instructions, keep noise down, and never stand between a mother and her young. With a professional guide, safaris are very safe.

Neutral-coloured comfortable clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a good camera with a zoom lens, and plenty of water. Avoid bright colours and strong perfumes.

Our encyclopedia currently covers over 160 species - from the Big Five and big cats to antelopes, primates, birds, reptiles, marine life, insects and amphibians. Every species is organised by family, habitat and country for easy browsing.

Lions are most reliably seen in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire. Lake Manyara is famous for its tree-climbing lions. Early morning and late afternoon game drives offer the best sightings.

The famous Grumeti River crossing happens around June-July in the western Serengeti, and the Mara River crossing from August-October in the northern Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara.

A cheetah is far faster, sprinting at up to 112 km/h, but only for short bursts. Leopards are slower runners but powerful climbers that haul prey into trees to keep it safe.

Black rhinos have a hooked lip for browsing leaves and are more solitary; white rhinos have a wide square lip for grazing grass. Both species occur in Tanzania, with the critically endangered black rhino in Ngorongoro and Mkomazi.

Some giraffe subspecies are endangered, and the overall species is classed as Vulnerable. You can still see them widely in Tanzania's northern parks including Serengeti, Tarangire and Lake Manyara.

It is not blood - it is a reddish skin secretion that works as a natural sunscreen and antibiotic, protecting the hippo's sensitive skin as it spends long hours in the sun and water.

African bush elephants can live 60-70 years in the wild. They are led by a matriarch, remember water sources over decades, and are among the most intelligent animals on Earth.

Critically endangered species include the black rhinoceros, mountain gorilla and African wild dog, while elephants, lions, cheetahs and giraffes are all under pressure. Responsible, conservation-minded safaris help fund their protection.

Hippos are responsible for more human fatalities in Africa than lions, elephants and rhinos combined - roughly 500 deaths a year. They are extremely territorial in water and can outrun a human on land.

No - mountain gorillas live in Uganda, Rwanda and DR Congo. Tanzania is home to chimpanzees in Gombe and Mahale, while Uganda's Bwindi is the classic gorilla-trekking destination.

The ostrich is the world's largest and fastest bird, sprinting up to 70 km/h. It cannot fly, but its powerful legs are a formidable defence - a single kick can kill a lion.

Tanzania records over 1,100 bird species - more than any other country on the African mainland - including flamingos, eagles, hornbills, rollers and the iconic secretary bird.