Africa’s Most Dangerous Animals
What You Need to Know for a Safe Safari Experience
Tanzania offers an unparalleled opportunity to get closer to wildlife than most other African destinations. With this incredible perspective, it's natural for some prospective visitors to feel a mix of excitement and concern. After all, you'll encounter wild animals—some of which are genuinely dangerous to humans.
However, while some animals are technically dangerous, their reputations as killers are often exaggerated. In fact, most of them pose only a minimal threat to safari guests. Here’s who to watch out for—and who you need not worry about too much.
These 5 African animals are most dangerous to humans:
1. Mosquitoes
Though small, mosquitoes are Africa’s deadliest creatures. They are responsible for transmitting diseases like malaria and dengue, with malaria alone causing over half a million deaths each year. However, malaria transmission is rarely a concern in Tanzania’s uninhabited national parks. While precautions are generally advisable when traveling through Tanzania, they’re typically not necessary within the remote corners of the national parks. I’m happy to share more details and my personal experience when we speak.
2. Hippopotamuses
Hippos are not actively seeking out humans. They do not attack out of malice, and certainly not for food, since they are herbivores. Yet, they are responsible for more human fatalities annually than any other mammal in Africa (several hundred). Hippo attacks typically occur when humans inadvertently provoke them. Hippos are territorial and will react defensively if they feel threatened, especially when they are protecting their young or feel trapped.
Hippos, which can weigh up to 2 tons/ 4,400 lbs, are mostly nocturnal grazers. As dusk falls, they leave the water and make their way onto land to forage for grass throughout the night. Depending on food availability, they can travel up to 8 kilometers (5 miles). At dawn, they typically return to the safety of the water.
During boat safaris, your guides will ensure your safety, and experienced camp staff will accompany you through the camp after dark.
Unguided hippo encounters are unlikely. However, if you do unexpectedly come across a hippo on land, keep the following in mind:
Give them space: Always back away quietly and steadily if the hippo hasn’t noticed you yet.
Stay calm: Sudden movements or loud noises can provoke them.
Don’t run: Hippos can run surprisingly fast—up to 30 km/h (20 mph)—and running may trigger their chase instinct.
Head for higher ground: If possible, try to climb a tree or move to higher ground (e.g. onto a large rock). Hippos are less agile on steep or uneven terrain.
Never ever block their path to water: Hippos depend on water for safety, and if they feel trapped, they can become aggressive.
Note to self-drive adventurers: Never set up camp on a hippo trail (such as the one in the picture below). Blocking their usual path with cars or tents can startle them and trigger an aggressive reaction.
3. African Buffaloes
African buffaloes are unpredictable and can be dangerous, especially if they feel cornered or threatened. Buffaloes are responsible for 200 to 300 fatalities each year across Africa. Solitary buffaloes (see picture below) or bachelor bulls tend to be more irritable, as they lack the herd's protection and might feel vulnerable. (Large bulls can measure up to 1.7 meters/ 5.5 ft in shoulder height and 850/ 1,900 lbs in weight). Buffaloes are usually cautious and avoid humans unless provoked, but if they feel threatened, they may charge.
You’ll be in good hands with your camp’s experienced guides, but should you unexpectedly encounter a buffalo, here’s what to keep in mind:
Give them space: If you notice signs of aggression (e.g. snorting, pawing the ground), increase your distance.
Stay calm: Buffaloes are sensitive to body language and movement, so remain composed.
Back away slowly: Keep the buffalo in sight without turning your back.
Avoid eye contact: Direct eye contact can be seen as a challenge. Instead, keep your peripheral vision on the animal while moving slowly away.
Find protection: A vehicle, tree, or large rock can act as a barrier if needed. Since buffaloes have difficulty charging uphill, it may be wise to climb to higher ground if the situation allows.
In the event of an imminent attack with no shelter nearby, lie flat on the ground, protecting your head and vital areas. A buffalo typically charges with its powerful horns, but lying flat keeps you out of reach (look at the picture of the charging buffalo below and you will understand why). While you may take some blows from the buffalo’s snout, they’re unlikely to be life-threatening. Additionally, buffaloes are not known to trample their opponents.
4. Nile Crocodiles
Nile crocodiles are the only African predators that regularly prey on humans. Across Africa, crocodiles are responsible for hundreds of fatalities each year, particularly among local populations. As opportunistic predators, they can ambush humans near or in the water, often dragging their victims into the water to drown them. Recognizing the risk is crucial, and avoidance is key: always maintain a safe distance from crocodile-infested waters and be cautious around any waters you don’t know well. Crocodiles are experts in camouflage, often hidden on the banks or submerged, and can strike in a split second. Your guides will be familiar with the terrain and can offer valuable advice, so be sure to follow their lead. If you’re on a boat safari, always keep your arms inside the boat. If you're on a self-drive adventure, exercise extra caution.
5. African Elephants
Elephants are generally peaceful and far more intelligent than hippos or buffaloes. They don’t typically react impulsively. However, they can become aggressive when threatened, during periods of musth (increased testosterone), or when protecting their young. Given their immense size and strength, they are capable of causing serious harm. (Large bulls can measure up to 4 meters/ 13 ft in height and 6.3 tons/ 14,000 lbs in weight)
With elephants, general guidance can be challenging because their signals often consist of complex combinations of gestures and sounds, with only subtle differences between a mock charge and a real one—nuances that only experienced observers can recognize. Additionally, elephant behavior can vary significantly by region, influenced by habitat and the history of poaching in the area. Elephants that have experienced trauma or immense suffering at the hands of humans may react in unpredictable ways. Fortunately, guides are familiar with the bulls and herds in their area, allowing them to interpret their behavior accurately. They know which elephants are safe to approach and which ones require a more respectful distance. Guides can also provide fascinating insights into the intricacies of elephant behavior.
Self-drive adventurers, please note: When you spot elephants, it’s best to respect their space by keeping a safe distance at first. Only approach slowly and step-by-step once you observe that the elephants are at ease.
These potentially dangerous animals are “better” than their reputation:
Lions
Lions normally don’t prey on humans. Contrary to popular belief, lions don’t see us as food. They enter camps not to hunt unexperienced or uncareful tourists, but because animals they typically prey on often seek shelter near or at camp.
Camp staff are usually aware of a lion’s presence in camp long before you are. They’ll alert guests, ensuring your safety while allowing you to experience this incredible moment in a secure way. Lions go about their business without paying much attention to the camp or its occupants. There’s no such thing as a lion tearing through your tent, nor do lions jump into open safari vehicles. From their perspective, a safari vehicle and its passengers are one large unit, which they typically prefer to ignore (in my photographs below you can see how the lions avoid direct eye contact while passing the safari vehicle).
Still lions are potentially dangerous animals. If you encounter a lion in the wild:
Stand tall and calm: Lions can sense fear, so maintaining calm and confidence is key.
Avoid triggering their predatory instincts: Don’t make yourself smaller, don’t run, and don’t turn your back on the lion.
Stay in your tent or safari vehicle when lions are present, unless instructed otherwise by your guide.
Snakes
Most snakes are naturally inclined to avoid humans. They can sense ground vibrations and usually move away before you even notice them nearby. It’s quite unlikely that you’ll encounter a venomous snake, but it’s always good to stay aware, particularly in areas where snakes may be active, like dense grasslands or near rocks. If you do encounter one, the key is to stay calm, avoid sudden movements, and slowly back away.
While snakes don’t directly “sense fear,” they are highly sensitive to environmental cues. when you’re fearful, your body produces a combination of subtle signals that snakes can pick up on, interpreting them as a potential threat. That said, this doesn’t automatically mean they’ll strike or use their venom if they do. Snakes are typically cautious about using their venom, which is primarily meant for capturing prey.
If you happen to be bitten (which is extremely rare, but still worth being aware of), seek immediate medical attention. Guides at your camp are trained and ready to assist in such emergencies. For self-drive adventurers, it’s advisable to carry antihistamines for immediate treatment.
Despite how dangerous snakes might seem, statistically, their threat is minimal. Very few people in Africa actually die from snake bites, and most bites occur with those who handle snakes professionally.
There is one poisonous snake, however, that doesn’t avoid humans: “Africa’s deadliest snake”, the puff adder. The good news is that puff adders are peaceful creatures and won’t strike unless stepped on or grabbed. You can observe them from a close distance without danger. The downside is that puff adders can be so motionless that people, who overlook them or confuse them with a piece of wood, accidentally step on them. So always keep an eye out for anything on your path that might resemble a stick.
Over the years, I’ve had very few encounters with venomous snakes. Only once did it almost become critical. My then 3-year-old daughter Anna ran ahead toward our tent on a rainy evening – not waiting for our Maasai guard. As I rushed after her, I noticed a stick in her path, and instinctively grabbed her arm, pulling her out of the way. It was just seconds before she would have stepped on a puff adder. We watched the peaceful creature slither away into the bushes, and I took a picture of it (see above). It serves as a reminder of what to watch out for.
Puff adder (illuminated by flashlight)
Tsetse Flies
Tsetse flies are known to transmit the sleeping disease. However, there haven't been any outbreaks of the disease in Tanzania for decades, so it's not something you need to worry about. I’ve been bitten by them thousands of times and remain perfectly awake. Rangers are bitten daily as they go about their work, and I’ve yet to meet one who has contracted the sleeping disease.
That said, tsetse bites can still be unpleasant. Camps take measures to minimize exposure for their guests. You can help by wearing light-colored clothing, as bug spray tends to be less effective. Tsetse flies can bite through thin fabric, and they are especially attracted to dark hair. So, consider wearing a light-colored hat, which will not only help with the flies but also protect you from the intense sunlight.
Tsetse fly sitting on car mirror
Key Takeaways for you:
I’ve shared some key insights to help you stay safe in Africa’s wilderness without overreacting. It’s important to be aware of animal behavior and understand why certain reactions could potentially be harmful. Awareness will help you stay calm and enjoy every moment. For example, knowing that lions or hyenas in camp have never torn into anyone’s tent will help you appreciate the nightly sounds of the bush with confidence.
I want to emphasize that the chances of being threatened by any animal are very low. Instead, you’ll find yourself captivated by the beauty of Tanzania’s wilderness. With professional guides and camp staff by your side, you will be able to experience nature’s wonders in a safe and comfortable way.
In summary:
Heed the camp rules. They’re there for a reason! For example, camp staff guiding you to your tent after sunset is an important safety measure, not just folklore.
Follow your guides' instructions. Your guide is a great resource with deep knowledge of local animal behavior, which can vary by region. They’ll teach you many fascinating details about the animals of that particular area.
Never leave your children unaccompanied. Children should avoid running around energetically in camp, as this could attract the attention of predators. (I’m happy to share more advice on safaris with children in a personal conversation).
Keep your hands inside the safari vehicle when animals are present. On river safaris, keep your hands inside the boat at all times.
Carry plenty of bug spray and apply it generously and evenly to any exposed skin (spreading it with your hand), paying special attention to your ankles and elbows (where Tanzanian mosquitoes tend to bite). The mosquitoes are very tiny, so you may not see them if you're not used to them. In remote national parks, malaria precautions are usually unnecessary, but everywhere else, apply bug spray once in the morning and again in the evening.
Disclaimer:
Animal behavior is complex and can vary regionally. This post covers only the most common behaviors. I encourage you to ask your guide once you're on the ground—they’ll offer insightful, firsthand stories based on their experience.
