9 Facts About Serengeti National Park . Have you been to Serengeti? Whatever the answer you have. Serengeti is a must-visit tourist attraction in Tanzania. Probably you watched a thrilling movie featured in Serengeti or your friend told you about the beauty of this premier wildlife sanctuary. Maybe you want to know a little more about it. In this article, we highlight 9 facts about Serengeti National Park.
#1. Serengeti hosts the Great Migration
The Great Migration is a natural movement of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles from the south of Serengeti to the north. It involves nearly 2 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and Thomson’s gazelles. The major cause of this world’s spectacle is just the instinct to search for food.
The journey begins when rainfall declines in May. The herd left the southern plains and Ndutu area and set off for the eastern plains. You can be part of this mysterious event on a special migration safari. The best time to see the wildebeest migration is between June and August. Witnessing the Mara River crossings is an iconic event you should never miss.
An important reminder is that this event is natural. It is unpredictable. So, there is no exact date when will this event happen. Keep up with the updates while planning this safari.
#2. Serengeti is home to the Big Five
The Big Five animals have been the reason for travel enthusiasts to leave their home country for Tanzania. Fans of these great animals would prefer a single destination where they can see all the Big Five.
What are the Big Five? These are lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and black rhino. They are dangerous animals to hunt. This term was coined by the old-school hunters who used to hunt them for a trophy.
Lions are abundant in the vast plains while leopards may be seen in the Seronera River and on the granite rocky outcrops. Elephants are widespread across the Serengeti plains, woodlands, and lush forests. Buffalos are common in the grassy plains of Seronera as well as the Lobo area in northern Serengeti.
The black rhino is solitary. It prefers to spend its time away from the rest wildlife. Sightings are common in shrubs. These endangered animals are also seen in the Moru Kopjes.
#3. Serengeti hosts the world’s largest lion population
Serengeti is home to roughly 3,000 lions. This is the highest concentration of lions in the world. These apex predators roam the plains in search of prey. They live in groups called prides. Prides are territorial and fights might happen when one pride crosses the territory of another.
One of the phenomenal lion fights happened in March 2023. In that fight, two young lions overthrew Bob Junior, the king of Serengeti.
Not only lions, Serengeti hosts the largest population of predators. It is the best place to witness predators hunting. You can see the cruel fate of humble animals like antelopes, zebras, and wildebeests. Other predators in Serengeti include cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, jackals, etc.
#4. Serengeti is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Recognizing its diverse biodiversity and spectacular landscape, UNESCO coined Serengeti National Park as a World Heritage Site in 1979. It is something to preserve for future generations. The biodiversity of Serengeti is still intact thanks to the conservation efforts by various stakeholders. However, a few species are at risk of extinction.
#5. Serengeti is one of the Seven Wonder of Africa
Serengeti is one of the Seven Wonders of Africa since 2013. The title is given because of its diverse wildlife and the Great Migration. Going to Serengeti is like visiting a heaven of wildlife. This wildlife park also represents the African continent to the world.
The wildebeest migration which happens annually within this park is epic. A large population of mammals moves from the south to the north, making it the biggest mammal migration on earth. Other wonders on the list include Mount Kilimanjaro, the Great Pyramids,
#6. The name ‘Serengeti’ comes from the Maasai language
Serengeti is named after the Maasai word ‘Siringit’, which means the endless plains (land that runs forever). The Maasai have spent thousands of years living within this splendid park. Probably they wondered where the end of the plains was. They stretch farther than the eye can see.
The ecosystem of Serengeti mainly comprises vast plains stretching. Grass eaters like wildebeest, zebra, antelope, buffalo, etc. enjoy such grazing grounds. The plains also host prides of lions and other predators. The plains are also dotted with some tree species.
#7. Serengeti is the Oldest Ecosystem
The Great Serengeti Ecosystem is one of the oldest ecosystems in the world. It has remained the same for millions of years. Part of the ecosystem, currently the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, erupted to form the largest unbroken caldera in the world, the Ngorongoro Crater.
Since then, the crater has remained intact providing all basic needs for wildlife. It is believed that human beings survived in the Serengeti millions of years ago. The old remains excavated at the Olduvai Gorge as well as the footprints seen at Laetoli prove how old is the Serengeti ecosystem.
#8. Serengeti is a Top-Notch Birding Destination
Besides wildlife and animal migration, Serengeti boasts over 500 birds. These birds inhabit the vast plains, lush forests, riverine forests, and woodlands. While planning a wildlife safari in Serengeti, think of iconic birds you can see.
Some notable species include ashy starling, yellow-billed stork, yellow-collared lovebird, Fisher’s lovebird, bright-hued small parrot, lilac-breasted roller, Kori bustard, Marabou stork, Grey-crowned crane, etc.
#9. Serengeti has granite rock outcrops (kopjes)
The central part of Serengeti consists of granite rocks or kopjes. They are very prevalent in the Moru Kopjes and Simba Kopjes. These rocks are hideouts of elusive predators like leopards and cheetahs. They climb these kopjes in the morning and in the late evening.
Serengeti is full of wonders. You will discover about them on your Serengeti safari. A Serengeti safari is not a thing you should risk missing. Reach out to Explore African Safaris to get your booking.
