The Serengeti National Park was first inhabited by the Maasai people. For many generations, the Maasai used the open plains as grazing land for their cattle. The name Serengeti comes from the Maasai language. The word “siringet” means a place where the land runs on. This name fits the area well because the plains stretch far and wide without clear end.
In the 1960s, the British authorities noticed a serious drop in the number of lions in the area. To protect lions and other wildlife, the land was declared a protected area. This decision made Serengeti the first and oldest national park in Tanzania. This period also marked the start of Tanzania opening up to tourism.
A safari in Serengeti National Park offers wide open views that make the trip memorable. The open plains described by the Maasai support many wild animals, including the endangered black rhinoceros. The land is mostly savanna grassland, with sections of woodland and thick bushes. This mix supports both grazing animals and meat eating animals.
The Serengeti has the largest number of herbivores in the region. This is mainly because the park has wide plains that allow animals to graze freely. The most common herbivores are wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles. Because there are many grazing animals, predators also do well in this park. Lions, cheetahs, and leopards follow the herds closely, especially during calving and migration periods.
Birdlife in the Serengeti is also rich. Many birds live here due to the balanced ecosystem. Other animals you can see include giraffes, warthogs, hippos, elephants, and buffaloes. Birds to look out for include the grey breasted spurfowl, rufous tailed weaver, Kori bustard, and Fischer’s lovebird.
Vegetation in Serengeti National Park
Vegetation in Serengeti National Park changes with altitude and land shape. Most of the park lies below 1,280 meters above sea level. This zone has short grass that holds water from the nearby highlands. This type of land is known as savanna vegetation. It has short bushes and many acacia trees. There are also areas with woodlands, swamps, and marshes.
The Maasai people of Serengeti
For thousands of years, the Maasai lived as cattle keepers in the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. They were also warriors who protected their cattle and searched for new grazing land. When Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro were declared protected areas in the 1960s, the Maasai were no longer allowed to live in Serengeti. They were moved to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
The calving migration in Serengeti National Park
Before the famous great migration, there is a smaller movement known as the calving migration. Many visitors overlook this season, yet it is very important. From January to March, wildebeests move to the southern Serengeti plains to give birth. These plains have short grass that is easy for young calves to eat. Open land also makes it harder for predators to hide.
Wildebeests do not move alone during this time. Zebras and gazelles also travel with them. The routes used remain the same, though timing may change depending on rainfall.
Species in Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is home to more than 3 million mammals. The main migration usually happens between May and early June. Large groups of wildebeests and zebras move in search of water. Other animals include antelopes, buffaloes, cheetahs, hippos, giraffes, primates, crocodiles, and more than 500 bird species.
Elevation and rivers of the Serengeti
The Serengeti lies between 1,600 and 1,800 meters above sea level. It is an important water catchment area. The Mara River flows from the Maasai Mara in Kenya into the Serengeti. Other rivers include the Mbalageti, Duma, Simiyu, and Semu rivers.
Hills, soils, & volcanic history
Several hills rise above the flat plains of the Serengeti. West of the Mugumu Seronera line are rocks that are more than 2.5 million years old. These are volcanic rocks rich in minerals. The nearby volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai is still active and last erupted in 2013. Soils in the eastern plains contain salts such as sodium, potassium, and calcium.
Climate & average weather in Serengeti
During dry months, temperatures can reach about 62°F. The hottest months are usually July, August, or September. Cooler months are from March to mid June, with temperatures around 46°F.
Cloud cover changes throughout the year. From May to October, skies are mostly clear. Rainfall mainly occurs from March to mid June and from October to November. Average rainfall during wet months is about 4.7 inches.
Sunshine is present most of the year. Even during rain, the sun may appear later. Winds are stronger from June to November, with an average speed of about 7.6 miles per hour.
Size of Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park covers about 14,763 square kilometers. It connects directly with the Maasai Mara in Kenya. This connection allows animals to move freely during dry seasons in search of water and grass.
Best time to visit Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park can be visited all year. The dry months are December to February and mid June to September. Even during rainy months, travel is still possible because rain does not fall all day.
