Disclosure: In any review for a product or service, products or compensation may have been provided to me to help facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” and "Terms of Use" tabs for more information.
Even before the word ‘safari’ became common parlance, Serengeti (translated means ‘endless plains’) was synonymous with the entire idea of witnessing large wild animals up close and personal. Since being brought to global attention in the early 1900s, Serengeti, situated in Tanzania and some of Kenya (where it is called ‘Maasai Mara), has always been a paradise in every sense of the word. In fact, it’s one of the oldest ecosystems on the planet, dating back to two million years and the first appearance of early man in the Olduvai Gorge. Every kind of geological feature is present here- forest, woodlands, plains, rivers and kopjes – those small hills that dot flat surfaces in Serengeti. Serengeti is home to two biosphere reserves and two World Heritage sites as well.
Serengeti is a mixture of the Maswa Game Reserve, the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Grumeti and Ikorongo Controlled Area, Loliondo and the Serengeti National Park. The region sees huge numbers of footfalls each year – more than 90000 people visit the place every year. You can use Tripindigo to book your tickets to Serengeti and for all regional flights in Tanzania and Kenya.
The most spectacular sight that so many people travel for is the annual migration. In October and November, up to 2 million animals, including 200,000 zebra and more than a million wildebeest move from the hills in the north to the plains of the south to make the best of the spells of rainfall. In January and February, the wildebeest give birth on the plains. Come April, May and June, the animals move north and westwards as the long rains cool the lands. This is a sight one should experience at least once in a lifetime.
The reason why people go to the Serengeti is the wildlife. The area has easily the largest number of animals and birds. The big five are the rhino, elephant, leopard, Cape buffalo and lion. The little five are not as well-known but still fabulous – the leopard tortoise, the rhino beetle, the elephant shrew, the ant lion and the buffalo weaver.
Imagine spotting these great beasts up close and personal. The thrill of these creatures cannot be overstated. Imagine seeing a chase or hunt with a ringside view. A gazelle getting chased down and pulled to the ground by a cheetah, or a crocodile trying to pick off a smaller animal. It’s not just the large animals, it’s the smaller ones too, the secretary bird preying on a snake, the mongooses and cats finding their food and the herbivores feeding on the plants. For the avian enthusiast, there’s the distinct sunbird, the fisher’s lovebird and the secretary bird, among others. Lizards, pythons, and other snakes abound. This is a place with a plethora of options for everyone.
The Serengeti is full of lovely scenery. This is a savannah and has a combination of trees and grasses. To think of this as never-changing property is a mistake- it changes all the time. The dryness of the space makes fire a serious threat and visitors will do well to remember this fundamental point. Apart from animals, you can look at the sausage tree with its pendulous poisonous fruit, the commiphora with its distinct blue yellow bark, the elephant favorite, the umbrella tree and many other flowers and shrubs. Lots of the native species are poisonous so be careful when you get close or try to pluck them.
Serengeti is a treat for all your senses. Indulge in an experience of a lifetime.
Speak Your Mind