6 Reasons Why Serengeti Deserves a Place on Your Travel Bucket List
6 Reasons Why Serengeti Deserves a Place on Your Travel Bucket List, the Serengeti is a renowned location that one hears about throughout their life. Envision the depiction of golden fields, boundless horizons, and wildlife in dynamic motion. The hooves of the wildebeest migration and the serene moment of observing a lion on the hunt both contribute to the indelible impression this renowned park will leave on your soul. If you are curious, you ought to visit the Serengeti. Here are ten justifications for that.
1. The Great Migration.
This remarkable event is undoubtedly among the premier events not only in Africa but globally. Annually, more than 2 million wildebeest and zebras migrate in substantial groups across 800 kilometers in search of more fertile pastures. Given that rainfall patterns are the primary impetus, one could question how these creatures can traverse extensive distances while adhering to traditional migratory pathways.
This event attracts hundreds of thousands of international tourists. While many events are unique and need special recognition, this movement constitutes a seasonal expedition. This signifies that regardless of when you visit the Serengeti, this phenomenon will be present for you. The calving season in the Southern Serengeti (December to March) and the river crossings (June to October) can satisfy your thirst, particularly if it is your inaugural experience.
2. The Big Five.
Most terrestrial safaris in Africa prioritize the observation of the Big Five. Serengeti is the premier site on the continent for a Big Five safari. What constitutes the Big Five? These five animals – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros – are designated for the peril they present when wounded or trapped by traditional hunters.
The park hosts extensive herds of buffalo inhabiting the expansive, grass-laden plains. Extensive elephant herds consume the most exquisite leaves of acacia and sausage trees in the Lobo Valley and adjacent to the Seronera River. An extraordinary density of lions dominates the savannahs. These territorial predators are frequently sought after by numerous travelers. Leopards are prevalent, consistently inhabiting acacia or sausage trees and granite rock outcrops in the Southern Serengeti.
3. Endless golden plains.
The Serengeti epitomizes the African savannah with its vast expanses. The predominant portion of this ancient environment is enveloped by expansive, elongated plains. This phenomenon is prevalent in the center Serengeti and the southeastern plains of the park. This type of environment supports a substantial number of grazers, including wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and buffalo.
Predators, evolved to thrive in plains, accompany plentiful grazers. Indeed, they depend on stealth hunting rather than ambush tactics, which are favored by tigers in Asia; they pursue their prey for a period before executing a sudden assault. Should the assault prove unsuccessful, they pursue the quarry with maximum velocity. Despite possessing the world’s fastest speeds, they occasionally falter, particularly when the prey enters dense woodlands or thick forests.
4. Year-round destination.
In certain locations, wildlife observation is optimal during the arid season, from June to October. However, in the Serengeti, wildlife is observable year-round. It is undeniable that remarkable animal events occur during the prolonged dry season, such as the Mara River crossings. Animals can be observed throughout the year, even during the wettest months of November, April, and May.
From January to March, the nutrient-rich grass of the Southern Serengeti hosts the arrival of half a million calves during the ‘calving season.’ This event suffices to accumulate all the credits necessary for the initiator of the Great Migration. A significant aggregation of animals exists in many sections of the Serengeti, including the secluded south, west, and north.
A multitude of lodges and campgrounds.
A further reason the Serengeti is a premier destination for visitors is the abundance of safari camps and lodges. The central region (Seronera) is replete with numerous campers and resorts. Some are diminutive and genuine, while others are substantial. You may select any option according to your experience and financial constraints. The northern, western, and southern regions contain fewer campers and lodges. During the season, movable camps relocate in accordance with the migration, thereby enhancing accommodation possibilities in these areas.
6. High concentration of predators.
The Serengeti is unparalleled in its abundance of predators. The park boasts a substantial population of lions, cheetahs, and leopards, particularly in Seronera, known as the Big Cat Capital of the world. In this area, one can observe substantial prides of lions reclining on kopjes in the south-central districts. Solitary leopards resting on acacia or sausage trees. Seronera may be congested, however. If this is the situation, proceed to the Namiri Plains, located east of the Seronera, to observe lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
The conclusion
The Serengeti is an internationally renowned location acknowledged as a World Heritage Site. The park’s premier event, the Great Migration, is regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of Africa. Thus, you have every justification to visit this quintessential wildlife site. We are here to assist you in navigating this exceptional safari destination.