Then
in June or July they split up and some continue
west, while others head due north and hundreds
of thousands move steadily north-west towards
the long golden grass of the Masai Mara. They
graze on both sides of the Mara River for several
months and then head south again in about October.
They return to the short grass plains of the
southern Serengeti, where during December to
April they give birth. Then the endless cycle
of life begins again.
The numbers of
animals that complete this migration is incredible
- 1.5 million wildebeest, 300,000 Thomson's
gazelle and 250,000 zebras chomp and grunt their
way through the plains. Where there is such
a large mobile meat supply there are predators
and the Serengeti is renowned for its impressive
lion sightings. Silver-backed jackals, spotted
hyenas, cheetah, eagles and vultures are also
avid consumers of this endless source of meat
and little goes to waste.
Some of the Serengeti's
largest buffalo herds are to be found in the
pristine woodlands to the north and elephants
abound in this area too. For excellent year
round game viewing the Seronera valley in the
centre of the park has abundant grazing and
considerable numbers of animals including giraffes,
warthogs, reedbucks and many other species that
sustain resident leopards and large prides of
lions.
In the south is
the saline Lake Ndutu which attracts throngs
of flamingoes and in the west the Grumeti River
contains some of the largest Nile crocodiles
you will ever see.
SEASONS
For
much of the year temperatures remains between
70-80°F (21-27°C) but nights and early
mornings get colder in the months of June, July
and August.
Rainy Season: The short rains
are in November and December and the long rains
fall from March to May, with April and May being
the height of the rainy season.
Dry Season: June to October
is usually dry, as is January and February.
SERENGETI
SPECIALITIES
• The great migration
• Prides of lions
• Hot air ballooning
• Vast open spaces and big sky
• Excellent choice of safari lodges
FACTS
The Serengeti World Heritage Site and Biosphere
Reserve encompasses 8,078miles² (20,922km²)
Altitude varies from 3,120-6,070 feet (950-1,850metres)
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