What are 5 interesting facts about Serengeti National Park?

What are 5 interesting facts about Serengeti National Park? Serengeti National Park is located in northern Tanzania, is one of Africa’s most iconic and breathtaking wildlife reserves, spanning over 14,763 square kilometers of wilderness. This colorful landscape, dubbed the ‘’Endless plains’’. The Serengeti is now both a World Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site. The Serengeti is world famous and with good reason. Not only is the migration of over 1.5 million wildebeest and other plains game through its plains and woodlands the most spectacular wildlife event on earth, but it abounds with other wildlife superlatives. The Serengeti is home to the world’s largest populations of wildebeest, zebra, Cape eland, lion, cheetah, hyena, gazelle (both Thompson’s and Grant’s), and no doubt much more. And on top of this it is scenically beautiful and has a wonderful sunny climate of cool nights and warm days.

Here are five interesting facts about this remarkable place.

1. Home to the Great Migration

One of the most famous events in Serengeti National Park is the Great Migration, often described as one of the most spectacular natural phenomena on Earth. Every year, more than 1.5 million accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and half a million Gazelles as well as Elands with annual pattern seeking fresh grazing and water. Having a chance of encountering this phenomenon gives you a life experience from nature. This migration typically starts in the Serengeti around December to March when the animals give birth to their young, then moves toward the Maasai Mara in Kenya during the dry season, from July to October. Along their path, these animals face numerous challenges, including river crossings filled with crocodiles, predators like lions and hyenas, and the harsh realities of the African savannah.  The wildebeest migration attracts tourists to the Serengeti because it offers countless opportunities to witness the great battles between prey and predator. Travelers can also spend the whole day watching the wildebeest graze or give birth (calving).

2. A UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1981, Serengeti National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique ecosystem and overall beauty. This status is not just a label; it signifies the park’s importance for global biodiversity and its challenges, such as poaching and climate change. The Serengeti plains harbour the largest remaining unaltered animal migration in the world where over one million wildebeest plus hundreds of thousands of other ungulates engage in a 1,000 km long annual circular trek spanning the two adjacent countries of Kenya and Tanzania. It also shelters hundreds of species that are vital to the health of the planet. This distinction behind its name garners international attention and support for ongoing conservation and protection efforts, thus ensuring future generations can also experience the majesty of the Serengeti.

3. A Diverse Range of Wildlife

Serengeti National Park is not just home to the Great Migration; it supports a vast array of wildlife. The park hosts around 70 different species of larger mammals, such as African leopards, African buffalos, African bush elephants, rhinoceros, cheetah, spotted hyena, serval, striped hyena, African wild dog, warthogs, hippos, African golden wolf, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox. Primate’s species such as yellow and olive baboons, vervet monkeys and mantled guereza re also seen in the gallery forests of the Grumeti River. reptile such as Nile crocodiles, leopard tortoise, rainbow agama, Nile monitor, Jackson’s chameleon, black-necked spitting cobra are also spotted here. 

The park is also home to over 500 species of birds, such as Masai ostrich, secretary birds, kori bustards, helmete guineafowls, grey-breasted spurfowl, blacksmith lapwing, African collared dove, red-billed buffalo weaver, southern ground hornbill, crowned cranes, sacred ibis, goliath herons, marabou storks, yellow-billed stork, spotted thick-knees mentioned but few.  The varied landscapes within the park, including savannah, woodlands, and riverine forests, contribute to this incredible biodiversity, providing different habitats for various species. Each season brings a unique perspective to the park’s inhabitants, and avid bird watchers can find many migratory birds between November and April, making it an ideal time for wildlife enthusiasts to visit.

4. Unique Landscapes Across the Park

While most people picture sweeping grasslands when they think of Serengeti National Park, its landscapes are surprisingly varied. The park encompasses not just grasslands but also woodlands, riverine forests, kopjes—small rocky outcrops and Olduvai Gorge. the Olduvai Gorge is also known as the “cradle of mankind” because it is where the very first human remains where excavated by the Leakey family. The Gorge is found in the nearby Ngorongoro Conservation Area and within the East African Rift Valley. Each of these areas supports different species, contributing to the park’s ecological diversity. For example, the woodlands are often home to elephants, while the grasslands are where you might spot herds of wildebeest grazing. The diversity of landscapes also means that visitors can experience a wide range of scenery during their safari adventures, from lush green hills to arid plains, each presenting unique opportunities for exploration.

5. Cultural Significance and Local Communities

The Serengeti is not just a national park; it is also a culturally vibrant area. The Maasai people, who have inhabited the region for centuries, continue to maintain their traditional way of life, coexisting with the wildlife. They have a deep spiritual connection to the land and its animals. Many Maasai communities engage in eco-tourism, allowing visitors to learn about their rich culture, history, and traditional practices. A visit to one their villages (bomas) is an excellent opportunity to learn about their culture and traditional beliefs. They are very friendly and will show you how to hunt, milk domestic animals, cook traditional food and much more. After visiting the individual homesteads, you can also visit one of the local schools, attend traditional dance performances and buy handicrafts. This blend of conservation and community support highlights an important aspect of wildlife preservation, where local populations are included in discussions surrounding tourism and environmental stewardship. By supporting these communities, visitors contribute to the sustainability of both human and animal lives in the region.

Contact our trusted tour operators for more information 5 interesting facts about Serengeti National Park and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; Focus East Africa Tours who offer the best tour packages while on you are in the Tanzania.