Why the Serengeti Is So Special
Serengeti : Six interesting facts about Serengeti – Originating from the Maasai word “siringit” meaning endless plains; Serengeti is awe-inspiring. From the beautiful landscapes to thousands of life forms within Serengeti, everything about this place is magical.
Whether you have visited Serengeti or planning to, here are six interesting facts you need to know:
1. Home to the Greatest Migration on Earth
Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and 300,000 gazelles take part in the Great Migration, the largest terrestrial animal migration in the world. They travel in a circular pattern across the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem in search of fresh grazing grounds, facing predators, river crossings, and sheer exhaustion along the way.
2. Bigger Than Some Countries
The Serengeti National Park alone covers about 14,763 square kilometers (roughly the size of Northern Ireland). Each inch of the Serengeti has its own kind of magic making it a 14,000+ square kilometers of beauty and wonder.
3. Predator’s Galore
The Serengeti has one of the highest concentrations of predators in Africa. It is home to about 3,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, and over 8,000 spotted hyenas. This makes it one of the best places in the world to witness predator-prey interactions in action and probably needs a bit of caution when visiting.Play
4. The Big Five at your disposal
You can count places where you can see the big five, Serengeti being one of them. Lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and buffaloes all have their homes in Serengeti.
5. A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Serengeti National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. This honor was mainly because of its outstanding biodiversity, unique ecosystem, and the annual migration that is often called the “Seventh Wonder of the Natural World.”
6. Over 500 Bird Species
You thought it’s just about the Big Five and predators? Think again.
The Serengeti is an ultimate birdwatcher’s dream. With over 500 bird species, you are guaranteed to witness something magical in such a wide variety. Grab your binoculars and see the beauty that Serengeti has to offer.
We can’t possibly exhaust all the interesting facts about Serengeti, the best thing would be to help you plan a Serengeti visit for you experience firsthand the unparalleled, never-ending sites of Serengeti.
Make it your next item on your bucket list and let us organize a trip of a lifetime for you. Lets Discover Africa
FAQ
What makes the Serengeti so extraordinarily special?
The Serengeti is extraordinary because it is home to the world’s greatest terrestrial migration, covers a vast area larger than some countries, hosts a high concentration of predators, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with diverse wildlife including over 500 bird species.
Why is the Great Migration in the Serengeti considered so remarkable?
The Great Migration is remarkable because over 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and 300,000 gazelles travel in a vast circular pattern yearly, searching for fresh grazing grounds while facing predators and river crossings, exemplifying one of the natural wonders of the world.
What kind of animal predators can visitors expect to see in the Serengeti?
Visitors can expect to see a high concentration of predators including about 3,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, and over 8,000 spotted hyenas, making it an ideal place to observe predator-prey interactions in their natural environment.
