Serengeti

The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most famous and ecologically significant ecosystems. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the Serengeti:
Location and Size:
The Serengeti ecosystem spans approximately 30,000 square kilometers (11,583 square miles), straddling northern Tanzania and southwestern Kenya. The core of this system is the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, covering about 14,750 square kilometers (5,700 square miles).
Landscape:
The name “Serengeti” comes from the Maasai language, meaning “endless plains.” True to its name, the region is characterized by vast grasslands and savanna, interspersed with acacia woodlands, rocky outcrops (kopjes), and riverine forests. The terrain is generally flat or gently undulating, with occasional hills and valleys.
Climate:
The Serengeti experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The long rains typically occur from March to May, with short rains in November and December. Temperatures are relatively stable year-round, averaging between 20-30°C (68-86°F).
Wildlife:
The Serengeti is renowned for its incredible biodiversity and large mammal populations. Key species include:

The “Big Five”: Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses (both black and white), and Cape buffaloes.
Large herbivores: Wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, impalas, and giraffes.
Other predators: Cheetahs, hyenas, and various wild dog species.
Primates: Baboons and various monkey species.
Birds: Over 500 species, including ostriches, secretary birds, and various raptors.

The Great Migration:
Perhaps the most famous aspect of the Serengeti ecosystem is the annual wildebeest migration. This spectacular event involves over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, moving in a circular pattern through the Serengeti and into Kenya’s Maasai Mara in search of fresh grazing lands and water. This migration is often called the “greatest show on Earth” and is a major draw for tourists.