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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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