Animals
Some 135 species of
mammals have been recorded in the Serengeti; of which 20 are bats and 26 are
mice, rats and gerbils. There 22 antelope species of which the blue Duiker,
Greater Kudu, Lesser Kudu, Mountain Reedbuck, Roan and Fringe-eared oryx are
very rare. Wildebeest and zebra are the most numerous. Birds
About 518 bird species have been recorded in the Serengeti of which some are residents and some are migrants. Because of the variety of habitats- dry, bush, grassland, salt lake, riverine forest, hills and kopjes- diversity is spectacular. In fact, there are bird species in Serengeti Ecosystem than on the entire North America continent.
Vegetation
The vegetation of the
Serengeti can be broadly classified into three major types- the Short Grass
Plains in the south-east, the Broad-leafed Woodland of the north and the mosaic
of Gassland and Thorn Tree Woodland in the west and south.
Formation of the
underlying rocks
More than 500 million
years ago the entire region was covered with water, forming a huge sea into
which thousands of meters of sand and mud were deposited. The first layer was
compacted and form mudstones, sandstones and shale. The weight caused the rock
to become folded and some changed chemically to form quartzite, quartz,
feldspar, mica, hornblende, kianite and garnet. At the same time molten rock
began to push its way up through the existing rock and solidified to form
granite. The shale and mudstones changed chemically and mixed with layer of
granite to form gneisses.
Formation of the hills
Most of the hills in
the serengeti consist of the Precambrian volcanic rocks, obscured by
subsequently formed sedimentary and meta-sedimentary rocks from the late
Precambrian era. The upper layer consists of recent alluvial deposits such as
heavy clays lighter soils derived from sandstone and quartzite.
Formation of kopjes
The kopjes (inselbergs)
form part of the underlying rocks of the area and consist mainly of Precambrian
gneisses with some granite. They have
proved to be more resistant to the elements. Constant exposure to warm and cold
caused the rocks to crack near the surface, shedding their layer as though
peeling and ultimately resulting in the characteristic, rounded rocks on the
kopjes.
Formation of the Plains
About 20 million years
ago the Great Rift Valley was formed- a linear depression created sinking of
intermediate crusty rocks between to or more parallel strike-slip faults. A few
rents remain through which lava was forced forming volcanoes which ultimately
resulted in the craters of the Ngorongoro Highlands. The volcanic ash emitted
from the volcanoes was deposited mainly on the direction of the prevailing
winds to the north-east, thus forming the vast, open plains. Because of their
volcanic origin, the soils of the plain are rich and support nutritious grasses
that sprout instantly after first rains, attracting millions of grazers.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Seronera
Seronera is the most
important tourist destination in the serengeti because of its easy access and
good infrastructure. It forms a transitional zone between open grassland in the
south-east and wooded grassland in the north-west and supports a higher
diversity of fauna and flora and a large animal population.
Seronera Information
Centre
It is situated next to
the wildlife offices in Seronera and consist of an open-air exhibit on a kopje.
There are table and shade available where one can enjoy a packed lunch and is
possible to order tea, coffee or soft drinks.
Balloon Safaris
There is nothing to
compare with sensation of feeling as free as a bird and enjoying the scenery in
utter silence whilst soaring weightlessly through the air. One can book a balloon
safari at any of the lodges and they will take you to the meeting place at the
Serengeti Wildlife Lodge. The rise itself is about on and half hours long,
after you are treated to champagne breakfast on the Serengeti Plains- it simply
magic!
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