Myths Vs Facts Serengeti’s Endless Plains : One of the spectacular parks in Africa is the splendid Serengeti National Park which is located in the northern part of Tanzania. The word “Serengeti” originates from the Maasai world “siringit” that means “endless plains”. Serengeti National Park covers an approximated area of 14,700 square kilometers and is just a part of the whole Serengeti Ecosystem which comprises of Serengeti National Park itself, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Maswa Game Reserve, Grumeti Game Reserve, Ikorongo Game Reserve, Loliondo Controlled Area and the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This ecosystem takes an estimated area of 30,000 square kilometers.
There are some myths that keep sparkling about the mighty Serengeti’s endless plains including;
- Serengeti National Park is only for spectators of the Great Migration.
This is absolutely not true. Although Serengeti National Park is famously known for hosting the Great Migration, the world’s spectacular natural event, it is home to other enchanting attractions. Even those who aren’t fans of this unique event can enjoy viewing wild animals like the Big Five animals (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and black rhino). Serengeti National Park is also inhabited with over 550 species of birds which makes it an alluring spot for birdwatchers and ornithologists. Serengeti National Park is also among the best spots for a perfect photography safari.
- The Serengeti Safaris are expensive
This is obviously the opposite of the truth. You can have an adventurous safari in the Serengeti depending on your budget. There usually three kinds of safaris in Serengeti based on the budget on hand; budget safari, luxurious safari and extra-luxurious safari. If you want to enjoy the scenic views of the Serengeti endless plains without breaking your bank account, budget safari fits better for you. If you have an extra amount of money to spend on your trip in the Serengeti, you may choose either luxurious or extra-luxurious safaris.
Additionally, for cheapest safaris in the Serengeti plan your safari during the low season (usually in the wet season) when the park is receiving a small number of visitors. The prices for safari packages and accommodations always go down.
- You can’t have a walking safari in Serengeti
This statement is only partially true. The fact is that walking safari is prohibited in most of the Serengeti National Park area, with only some very few places set for walking safaris. However, walking safari is allowed only on some few places (especially in the Southern Serengeti), and these places are usually free from predators and all the harmful animals. This makes walking safaris not common in Serengeti that is why most of the people think that walking safaris is totally restricted.
- Serengeti always overcrowded
Since Serengeti is a world class safari destination and most documented park in the world, some people think it always overcrowded by tourists. In some periods of time especially during peak season (June-September), this may seem to be true as many people flock to witness the fascinating events during the crossings of the Grumeti and Mara rivers. However, most parts of the “endless plains” are remote and untouched with a little number or no visitors at all. Some parts that never become overcrowded include Moru Kopjes, Simba Kopjes, Seronera valley, Ndutu area and eastern Serengeti.
- There is a specific best time to visit Serengeti.
This absolutely incorrect. With a dozens of splendid attractions, Serengeti National Park can be visited at any time. Each and every time attractions grow and becomes attractive. Although for those who want to observe the crossings of Mara and Grumeti rivers they should consider planning a trip during July-August season.
After observing some misconceptions about the “endless plains” of Serengeti National Park, there are some undoubted truths or facts about this thrilling park including;
- Serengeti is home to huge population of carnivores
Serengeti National Park hosts the largest concentration of Big Cats such as lions, leopards, tigers and cheetahs. On a game drive you will see groups of lions residing the short grasslands.
- Serengeti is home to the Great Migration.
The Great Migration is an annual migration of mammals from southern Serengeti to the northern Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This gigantic movement of over 1.5 million wildebeest, 500,000 zebras and 200,000 gazelles begins in March after the calving season and ends in December. Some iconic moments of the Great Migration are viewed when the herd crosses Grumeti and Mara rivers.
- Serengeti is home to the Big Five animals
These include African elephant, Cape buffalos, leopards, lions and the rarely seen black rhinos. For better views of the world’s endangered species, the black rhino Serengeti National Park has a special rhino viewing point.
Generally speaking, Serengeti National Park is endowed with dozens of attractions that you will enjoy seeing by yourself. Planning trip to Serengeti has been made easier by East Africa Safari Guides, the leading tour operator with the state-of-art safari packages.
