East African Savanna

Acacia plains, great herds and the Serengeti-Mara migration.

The grasslands and acacia woodlands of Tanzania and Kenya hold some of the greatest gatherings of large mammals left on Earth. The Serengeti-Mara system is home to the famous wildebeest migration.

Rain, grass and movement drive everything.

The Landscape

Open plains of short and tall grass are dotted with acacia and fig trees, rocky outcrops called kopjes, and seasonal rivers. Rains arrive in two seasons and green the plains.

Who Lives Here

Over a million Blue Wildebeest, plus zebra and gazelles, follow the rains, pursued by Lions, Spotted Hyenas, Cheetahs and Leopards. African Elephants, Giraffes and the odd-looking Secretarybird are among the many other residents.

Through The Year

The herds calve on the southern plains early in the year and move north in a huge loop. River crossings in the Mara are often seen from about July to October. The exact timing shifts with the rains.

Pressures And Care

Habitat loss, fencing, conflict with people, poaching and drought affect wildlife outside and inside parks. Community conservancies that share benefits with local people are an important tool.

Visiting Well

Book with reputable local guides, stay in the vehicle where advised, keep a respectful distance, and support community-run conservancies.

Look for

Blue Wildebeest
African Lion
Cheetah
African Elephant
Secretarybird

Often a good time to visit: January, February, July, August, September. Conditions vary from year to year and place to place.

Related habitats

Grassland

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