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Africa - Overviews: SOUTHERN AFRICA |
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SERENGETI OVERVIEW This is undoubtedly the most famous of Africa’s icons. The Serengeti houses incredible game density as a result of the volcanic origins of its soil. For this reason it supports the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra. At its peak 1.2 million wildebeest and 300,000 or so zebra move in a clockwise direction around the Serengeti in search of fresh graze. Our favourite times of the year to view it is the calving season in February and June through October when it moves into the far north (and straddles the border with the Maasai Mara in Kenya). This is when the fabled crossings of the Mara River occur. The Serengeti is one of the last bastions of the traditional tented safari - the Teddy Rooseveldt style of safari - large walk-in ensuited tents 28’ x14’x10’ at the apex complete with chemical/flush toilet and bucket shower. These style of camps are generally moved in and erected on request. They are sometimes referred to as "mobile safaris" however they are mobile only in the fact that they are moved in and out on demand. They don’t move while guests are in residence. There are few safari products that come close to this for authenticity. Being on Mother Earth in your own private camp with a thin film of canvas between you and the wilds of Africa is exhilarating. This style of product is not for everyone. That said, when packaged with permanent lodges as part of a wider safari, 99% of the time this is our clients' favourite. Most safari goers associate the Serengeti with the migration and most visits of course centre on seeing it. Few people appreciate that when the migration has moved on, the resident game returns to the area - topi, eland, gazelle, elephant et al. At this time all the predators are still in residence (since the majority are territorial).
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