Landscape and Vegetation in Serengeti - Tanzania

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The Role of Savannahs and Wildfires in the Serengeti

The Serengeti is predominantly made up of vast savannah landscapes. These include various features such as grasslands, plains, kopjes (or koppies), marshes, and woodlands. Savannahs are typically semi-arid environments that range from woodlands to open grasslands, and sometimes, a mix of trees and grasses. Around a quarter of the Earth’s surface is covered by savannahs, and they support the highest density of wildlife compared to any other land type.

A key characteristic of savannahs is their vulnerability to wildfires. These fires occur naturally, unless the grasses are grazed by animals or the savannah is frozen (as seen in temperate savannahs like steppes). The frequent fires and the ability to support large animal populations contribute to the dynamic nature of these landscapes, where rapid changes are common.

The Serengeti Plains: A Seasonal Cycle

The iconic Serengeti plains stretch across the southern third of the park, and they are integral to the annual Great Migration. The migration is driven by the search for food and water, with herds moving south during the rainy season after spending the dry season in the more humid northern parts of the park.

During the rainy season, the shallow soil in the plains, combined with two million ungulates, creates a highly productive environment for new growth. With abundant food, female wildebeests give birth and care for their calves, while predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas take advantage of the wealth of young prey. As the dry season sets in, waterholes dry up, and the grass turns from green to yellow and gold. At this time, the wildebeest begin their trek back north. Animals such as Grant’s gazelles, warthogs, and ostriches remain in the plains, feeding on the dried grasses, as they can survive longer without water.

There are three distinct types of grasslands within the Serengeti plains. The first is the short-grass plains, found around Ngorongoro and extending into the Serengeti. These areas do not burn because the herds graze the grasses down to almost nothing. The second type is the intermediate-grass plains, which form a crescent shape in the western and northern parts of the Serengeti. The third is the long-grass plains, which are located in the north and around Seronera.

The shallow hardpan beneath the surface of the plains retains rainwater, allowing grasses to grow densely. The intense grazing pressure from animals during the rainy season leads to frequent regrowth of the grasses, which makes them more nutritious and rich in water. This process creates a high-quality grazing lawn. Some grass species have adapted to grazing by growing horizontally along the ground to minimize the risk of being eaten.

Why the Serengeti Plains Lack Trees

The reason you won’t find many trees on the Serengeti plains dates back to the Pleistocene era, around three million years ago. Volcanic ash from the Ngorongoro highlands blanketed the area, forming a hardpan layer just beneath the soil surface. This layer prevents roots from penetrating deeply into the ground and causes the shallow soil to dry out quickly. As a result, it’s impossible for trees to grow in this environment.

Serengeti Woodlands: A Different Habitat

Unlike forests, woodlands are less dense, allowing substantial grass growth between trees, which also makes them prone to seasonal fires. These woodlands often feature large meadows, known as mbugas in Kiswahili, where grazing animals roam freely. You’ll often find species like buffalo, elephants, topi, giraffes, warthogs, and impalas in these areas.

There are three main types of woodlands in Serengeti. The first, velvet bushwillow woodlands, are found in the park’s northwestern region, the wettest area. Here, you’ll encounter large, ancient trees. The second type, Vachellia (acacia) woodlands, can be found in the central and western parts of the Serengeti, where 38 different species of Vachellia thrive. The most common is Vachellia Robusta, which has a rough bark and feathery leaves. The third type is Commiphora woodlands, located in the eastern part of the park, which receives the least rainfall. These woodlands are a blend of Vachellia and Commiphora species, though Commiphora trees are more vulnerable to fire than the Vachellia.

Riverine Forests: A Rare and Vital Habitat

Riverine forests are a rare but vital part of Serengeti’s ecosystem. These forests thrive along large rivers that flood during the wet season and flow with water even in the dry months. The higher water table in these areas supports dense forests of broad-leaved evergreen trees, which create a unique environment.

The dense canopy of riverine forests provides deep shade, which helps maintain moisture in the soil and air. This allows a variety of shade-loving plants to flourish on the forest floor, while epiphytic plants, including orchids and creeping vines, cover the trees. These forests are fire-resistant, providing a safe haven for various species.