Geology of Serengeti National Park - Tanzania

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Rivers of the Serengeti Ecosystem

The Serengeti is a vast area, situated at an elevation of between 1,600 and 1,800 meters above sea level. Several rivers and water systems drain this region. The Mara River, which is the only river in the Serengeti that flows continuously, originates in the Mau Forests of the Kenyan highlands. It flows southwards through the Masai Mara National Reserve, then moves westward through northern Serengeti, passing through the Masarua marshes, and eventually empties into Lake Victoria at Musoma. This river is crucial for the riverine forests that line its banks, especially in the Mara and its key tributaries in Serengeti National Park.

Further south, the Grumeti and Mbalaget Rivers flow in parallel catchments, forming the Western Corridor within Serengeti National Park. In the southern part of the region, the Duma, Simiyu, and Semu Rivers flow through the Maswa Game Reserve. Additionally, there are many small seasonal streams scattered throughout the area that feed into the larger rivers, draining the surrounding landscapes.

The Hills and Mountains of Serengeti

While the Serengeti is primarily flat, there are distinct bands of hills that rise steeply from the plains. The first forms the northeastern boundary of Serengeti National Park, running from Grumechen to Kuko, eventually connecting to the Loita Hills in Kenya. To the east of the park, the Gol Mountains rise above the plains, while another range stretches from Seronera to the west, forming the Central Ranges. To the south, the Nyaraboro-Itonjo plateau completes this hilly terrain, adding variety to the landscape.

Geological Layers and Volcanic Origins

The geological history of the Serengeti is as ancient as the continent itself, stretching back between 600 million to 2.5 billion years. In the western portion of the region, you’ll find rocks from the Precambrian era, including volcanic rocks, banded ironstones, and mineral-poor granites. To the east, the hills and kopjes are made up of granite and quartzite, remnants of geological activity that occurred long ago.

The Serengeti’s Western Corridor is more geologically recent, with its soils resulting from unconsolidated sediments and alluvial deposits that are rich in nutrients. In contrast, the Crater Highlands to the west are volcanic, with some, like Ol Doinyo Lengai, still active—its most recent eruption occurred in 2013.

Africa’s geological history is remarkable, with the continent’s age spanning over 4 billion years. When viewed from the air, especially as you arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport, the ancient landmass is evident in the rolling plains and hills. The East African Rift, where tectonic plates are drifting apart, forms a major feature of the landscape. This rift has not only given birth to the Great Rift Valley but also to many volcanic mountains, such as Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, and Mount Meru.

Volcanic Influence on Soil in Serengeti

The volcanic activity of the East African Rift has significantly impacted the Serengeti’s soil. Ash and volcanic particles have enriched the soil in the eastern plains, creating nutrient-rich soil that supports the grasslands and unique vegetation. These soils are rich in minerals like sodium, potassium, and calcium. In areas with low rainfall, the mineral-rich soil develops a hard calcareous layer, known as caliche. This process occurs when water is absorbed by plants, causing soluble minerals to precipitate and form a cemented hardpan.

In regions with higher precipitation, the hardpan dissipates, and the soils become deeper. The surrounding landscape then shows a clear gradient of soil types, with shallow, sandy, well-drained soils at higher elevations transforming into deep, silty, poorly drained soils at lower levels.

Kopjes: The Serengeti’s Unique Features

In addition to the rich volcanic soils, the Serengeti is dotted with kopjes (pronounced “kop-eez”), which are rocky outcrops formed by ancient granite. These exposed rocks are the remnants of a molten bubble of granite that slowly forced its way up through the Earth’s crust millions of years ago. Over time, weathering and the harsh African sun have cracked the granite into rounded boulders, creating unique geological formations.

Kopjes are a defining feature of the Serengeti landscape. These rocky “islands” stand out in a sea of grass and offer several benefits. They provide shelter from bushfires, conserve water, and serve as important refuge for various species. The flora on the kopjes is unique, with many plant species thriving in this environment, a contrast to the surrounding grasslands. This has created a haven for both small and large animal species, including insects, lizards, snakes, and even mammals such as shrews, mice, and larger predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs.

If you’re looking to spot lions in the Serengeti, kopjes are among the best places to do so. They provide not only shelter and protection but also a prime vantage point for predators to hunt.