Serengeti

The Serengeti ( SERR-ən-GHET-ee) is a geographical region in Africa, spanning the Mara and Arusha Regions of Tanzania and extending to southwestern Kenya. The protected area within the region includes approximately 30,000 km2 (12,000 sq mi) of land, including the Serengeti National Park and several game reserves. The Serengeti hosts one of the world's largest land animal migration (in terms of total body weight), which helps secure it as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa. The Serengeti is also renowned for its large lion population and is one of the best places to observe prides in their natural environment. Approximately 70 large mammal and 500 bird species are found there. This high diversity is a function of diverse habitats, including riverine forests, swamps, kopjes, grasslands, and woodlands. Blue wildebeest, gazelles, zebras, and buffalos are some of the commonly found large mammals in the region. The Serengeti also contains the Serengeti District of Tanzania. The name "Serengeti" is often said to be derived from the word "seringit" in Maa, meaning "endless plains". However, this etymology does not appear in Maa dictionaries.