Serengeti National Park - Wonders of the African Plains

Serengeti National Park Wonders of the African Plains PRESENTED BY AmaWaterways

As Far as the Eye Can See • For many people, Africa conjures up images of a land forgotten by time, where animals still roam the plains in abundance and nature reigns supreme.

• The Maasai people have inhabited the region in and around the Serengeti for hundreds of years.

• The word “Serengeti” is derived from the Maasai word siringet, meaning “the place where the land runs on forever.”

The Park is Established

• Serengeti National Park encompasses 5,700 square miles of savanna, grassland plains, and riparian forest and woodland in northern Tanzania.

• The park was established in 1951 as an effort to preserve the area’s wildlife.

• The park is divided into 3 regions: – Serengeti plains (near-treeless grassland) – Western Corridor (swampy savanna) – Northern Serengeti (open woodlands and hills)

Nature’s Menagerie

• The incredible landscapes of the Serengeti are inhabited by an abundance of wildlife.

• Depending on the region of the park, visitors can expect to see: – – – – – –

African bush elephant Lion, African leopard, cheetah Zebra, impala, zebra, giraffe Nile crocodile Colobus monkey, baboon African wild dog, hyena

A Rich Cultural History

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Northern Tanzania has traditionally been inhabited by the Maasai, semi-nomadic pastoralists that are a Nilotic people (refers to ethnic groups inhabiting the Nile Valley).

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The Maasai are known for their elaborate beaded jewelry, colorful clothing, and pierced ears, and their music and dance consist of various rhythms, vocals, and harmonies.

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Many Maasai villages are known to be welcoming to visitors, inviting them to come experience Maasai culture and traditions.

The “Big 5” • A term originally coined by hunters, the “Big 5” refers to: – – – –

African lion African elephant Cape buffalo African leopard

– White/black rhinoceros

• These animals were named as such because they are the most difficult and dangerous to hunt.

• Safari-goers generally prefer to spot the Big 5 from the safety of an all-terrain vehicle!

Creature Feature

• The tallest mammal in the world, even giraffe newborns are taller than most people.

• Much like human fingerprints, no two giraffes have the same spot pattern.

• Giraffes’ ultra-long necks help them reach leaves high in the canopy.

• With one of the shortest sleep requirements of any mammal, giraffes spend just 10 minutes to 2 hours asleep per day.

Experience the Serengeti •

As part of one of its most exciting African cruises, AmaWaterways takes guests on an adventure through Serengeti National Park for two full days and several nights on the Golden Trails of East Africa trip.

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Guests will marvel at the incredible scenery and wildlife found in the park, including: – Lions, leopards, and cheetahs – All three species of African jackal, spotted hyenas – Blue wildebeest – African elephants – Giraffes – Any of more than 500 species of birds recorded in the area, including ostriches and black eagles

Luxury Accommodations

• The adventure across Eastern Africa begins aboard the luxurious Zambezi Queen, an eco-friendly river boat specifically designed to maximize wildlife sightings. • AmaWaterways saves the best for last on its Golden Trails of East Africa adventure with an excursion to Serengeti National Park, where guests enjoy accommodations in local luxury lodges and tented bush camps.

About AmaWaterways

Founded in 2002, AmaWaterways operates one of the world’s finest river cruise fleets, providing all-inclusive river cruise vacations on the great waterways of Europe, Russia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar (Burma), and Africa.

With an innovative product and rapidly-growing fleet of custom-designed ships, the cruise line enjoys a reputation as the leader in river cruising. Visit www.amawaterways.com to learn more about our river cruises and first-class ships, or call 1-800-626-0126.