The engine of the Great Migration—huge herds shape the whole ecosystem.

Often travels with wildebeest—excellent visibility in open grassland.

Small, fast gazelle of short-grass plains—classic Serengeti sighting.

Elegant gazelle with long horns and pale rump—often in drier grasslands.

High-shouldered antelope with long face—often called kongoni in East Africa.

Tough herd animal—serious presence around water and woodlands.

Serengeti icon—often seen around kopjes and open plains.

Elusive—best chances in riverine thickets and big trees.

Fastest land animal—often on open plains scanning for gazelles.

Highly social and intelligent—both hunter and scavenger.

Often in wooded/riverine zones rather than open short grass.

Tall browser—often along acacia woodlands and drainage lines.

Daytime in water; grazes at night—dangerous if surprised.

Big rivers + crossings = crocodile territory—watch water edges.

Often seen trotting with tail up; loves short grass areas.

Dark reddish-brown antelope often standing on termite mounds.

Largest antelope—often calm, in small groups.

Often seen around kills and camps—alert, opportunistic.

Busy groups in grasses—look for stripy bodies and constant chatter.

If you see a tall-eared cat hunting rodents—lucky day.

Smart and bold—keep food secured at stops.

Common around riverine trees and picnic areas.

Tiny antelope of brushy edges—often a quick glimpse.

Often flushed from grass—quick zig-zag runners.

Tall raptor that hunts on foot—classic savanna bird.

Color explosion on a branch—often seen near tracks.

One of the heaviest flying birds—seen in open plains.

Elegant crane with golden crown—often near wetlands.

Big scavenger stork often around kills and camps.

High-flying vulture; often mixed with other scavengers.

Common scavenger; look for groups circling.

Large eagle—often perched on prominent trees.

Big black bird on foot—deep booming calls.

Noisy flocks crossing the track—very common.

Iconic flat-topped acacia of East African savannas.

Ant-acacia with swollen thorns that can ‘whistle’ in wind.

Recognizable by huge sausage-like fruits hanging on long stalks.

Massive ‘upside-down’ tree, more common in some Serengeti areas than others.

Hardy evergreen; often in higher/rocky zones in East Africa.

Savanna shrub/tree with distinctive leaves; often used in traditional contexts.

Aromatic trees with peeling bark common in dry bushland.

Big fig tree often near water—wildlife magnet when fruiting.

Clumping palm often near watercourses.

Smooth yellow-green bark—striking in riverine areas.

Aromatic shrub; leaves release strong scent when crushed.

Colorful flower clusters; can form dense thickets.

Succulent with flower spikes; varies by location and season.

Ground plant with clawed fruit (species vary by region).

A variety of daisies appear after rains.

Puffy yellow/cream blooms attract insects and birds.

Showy pink flowers; more common in drier zones of East Africa.

Hardy shrub with small flowers and edible fruits in some species.

Common roadside herb/shrub; tiny yellow flowers.

Bright hibiscus-like flowers may appear after rains.