The Serengeti ecosystem is a geographical region in Africa. It is located in northern Tanzania. It was established in 1952 and spans approximately 18,600 sq miles.
The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is rich with wildlife, endless plains and it is home to some of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth.
The park is known for its huge wildlife populations including lion, cheetah, elephant, giraffe, and almost 500 bird species. It is ranging from the very large ostrich, the Ashy starling, the Black crake, Ficher’s lovebird, Hartlaub’s turaco, the red and yellow barbet and very small finches. It is consisting of up to 2 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras and 350,000 thompson, impala and grant’s gazelles migrating annually during the great migration from the plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania to the grasslands of the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
There’s a wide variety of accommodation available, from luxury lodges to mobile camps to stay in the Serengeti Ecosystem. Each camp is divided into each of the regions in the Serengeti National Park namely the Maasai Mara National Reserve, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Ikorongo and Grumeti Game Reserves, the Maswa Game Reserve and the Loliondo Game Control Area where you will find the Serengeti Ecosystem.
This Serengeti Map you’ll give you more information about the general size and area.
Following the Wildebeest migration from Serengeti National Park to Maasai Mara National Reserve, the best time is December to July. If you want to see the predators the best time is June to October and it’s recommendable to have three or four day’s safari, especially if you are interested in getting the ultimate photography.
Many travelers also visit Northern Tanzania to experience the vibrant Maasai culture in the Ngorongoro Highland, taking day trips to their villages to learn more about this enigmatic person who has lived in the area for centuries.
Popular Tanzania safari activities include safari game drives, walking safaris, balloon rides and local Maasai tribe village tours.
The park is divided into four distinct areas – the central Seronera Valley, the Western Corridor, the Northern Lobo and Kogatende areas, and finally the Southern Plains.
Below is a general description of the Serengeti’s four sections:
The Southern plains area of the Serengeti has easy to access and offers a great place to see the herds from about December to March and the calving season in February is particularly rewarding, but wildlife is generally much more scarce during the dry season.
The Central Serengeti and Seronera area is most visited as wildlife viewing is good all year-round and it has the most lodging options, but at the same time, it is the most crowded section of the park.
The Western area or Western Corridor offers decent wildlife viewing all year round with the migration reaching the Grumeti River around May or June and the river is also a great place to view crocodiles and hippos.
The Northern Serengeti area (Kogatende, Lobo, Loliondo) is the least visited and most remote section of the Serengeti but also offers some of the top luxury camps and lodges in the country. Possibility to see Mara River crossings here around July and August and several camps in the north offer walking safaris and off-road experiences.
Protecting of Serengeti Tanzania
As in many other areas in Africa, the Black Rhino was almost poached to extinction in Serengeti in the 1990s. Because rigid protection measures were put in place, the population of this endangered species grew again.
FZS is continuing its engagement in close collaboration with Tanzania National Parks, by providing critical financial and logistical support
To help ensure the effective long-term protection of elephants, rhinos, and other wildlife, FZS supports the Serengeti park authorities in coordinating anti-poaching and monitoring activities and in improving intelligence gathering capability
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Cape Town had been voted as one of the top 10 sustainable cities in the world and most likely to become a global sustainability center by 2020. The South African capital, known also ss the ‘Mother City’ is always looking at new and innovative technologies to create a more sustainable location. They began electricity from wind farms way back in 2008.
Cape Town won Africa’s Leading Destination Award two years in a row and continues to increase the number of tourists visiting it each year and it has been voted as one of the world’s best destinations.
The city is encouraging an idealistic outdoor lifestyle with investment in bike routes and its My CiTi rapid service to help people get around without a car and in an effort to reduce the cars, allows people to transport their bikes on buses for free. Many people have started to grow their own vegetables and make use of solar panels.
“In a world of increasing population pressures and depleting natural resources some cities, such as Cape Town, are proactively adjusting their practices today as well as implementing sustainable long-term practices,” said Ethisphere Institute executive director Alex Brigham.
Cape Town and Sustanability
“This entrenches Cape Town’s credentials as a beautiful, eco-friendly destination committed to solid planning and construction principles in both its lifestyle and business sectors,” said South African Tourism (SAT) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Moeketsi Mosola.
Mr Mosola also added that tourists are becoming more and more aware of sustainability and green tourism practices, and Cape Town boasts a large offering that is not only sustainable, but that are also increasingly mindful of the impact that humanity has on the planet.
Photo credit: SkyPixels / Wikipedia
The city was also included in a list of the ‘20 cities of 2020’ by the Ethisphere Institute, a New York business ethics and social responsibility organization, that chose it as a ‘2020 Global Sustainability Centre’.
“In a world of increasing population pressures and depleting natural resources some cities, such as Cape Town, are proactively adjusting their practices today as well as implementing sustainable long-term practices,” said Alex Brigham, executive director of the Ethisphere Institute.
Cape Town focused not only on the environmental and sustainability practices but also on health and recreation; education; arts and culture; economic and business environment; regulatory framework; law enforcement and transparency; media and speech; transportation and housing and innovation and investment.
“Cape Town is synonymous with rolling waves, rocky shores, dolphins, whales, and sunsets on pristine beaches,” the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Spatial Planning and Environment Marian Nieuwoudt said.
South Africa is among the countries most affected by climate change, particularly drought and increased temperatures. The threat of Global warming has raised awareness about how our actions affect the environment and those around us. The country joined the Paris Climate Agreement and intends to have carbon-neutral electricity generation by 2050.
The City of Cape Town’s Economic, Social Development and Tourism Committee has adopted a Responsible Tourism Policy and Action Plan, which is the first of its kind in South Africa. The goal is to set the city as a leading tourism destination.
Cape Town was also named the world’s Earth Hour Capital in March 2014 by the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature). Cape Town demonstrates how city strategies to reduce carbon emissions and fight climate change can also help other development priorities such as food, energy, and water security.”
Cape Town is truly an environmental example to follow for the rest of the developing world.
The number of tourists that are looking for closer interaction with the local people in the country they visit is growing and experience its real natural and cultural heritage.
People are becoming more and more aware of the impact of their travels and are beginning to take steps to reduce it in the places they visit.
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Uruguay is a South American country known for its verdant interior and beach-lined coast. The capital, Montevideo, revolves around Plaza Independencia, once home to a Spanish citadel. The name Uruguay means a river of colorful birds. It is a word in Guarani that was spoken by the natives of the area.
15 Must-Visit Attractions in Uruguay
Uruguay is one of the most eco-friendly countries in South America and it is pretty liberal as marijuana and gay marriage are legal, and it is also.
Montevideo is the capital and largest city of Uruguay. It is a city with a long history and a rich culture, founded in 1724.
With WiFi available in public places and e-scooters filling the city, Montevideo is leading Latin America’s digital revolution.
The exchange of culture and traditions has always nourished Montevideo’s literary movements. The capital is home town of many renowned writers, including Mario Benedetti and Juan Carlos Onetti.
The oldest part of Montevideo, La Ciudad Viejais is mostly cobblestoned with many historical buildings showing the colonial history of Montevideo city such as the cathedral, main plaza and several museums.
San Gregorio de Polanco is a small city in the Tacuarembó Department of northern-central Uruguay. It is one of the best tourist attractions in Uruguay because of its pure healthy air, abundant flora, and blue aqua.
This small town has only 3,000 residents, but there are plenty of things to do including a visit to the native visual arts museum, the excellently adorned OSE water tank, and the regional parish with the art gallery inside.
Salto is an affordable and it offers enough attractions make life interesting. It is the second largest city in Uruguay with a population over 110,000.
Some of the attractions include the Salto Grande hydroelectric Dam shared by Argentina and Uruguay and the AcuaMania Waterpark.
The city owes its name to the Spanish word used to refer to the many falls of water created by the Uruguay River in that area.
Nueva Helvecia is 120 kilometres west of Montevideo, the capital and largest city of Uruguay and just a few miles from the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Nueva Helvecia was the first tourist area in the country. The city has plenty to offer to visitors with its history, culture, local cuisine and natural surroundings full of beauty.
The region is famous for its dairy production. Travelers can visit an artisan cheese factory and learn about the production of different cheeses.
Some of the tourist attractions include the Plaza de los Fundadores, the city gate, Regional Archive Museum, the José Pedro Varela Municipal Park, the OSE tank, with its unusual architecture and the Schöenstatt Shrine.
Piriápolis is located in the Department of Maldonado, only one hour away by car from the City of Montevideo. This historic town is about 40 km west of Punta del Este. Piriápolis was the first beach resort in Uruguay and one of the most popular.
The weather from November to April is pleasantly warm and dry, perfect for plenty of beach time. June to September is cooler and wetter. The active season is between December and March.
There is also a natural reserve of native and rare South America fauna.
Rocha has some of the very best beaches in Uruguay and visitors can enjoy them almost ten months of the year. This is a place with wild isolated beaches and surprising nature is yet to be fully discovered.
In recent years many visitors have discovered the great personality of this fishing village on a rocky point where the sea has sculpted to create almost perfect round shapes and strange stone seas.
The beaches are spectacular; Brava is the southwest, with waves that cut special blue-green. It is ideal for children Mansa Beach, a quiet and huge wind sheltered bay.
Tacuarembó town is fairly small and easily walkable. However, a good number of attractions lie out of town and you’ll need your own transport to reach them. It is located in the heart of the country about 200miles away from the capital.
Fiesta de la Patria Gaucha is a big event during the second weekend of March. It celebrates countryside life and customs. Accommodation is a big issue at the festival.
Some 150 sculptures and murals outdoors exhibits can be enjoyed in public and private spaces in various parts of the Tacuarembó department.
The economy of Durazno largely depends on agriculture and agrotourism. The raising of sheep, and of cattle.
The Yí and Negro Rivers and large streams and in the lakes Rincón del Bonete and Baygorria.
Attractions in Durazno include important events such as the Folklore Festival and the ‘Meeting of the Gauchos’, places like the Hispanidad Park, located a few kilometers from the city, the church of San Pedro Parish, Regional Art Museum, Casa del General Museum.
Carmelo is famous with its winemaking. Winemaking was brought to the region over a hundred years ago by European immigrants. It is one of Uruguay’s largest wine-producing area.
The very alkaline soil with fossils creates a perfect microclimate for vines.
Points of interest in this area are Punta Gorda, Zagarzazú and Colonia Estrella. Close to Colonia Estrella is the Zagarzazú beach.
Nearby places are the picturesque Colonia, historic Fray Bentos, and the spa towns of Paysandú and Salto.
Carmelo is an ideal destination for those looking for a place to relax and for wine lovers tourism due to the large variety of vineyards and wineries.
Cabo Polonio is a rocky point that stands 15 meters above the ocean, with two inhabited islands across one of the largest reserves of sea lions in the world.
There is no water or electricity in Cabo Polonio. This place is attracting many bohemians and backpackers.
You can just lay on the beach and forget about all the luxuriate.
Punta del Este is a city and resort on the Atlantic Coast in the Maldonado Department of southeastern Uruguay.
Some popular attractions in the area include the La Mano giant sculpture, the Santorini-styled complex Casapueblo, the Enjoy Punta del Este hotel and casino complex, La Barra neighborhood, the iconic Puente Garzón, Gorriti Island, Arboretum Lussich, and the Museum of the Sea. Here is also the Ralli Museum, featuring exquisite pieces of modern and contemporary Latin American art.
Paysandú is one of Uruguay’s most important cities. It is located in the northern part of Uruguay. Due to the historical events in this area, Paysandú is important tourist attraction. Just a few miles away you’l find the Guaviyú and Almirón hot spring resorts.
Some of the attractions of this beautiful historical city include the Historical Museum or the Perpetuity Monument where you can learn a part of the rich and booming history of the city.
Paysandú has many events, including Beer Week – one of the most important events celebrated in Uruguay, which attract many tourists from all over the world.
It is the last coastal resort of Uruguay and it is bordering with Brazil to the southeast. What is interesting is that the main street in Chuy is the actual border between Uruguay and Brazil.
The border is open, so you’re free to cross back and forth between the Brazilian city Chuí and Chuy.
Chuy’s residents are mostly Uruguayans and Brazilians, with almost all its residents speaking Spanish and Portuguese.
It has long beaches which makes it ideal for long walks on the beach. Some points of interest are the Santa Teresa Park, the San Miguel Fort.
“Chui” was also the name the Indians gave a yellow-breasted bird.
Colonia del Sacramento is a city in southwestern Uruguay, across the Río de La Plata from Buenos Aires. It’s known for its cobblestoned Barrio Histórico, lined with buildings from its time as a Portuguese settlement.
It has a long history and it was founded by the Portuguese in 1680 on the Río de la Plata, the city was of strategic importance in resisting the Spanish.
The historic Colonia del Sacramento is declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995 and attracts thousands of visitors during the year from around the world. Travelers can enjoy a unique landscape with spectacular views of Río de la Plata.
Main photo credit: Wagner T. Cassimiro “Aranha” Wikipedia
