The acacia tree might be one of the most picturesque - and pictured - elements in the African bush. You know, the pastel-colored sunset behind the silhouette of the characteristic acacia tree with the flat umbrella-like top. Everyone has seen one of those. And the image is by all means real. When you are there, the sunset is actually that goosebump-inducing colorful. And the acacias in the front of it are like the bush's own answer to a perfect backdrop

One factor that makes the Serengeti so fascinating is the changes in landscape, the shifts in scenery created by the different types of vegetation. You can see the entire area as just grass, bushes of different sizes and some trees. And that is the short version of it. 

But savannah is not just savannah. Due to variations in rainfall, soil quality and soil depth, and tree density, the savannah changes character. There are woodlands with more and taller trees and some grassy meadows; bush savannah with open grasslands scattered with bushes and isolated trees; and then the open plains - a grass savannah dominated by short, intermediate or long grasses with virtually no trees in sight.

And we have the trees. Which are not just trees. The most famous one is probably the acacia tree, which you will see in abundance in the Serengeti. But they too come with a rich diversity. For instance, the umbrella acacia is not the same as the flat-top acacia. The umbrella acacia is larger and has an umbrella-like dome-shaped top, whereas the flat-top acacia features a distinct, broad, flattened horizontal top rather than a rounded dome. 

Then we have the other trees, like the majestic baobab tree. The baobab is one of the famous attractions of Tarangire National Park. These are ancient trees with a huge trunk and they stand out as isolated, vertical landmarks against the flat horizon. Sometimes called the "tree of life", as the baobabs store large amounts of water in their very thick trunks and provide shade, food, and shelter for local wildlife. Standing next to a baobab that has witnessed centuries, it is hard not to feel humble and small - and strangely grateful.

Finally, do not forget about the sausage trees. They are famous for bearing massive, sausage-shaped fruits that can grow more than half a metre long and weigh up to 10 kilograms. The sausages are a culinary feast for wildlife. Be aware if you have your picnic in the shade of a baobab, as getting a 10-kg sausage in the head can be a little uncomfortable. 

From the iconic acacia to the ancient baobab to the potentially hazardous sausage tree, the trees of the bush are as varied and characterful as the landscape itself. They are the architecture of the bush: landmarks, lifelines, and sometimes, if you're not careful, a 10-kg warning from above. And that is still just the short version of it.