Unlike any other biome, savannas consist of both trees and grasses in a persistent and equitable manner. This unique mixture of two different life forms attracted scientific scrutiny for decades. Embedded in this body of research studies is bush encroachment that affects many overgrazed savannas. Despite scientific efforts, however, the underlying factors that shape the functioning of this biome and govern bush encroachment remain largely elusive. Terminalia sericea is one such encroaching woody plant at the expense of herbaceous layers in overgrazed areas of southern Africa. Keywords: Etosha National Park, rainfall, savannas, shallow root system, Terminalia sericea.