The distribution and abundance of grazers in relation to the water holes in thernSerengeti plains were studied. Ten species of grazing ungulates were recorded in thernarea. Using direct and indirect count methods, high abundance of animals was foundrnin zone 1 (areas around water holes). During the dry season, high abundance ofrnThomsonÂ´s gazelle was recorded in burnt areas away from the water hole. Inrnunburnt area, they were abundant closer to the water holes. Total grass coverrn(percentage), species diversity and grass height were significantly lower in areasrnaround the water holes compared to areas away from the water holes. Grazing wasrnmore intense in areas around water holes compared to areas farther. Among soilrntexture types, only clay fraction shows significant difference among the three zonesrncompared. The percentage of clay in areas near the water hole was high comparedrnto areas away. Soil organic matter, total nitrogen and potassium were significantlyrnlower in areas closer to the water holes, whereas, ammonium, electrical conductivityrnand pH were significantly higher in areas close to the water holes and decrease withrnincreased distances from the water holes. Most of the smaller grazing ungulatesrnwere abundant in burnt areas and in areas with short grasses. The study concludedrnthat the distance from the water hole, fire and rainfall influenced the distribution andrnabundance of grazing ungulates. Further study should be conducted which canrninclude the long rainy season so as to find out seasonal effects.rnKey words: Abundance, burnt areas, distribution of grazing ungulates, Serengetirnplains, water holes.