Ngorongoro Crater

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Morning Campers!
Peered out of tent into the mist to be greeted by a huge turd, kindly left by the hungry buffalo. There were also couple of crazy zebra prancing around the campsite - alternately nuzzling, nibbling and kicking at each other.

The Crater
The scenery at the crater was spectacular: a vast landscape with rolling clouds and the lake sparkling in the morning light. There were lots of Masai villages dotted along the hillside, and plenty of Masai men wrapped up in their blankets, trying to sell us bracelets.

The game drive was fantastic! We ventured down to the lake which was dotted with flamingo. Then we saw a few male lions and a pride harrassing some tough looking buffalo. The lions were lurking around a mound of long grass, waiting to pounce, but buffalo were having none of it and after a bit of stand off, sent the lions packing! We saw quite a few hyena throughout the morning, some really close up. The hyenas have such a great lolloping gait! There was a cheeky jackal trying to scrouge a bit of wildebeest head from a hyena. We also spotted a cheetah looming in the distance on the edge of the lake.

We saw a few elephants throughout the morning. One was all alone and looking a bit poorly, and we saw some old elephants with huge tusks in the trees. Luckily we managed to see all the Big 5 by the end of our safari, when we spotted three rhino. We madly chased around the park trying to get a closer look, but they were a bit elusive.

Near Death by Off Roading
Had the scariest journey ever back up to the crater rim in the 4x4. It was very steep and incredibly muddy after all the rain, so the back end of the truck kept slipping dangerously close to the edge as we snaked our way back up the hill. But we made it!

(We promise to put the photos on very soon!)

Packed up and headed back to join the rest of the crew at Arusha, for a few drinkies before another very early start - boo!

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Photos

Meeting the Masai
Rachel overlooking the crater with local Masai

Zebras on the loose!
Crazy zebra running around the campsite

Comments

[Simon]

Too much fun
Sound like you are having a great time v. jeleaous. Like the bit about the huge turd. Reminds me of the morning after the boys weekend. Remember, where ever you see zebra there's usually giraffe. Not pyrex, skyrax

[Kelly & Guy]

Soooooooooo Jealous
Lovely to hear from you and sounds like you are having an amazing time. Looking forward to seeing all the photos. My day trip on a boat and seeing wild dolphins just doesnt sound so good any more!!!! Oh well was still amazing, didnt realise how big they grew! I have just been promoted to Asst Manager at La Parra (restaurant) so things are going well. Keep the blogs coming and send some pics!!!!!! Lots of Love xxx

[Debra]

Sounds grrreat!
Sounds great apart from the scary bit. Nice descriptions of the crater, which remind me of The Lost World with a bit of everything in it, only needs a waterfall and Tarzan. Home is reasonable, Ma has a stair lift now to send the washing up on. xxx

[Geoff & Wendy]

Refugee's from Cannock.
Just read your latest blog, great!. Pleased to hear that you are enjoying the trip of a lifetime, what a wonderfull experience you both are having. Will keep checking your blog, keep up the good work.

[Chris & Jayne]

Rain, rain go away.....
Ngorongoro Crater sounds amazing. Lions, buffalo and turds! UK has had torrential rain and there's a bloke down our road building and ark.... Muddy tracks ina 4x4 sounds jolly dangerous, stick to the motorways we say. Looking forward to more photos. Jealous to death but struggling on. Take care.