Here are some pics from the 5 day safari we did around Lake Manyara, the Serengeti and Ngorogoro crater.
DaveThis was our view from the safari vehicle. The roof popped up so we could stand, getting a 360 degree view. It was great! (Except for the dust...)
SerengetiI am standing on a small rocky hill and the Serengeti plain stretches out for miles all around.
BaboonsThe baboons are real characters. They hang around in families and you see lots of mums with babies hanging off their tummies or riding on their backs.
LeopardJust chillin in a tree after a hard nights hunting!
ElephantThis baby was 1-3 weeks old and just small enough to fit under his mum! We watched them for long time and they eventually walked right past us, within touching distance.
FlamingoThe lakes are pretty dry so the flamingo are right out a long way from the road. We got a good view through the binoculars though.
GiraffeThese guys are real characters too. Some are really curious about you and stand and stare while they chew.
HippoThe hippos are pretty noisy and can be quite fierce! Pays to keep your distance. The days we were there were so hot all they wanted to do was sit in the water.
Rift ValleyThat's the Rift Valley wall behind me, the boundary between 2 plates. Its pretty impressive.
LionWe managed to get very close to several groups of lions. This one looks fierce but he is just yawning. They are completely unbothered by the cars.
MaasaiSo much to say here! They need a whole page or two. But in brief, they own cattle at the rim of the crater and bring them down to drink regularly.
Lions3 males lions (probably brothers) walked straight for our vehicle at one stage (after Dave I think) so we got some great shots. The wildebeasts and Zebra in the background watched nervously!
Ngomi Tented siteThis is our 'tent'. It is on a permanent concrete pad and has a thatched roof over it. It was great to be able to sit out in the evenings and watch the animals go by!
Ngorogoro CraterThis crater is 21km long and 18km wide. It is surrounded by these high walls and in places is teeming with animals!
WildebeastIn the crater are several thousand Wildebeast! Their buddies have all migrated north, but these guys decided to stay.