We had another early start this morning as we had another long day of driving. Waking up in the Serengeti at 5:15 AM gifts you with some amazing views of your surroundings and a sense of calm which I welcome very much these days. After breakfast and saying goodbye to our host Paul, we headed out to Ngorongoro Crater with the anticipation of catching site of a rhino there. However, before arriving to the crater, we had the pleasure of seeing some beautiful creatures along the way. Here are some of them.
After leaving the Serengeti, our next stop was Ngorongoro Crater. It was about a 4.5 hour drive with a lot of dust being kicked up by our vehicle and others. From the gate to the crater, we drove 2.5 miles down a steep cobblestone path. As it was nearing noon, we decided to eat lunch first because we were starving. The picnic area was very nice with tall tress providing cover even though that it was overcast. Still there was a nice breeze to enjoy.
Once we refueled, we made our way to explore the crater which is about 100 square miles. I cannot emphasize enough the enormity of this crater. In the center is a huge lake which provides water to all the animals that live there, approximately 30,000. We were able to see flamingos, zebras, wildebeests (seemed like thousands of them), a jackal, gazelles, and many more, including the elusive rhino. We couldn’t get a picture of the rhino with our iPhones because it was too far away, and the zoom capability is just not there. We were able to capture it with our small 35mm camera, but the picture is still not the best quality. However, seeing it completed our sightings of the Big Five (lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and African buffalo.). Needless to say, we are over the moon! Here are some photos from inside the crater.
Safaris are exhausting with the long drives and early morning wake-ups. But what you get in return is priceless. If you ever get a chance to go, don’t hesitate. You will never regret it.
And Here We Go... 
Leave a comment