Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is is a deep volcanic crater which is the largest un flooded and un broken cardera in the world which is one reason it is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is 600 meters deep and 600 square kilometers in size and is a breathtaking natural wonder.  The crater floor has vast expanses of plains, woodland, forests and lakes and the density of wildlife inhabiting the area is outstanding.

Mist coming through the trees on our descent down into the crater.

Cape buffalo having a hard time waking up and a bird resting on his back

Zebra grazing in the fields as the mist dissipates and the sun comes out

Traveling down the road in the early morning silence we spot two male lions.  Stopping to watch them we are thrilled when they are joined by two more the four of them do a bit of wandering at times passing within arms reach of our vehicle.  With all the open space around I do find it a bit surprising that they would not avoid us a little more but I must admit it truly is a thrill though I did close my window before standing to view through the open roof.

Lion approaching our vehicle 

Brothers resting right to our left on the roadway

He definitely looks like he is aware of his surroundings

Each and everyone of these Kings is majestic in their own right.

As we travelled further on we passed herds of Cape buffalo,zebra, wildebeest and passed a lake that was dotted with literally hundreds of flamingos

But the adrenaline was about to be put through the top.  We pulled up to a pond just at the precise time that a pack of hyenas was taking down a wildebeest.  It was rather gruesome but riminding oneself that this was the circle of life and nature at work it was fascinating at the same time.  As we watched the hyenas called and more of them appeared and they literally tore at the fighting wildebeest.  He gave a good fight but they were tearing pieces off of him before he mercifully sunk below the surface of the water.

Hyena numbers kept increasing.

All of a sudden as we watched this nature show the hyenas dashed from the water and we saw four lions approaching the pond planning to take the meal from the hyenas.  The hyenas retreated some distance but kept a close watch on the lions.  The lions spent a long time looking for the kill and we saw the female enter the water twice to no avail.

Water is not a lions favorite environment and she did not find the wildebeest .

After watching this amazing show for quite some time we moved on but when we circled back later on the lions had also moved on and the hyenas were back in the water with their meal.  Many come to Africa with the soul intention of seeing a kill. It was not on our list yet we have seen two and I have to say it has certainly added to the excitement of our unbelievable experience.

Lazy hippo almost opening his eye for the camera.

Beautiful created crane, the national bird of Tanzania and Uganda.

Hungry from the excitement we went to the designated picnic site which is one of the only places where you are allowed to get out of the vehicle.  There were dozens of safari vehicles there and we all did a little walk around to stretch our legs.

Eric at lunch stop looking for hippos in the lake.

Lots of vehicles.  There was a large group of kids there playing in the field after there lunch.  As we were leaves we were shocked to find two lions just up on the hill behind the washrooms feasting on a fresh kill.  A little close for comfort.  We are told they prefer animal meals.

The Maasai are allowed to bring their livestock down into the crater to drink but not to graze and do so every day.  We were treated to so many animals it was a virtual feast for the eyes.

This baby Cape buffalo was so tiny and cute compared to the rest of his herd.

These female ostrich seem to be preening for attention.

I do believe this wart hog is so ugly that he is rather a handsome specimen.

Of course our days all seem to be filled with wonderful surprises and as our time in the crater was coming to an end we encountered a large elephant who was quite wet. As we stood and watched and snapped photo after photo he proceeded to give himself a dust bath to protect himself from the sun and insects. What a special way to end our visit in this very unique place.

One can see he steep sides of the crater in the background.

The road leading out of the crater was very steep and the drop off on the one side was most unpleasant for some.

Farewell to the Ngorongoro Crater

Our arrival at the Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge was wonderful with Maasai singers, beaded necklaces, special drinks and a warm welcome from the assistant manager. It is a magnificent new property and there were only 17 of us staying here and we were treated royally.

Eric and the singer dancers.

Birds right outside our sun deck.  The hospitality of all the African people we have met so far has been outstanding. Everyone is so friendly and so proud of their country and they do their jobs with pride.  We return each day dusty and tired from the safaris but we have permanent grins on our faces and that is why we came!