Into the crater

Today as we descend into the crater of Ngorongoro we see the first light and crimson of sun rise is reflecting on the shores of the soda lake. Other waterholes are like droplets of gold in the distance and a collar of clouds hugs the crater rim like a fur edge of a winter coat. 

Once down on the crater floor we are on the lookout for the big cats. As the sun peeks over the edge of the eastern rim we are bathed in warm light and the magic hour begins. We stop the truck in time for a sunrise photo opportunity and are about to drive on when I look behind me to see the most beautiful view of Flamingo on the shores of the soda lake with Thompson Gazelle in the foreground, I quickly grab Alison's camera a capture the moment. I love this place, and its moments like these that affirm where my heart has a home. 

 

Now we drive on and see grazing zebra and wildebeest, and a small rise of earth, perched atop the rise are to young male lions. Basking in the warm glow of the sun and scanning the plains below them. Today has started well. After taking some time to admire these beautiful boys we move on. Not far down the road is yet another gem spotting. The bush breakfast table was set and 4 Lions were dining on a fresh wildebeest kill. As gruesome as watching an animal get torn apart is, it is spectacular to see this in motion. Sitting around the feast waiting to be invited in were 3 jackals, every so often they would approach, but quickly return to their waiting pose as not to become second course. At a further distance out were 4 hyena, they too waiting for their chance for a meal. Unlike the jackal they stayed back and marked time. 

 

Knowing that this dining experience would continue for a while we depart in search of the rhino known to be in the area. Their location not precise but a general idea of where to find them is given. So we drive on, Adam finds an elevated spot to look out across the grass and finds 2 rhino grazing in the distance. Even with the help of good binoculars it is difficult to clearly see them and I rely on his experience of what it is that we are seeing.

Electing to have breakfast now we set off for the hippo pool. Bush breakfast with hot coffee warms us, but the cold winds still bites at our ears. In the water ahead a hippo has the right idea - keep your head below water and just stick your nostrils out for a breath of air every so often.

With breakfast complete we set off again for some more viewing. Coming across some hyena running we follow for they look like they are on the trail of something smelly! Their gait is soon slowed as they reach a waterhole with a male lion on the perimeter and the pride just beyond. No one is feasting just yet and these guys don't want to become lunch! It seems our morning is complete as we now slowly drive on further to exit the park, looking out as we go. 

Climbing the winding road out we see across the ravine a herd of 15 elephants on an adjacent hill. With 3 young close to their mothers it is magnificent to see these gentle giants.

We are now out and driving back to our lodge, Adam points out the cohabitation of some zebra and the cows of a Maasai tribe grazing together. With food leftovers from breakfast I suggest we offer it to the Maasai boy's. Calling them over, they come running. We unwrap the food and pass it out, with pockets bulging and smiles from ear to ear the elder boy waves at me and mimics my thumbs up and ok. I'm so glad we did this, as I know they will share among the others , but more importantly, we made a contribution back to the local community.

 

Once back at the lodge it's time to join Katrina on the balcony and enjoy a chat with a beautiful view across the crater, what a great day.