Blog #4: Ngorogoro Crater, Tanzania

Hello from our next camp – spot 3 on our map! Our goal here is to track wildlife and view the Ngorogoro Crater, a huge volcanic caldera with a unique ecosystem! The Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera. The crater, which formed when a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself two to three million years ago, is 2,000 feet deep and its floor covers 100 square miles). the world's largest inactive, intact, and unfilled volcanic caldera. The crater, which formed when a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself two to three million years ago, is 2,000 feet deep and its floor covers 100 square miles,

We rose early to view the crater and view its occupants. Our crater visit was inspiring, viewing lots of residents, including hippos, giraffes, zebras, rhinos, lots of birds, and two sleeping lions! Our lion viewing was the unfortunate part of visiting Africa – too many safari vehicles cutting us off from even a good picture! However, we had a quick look at the sleeping lion, looking very comfortable, considering he was sleeping on the side of the road!

The drive down to the crater floor was a challenge – a long, windy road with awe-inspiring views of the crater and the sunrise! We enjoyed a lovely breakfast on the crater floor provided by our camp! I love seeing the organization of the camp to provide us not only with good food, but they have everything organized in the jeep – all the way from folding camp chairs and a table, as well as food packed in a series of closed containers that are kept warm by an insulated bag. Our wonderful guide, Rem. served as host, laying out a lovely buffet for us – egg sandwiches, fruit, muesli, homemade yogurt, juice and coffee!

The crater is also very close to the Olduvai Gorge, which is believed to be the site of found remains of the first human beings to walk the Earth, serving as the foundation for the work done by archaeologist Louis Leakey. This part of Tanzania is considered to be the "heart of Africa" and has the lake to prove it!

A unique part of our visit to this part of Tanzania was a visit to a Maasai village. The Maasai pride themselves on still living their unique culture – they are nomadic herders, raising cows, and engaging in their traditions, including polygamous marriages. They have recently faced some changes imposed by the government, requiring their children to attend public school.

Our village visit included a fire-making demonstration, a home tour, and shopping in their craft market! The majority of the population didn’t speak English, but two tribal members, including the chief’s son, had been selected for training by our lodge, and were relatively fluent – enough to answer the majority of our questions, and help us shop!

A few more pics to share!

The weather continues cold – in the low 70’s during the day, but in the high 40’s/low 50’s each night. I’m glad I brought a fleece jacket!

More soon from the Serengeti!