Tags
Africa, Around the World, Duma Explorer, Family, Ngorongoro, Safari, Tanzania, Travel
Ngorongoro is the crater of a volcano that imploded on itself. It’s the wet season at the crater, and temperatures have really dropped; hence we didn’t camp and instead stayed at the Rhino Lodge. Despite the migration to Kenya at this time of year, Ngorongoro still boasts a wide array of animals.
We went on a morning game drive. We did see more lions gnawing on their latest kill – African Buffalo – and the hyenas and jackals waiting for scraps. If you’re going to be a hyena or jackal in Africa, pack your patience. Lions can’t be rushed.
New species that we saw today:
- Brown Hyena
- Gray Crowned Crane
- Greater Flamingo
- Kori Bustard
The only animal that we didn’t see on our safari: Rhino. I think that we made out pretty well!
Travel Tip 19: Go to the Serengeti.
If you ever have to choose between the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, go with the Serengeti. It’s what you hope Africa will be. Ngorongoro reminded me more of Yellowstone National Park. It may have been more impressive had we been here another time of year.
Over the past week, we’ve seen countless Maasi. I didn’t stop to take photos of them in their traditional red plaid; the women are especially beautiful with their beaded neckpieces. However, since we spent no time with them, it seemed rude to just snap a photo and then drive off. Those images will have to be stored in my mind.
Around the World in 72 Days 
Hi Shelley,
We travelled to Tanzania this time of year as well. Funny, I enjoyed the Crater more than the Serengeti. Maybe it was because it was blazing hot at the Serengeti when we were there. Both were awesome of course! It is so cool you are doing it with your kids. I would love to take mine back.
I had two encounters with the Masaii. One was outside a campground we were staying at and I asked to take her picture. It was a young mother carrying a baby in a sling. She said yes and I gave her a dollar. Soon, her husband was chasing me down waving the dollar. I think he preferred Tanzanian schillings (which he was able to exchange at our campground). The second was in the Crater when we stopped several Masaii came around. A young man was very ernest that he wanted my Nike watch and we have a picture of him basically pinning me against the safari vehicle 🙂
Enjoy! We really loved our time in Africa.
Kelly Shafer