A Day in Ngorongoro Crater

We got up early to head for a day in Ngorongoro Crater.  Mom and dad have both talked about how this Park has the most diversity of animals.  I am hoping to see Rhino, but I know that this is a rare thing to see.  I stayed in bed until the last minute, and then jumped in the car. Boy was it cold up here in the mountains. It took about an hour to get to the main gate of the crater.  Once we were checked in and entered, we drove along the rim of the crater until we reached a small road down into the crater. The road to the crater floor was dirt, bumpy and very steep.  It was a bit scary!  As we reached the crater floor, we saw zebras, wildebeests, and a cerval cat. This was so massive of a crater and so beautiful. 

Our day was filled with seeing lots of animals…hyena, Thompson’s Gazelle, zebra, elephants, lions, etc.

We came across a group of lions laying in the grass resting.  There were about 9 female lions resting. Then our driver Mudy Mudy got a call over the radio that there was a rhino sighting.  Off we took very fast to see the Rhino.  Bumpy roads and lots of dust but there it was…a RHINO! It was a bit of a distance from the raod, but it was a Rhino! Kyle was so excited, that is his favorite animal. Now he has seen the Big 5 of Africa!

Before lunch we decided to go back to see the group of 9 lions.  What a treat we got.  The sun was high and it was getting hot.  The lions were searching for shade and they found it in the shadow of the Land Rovers.  They moved one by one and sat near the wheels of the land rovers in the shade.  They were just a few feet away. One lion seemed to be looking at herself in the rear view mirror.  It was awesome to be so close and watch these lions. 

We headed to a water area for lunch.  The water had lots of Hippo and it was fun to watch them surface for air and then disappear.  We had to eat inside the car, because the birds would swoop down and eat your food.  

As we were heading out of the park, we saw more lion and elephants.  Then it was another steep road to the rim of the crater to head back to Gibbs Farm.

We relaxed at Gibb’s Farm and took an outside shower and bath.

Yesterday we saw some children playing soccer.  I wanted to go see them. Pops and mom walked me to the field.  When we stepped out onto the field, the children started yelling, ‘Wazungu…Wazungu…(White man…white man)”. Kyle jumped right in and started playing.  He even scored a goal.  The cheering section for the game was in the middle of the field with several small children cheering.  There were goats all over the field and even ladies carrying water on their heads.  So glad I jumped in to play.

Dinner and bedtime came early as I was beat.  I love falling asleep with a fire burning and keeping us warm.

Tomorrow we head back to Moshi.