Undoubtedly one of the most fascinating natural wonder of Africa, the Ngorongoro crater became a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique characteristics. This area originates from the explosion and subsequent collapse of a volcano millions of years ago and it is therefore confined by the rims of the crater, which prevents the animals from migrating in and out of it. Nevertheless, the crater has one of the largest concentrations of large animals in Africa and in particular a great number of lions and cheetahs which we are lucky enough to see.
Just 10 minutes after we have entered the crater we approach some bushes and under the shade of the dry branches there is a group of lions, 4 adults and a few cubs. They are absolutely amazing to see, after a while, attracted by some movements not far away they get up slowly and start walking down the hill. A little run for the always playful cubs! Later on we see a couple of lions, a lion and a lioness sleeping in the grass with the bellies facing the sky, like waiting for some cuddles…
Just before having our lunch we encounter, close to a little lake, a big group of lions just taking it easy close to the water and enjoying the heat on top of a rock! The guide tells us they cornered a buffalo, which then sought refuge in the reeves on the lake, and now they are waiting for it to come ashore again.
The blurry view from the top of the crater is not fair, from up there it is impossible to realize the shear number of animals present down on the fields.
The colors of the crater are completely different from the those in Serengeti, here everything looks deeper and the red, dark dust is covering the bushes all the way down to the little lakes.
The herds are mixed and huge. Hundreds of zebras are walking side by side with wildebeests, gazelles, and warthogs with birds on their backs. This is possibly the most exciting safari for the amount of animals we are able to see and so close to us! We’ll be spending the night at a camp site on the rim of the crater. Again we’ll be out in the open without any fence between us and the animals. After dark we gather around the fire for some company with the rest of the group.
By the kitchen is a little water reservoir where an elephant slowly appears to have his daily drink. You can see he has dug through the concrete with his tusks to get access. This is just behind what you can dream for an animal encounter! During the night something is stepping between the tents, it’s exciting and a little scary at the same time! One of the most mind-opening places I’ve ever been! It’s time to take a last look around and then we are ready to get in the jeeps and drive back to the snake park in Arusha, for one more night of celebrations before leaving for Kenya.