Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania

The Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is the largest intact caldera in the world, an oval about 10 to 12 miles across that is a welcoming environment for most of the popular African wildlife.

It is lush and green at this time of year.  Animals who inhabit this area live with an abundance of water and food, and they thrive.

Rhino, elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard and more inhabit the crater, although the strict restrictions on the movement of vehicle traffic prevented us from getting close to them.  Not the case with the baboons….

 

Lots of baby critters were around; below a mother zebra watches closely while her young ‘un takes a nap.

Fabulous bird life, including a marabou stork and a fluffy coucal…..

Lots of lion were around….. they are well fed and content.  This fellow’s sister was still working over the carcass of a zebra nearby, while he cleaned up from his feast.

One lousy day just does not seem to be enough in a place so rich with natural life and adventure.  But we were able to cram a lot into the time allowed…. enough to make us anxious to return before too much time passes.  A lot of the credit goes to our guide, Henry (the younger), who knows his turf very well, and is a delightful companion in the bargain.

Of course, we had a dance demonstration…. this time by the Masai people…. a striking display.

So reluctantly we bid farewell to the African bush…. heading to our next destination, the ancient Nabatean city of Petra in Jordan.