Ngorongoro Farm House Ngorongoro Conservation Area

... There were no giraffes in the crater as they cannot bend their legs to climb up or down the steep embankments.

Tanzania fast facts

Weather – Warm in the morning, showery late afternoon and very cold at night

Beer – Kilimanjaro = Tzs2500 = US$2

Currency – Tanzania Shilling

Highlight – the crater

Lowlight – bugs in our dinner

... to the Ngorongoro crater. Apparently its area is 37km and most of the animals never leave. A few are able to make the climb and migrate out on the less steep side. The drive had been long and we arrived to the crater just as dusk began her nightly dance. The campsite was high up on a ridge and we were told not to stray away from the site. We didn’t need to worry about Cats, but apparently there are very dangerous wild ...

... driver didn’t seem to be too surprised and quickly got to work changing it. As we were standing around, we noticed three Masai women heading up the road with something huge on their backs. As they walked closer to us, we saw that they each had a load of wood on their back and it was being held by a leather strap on the top of their head. It was amazing to see them do this with ease. At least the ease one would expect an oldish women carrying ...

... reason, but it was just a bit further down my list. Sitting writing this after only a few weeks i realise that was a big mistake. I've never had three weeks like this before - it's already been absolute quality.
The mobile clinic was amazing - happy, sad, rewarding and at times frustrating. The people here just get on with things - they're tough as ****. There was the woman who walked several hours with 4 small kids strapped to her and as ...

... but great photo opps. Our "car" mates were Tim and Barb Templin of Houston. Our driver/guide was Emmanuel.

We drove back through Arusha along the path we came from the airport yesterday. By now I have learned we are not supposed to take photos of public buildings, public officials or folks along the way. I snuck a few photos clandestinely (this is the gal who took photos in the Sistine Chapel and the Kremlin) but since Tauck's name is ...

... 6 C. Glad we have our mits and hats and the long underware to sleep in.

The facilities were very basic and I really enjoyed a COLD shower but after 2 days without one it was welcome.

Slept very well and did not feel afraid - Maybe I should have!

August 22 we started the day at 6 AM and it was cold and dark when we got up. We went to the crater ...

... you just keep taking pictures - well I do anyway, with much rolling of eyes from Ian's direction. There'll be some serious editing taking place before we subject anyone to a slide show).

Very few vehicles are allowed into the crater daily so we had it pretty much to ourselves just to add to the experience, which unfortunately was over all too quickly.

C.

... high enter the area again and again. The welcoming performances were absolutely stunning and as we stood in between the dancing men and the dancing women, it was utterly overwhelming just trying to decide who to watch., Then the children began to sing and dance too, and I felt like I was turning in circles trying to take it all in. And of course, I had to eventually join in, thrusting my shoulders forward as I bounced with the men. Fortunately for everyone, I refrained from ...

... tomorrow morning. It was an incredible site! The crater is an old collapsed volcano, it is 610 meters deep and only about 200 mkms squared so it is very very small. The amazing thing is that there are 25,000 animals in the crater.

We went to our camptite called Simba [lion king] wich actually means Lion in Swahilli. We set up our tents in the cold and quickly built ...

... black rhino as there are only 26 of them left in the crater. But we did! We were so lucky. It was quite far away but even so we could tell that they're an absolutly magnificent beast. The entire trip was fantastic. I can't explain how wonderful it was. Especially with the amazing food and comfy beds. It also means though that my trip ius almost over which is very sad. Although I am looking forward to being back in England. Anyway, must dash. Much love to you all xxx