Friday 2nd February

NGORONGORO CRATER

CRATER SCENE WITH THE 600m WALLS IN THE BACKGROUND

Our first Tanzanian breakfast. The fresh pineapple was excellent. We didn’t take the eggs.

We got into the Landrover at 08:30 for the trip down into the crater. Can’t remember the drivers name. Long drive around the Seneto descent. Masai out in force along road. “Masai wave” girls undulate neck beads as we pass. Judith took a picture of young Masai boys who had been circumcised.

“You pay!” they knew some English.

“Only 100 each!” driver snaps.

After about 15km we came to Senato descent road. The main Ngorongoro to Sengeti road had been bad enough. This is worse but steep as well. We are in a snake of about 15 landrovers making their way into the crater.

FEVER TREES AND ELEPHANT IN CRATER

Once on the floor of the crater we rest briefly at the Senato Springs. We are able to get out and stretch our legs. Everybody takes a few pictures. Using binoculars we can see elephants in the distance. The setting is spectacular. This is what I came for.

The driver rolls back the roof and puts up the bench seat , then we were off for our first game view. Sun hot. Burnt the back of my hands ears and temples. No sun shade in the landrover. Good sightings of Rhino, 3 during day.

We took our picnic lunch at the Ngoitokitok springs in the crater. African kites swoop down to steal food. So we take our lunch in the Landrover! Find the toilet is invaded by wasps. Ronnie uses the bushes much