We feel so fortunate in the morning, the skies are clear with no low lying clouds or fog, both common in this area. Our view is spectacular as we descend the breathtaking 610 meters to the crater floor. The Ngorongoro Crater, is the world’s largest unbroken, unflooded volcanic caldera . The crater, was formed when a giant volcano exploded and collapsed on itself some two to three million years ago. It is 610 m deep and its floor covers 260 km². We’re told as many as 25,000 large animals, along with the highest density of predators in Africa, live in the crater.


On our way to the crater we see some Maasai taking their cattle down the narrow and very steep descent, in search of water. Once again their tough hard life astounds us and we silently count the blessings of our easy life. Each vehicle is permitted a maximum of 6 hours in the crater. This is in an attempt to control the safari traffic, which would be otherwise out of control especially during peak times. As it is when we visit, traffic is light and we only see between 6 or 8 vehicles at any one time.

As soon as we arrive in the crater we see huge herds of wildebeest and took numerous pictures. Also there were herds of zebra. We took quite a while trying to catch them in just the right position. Their stripes fascinate me. So exotic.

We then drove for quite a while without seeing much of anything. This surprised us as we wrongly assumed animals would always be here in large numbers, but the crater is huge and during the time of drought the animals rest out of the hot sun. When we reach a jungle area we spot a spectacular Ayres Hawk Eagle. He’s perched on a small branch above a stream, an ideal location for fishing.

We also see many Grey Crowned Crane. They are quite comical looking with bright blue eyes and fuzzy heads.

It is now time for us to take a break and have some food. This is part 1.
Great photos, the crater is enormous!
LikeLike
It is quite an adventure.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing journey
LikeLike
WOW..pictures are amazing!
LikeLike
Love seeing these animals 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your story and pictures are amazing!
LikeLike
Thanks Angela. Hoping to get back to traveling soon
LikeLiked by 1 person
Me too. Can’t wait.
LikeLike
What an amazing trip you’ve had! Watching wildlife and birds are my favourites!
xx
LikeLike
Yes I love traveling..and like you seeing wildlife.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Superb captures!
LikeLike
Thanks ..hoping to return again.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an incredible experience. You’ve captured some wonderful shots of the wildlife. Looking forward to part II.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks . It was a great adventure and hoping to return again .
LikeLiked by 1 person
Stunning wildlife shots
LikeLike
Thanks 😊. Hoping to return to travel ..soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing a part of your world and adventures!!… for allowing us to visit places through your eyes!… “Life gives us brief moments with another, but sometimes in those brief moments we get memories that last a lifetime, So live that your memories will be part of your happiness.” (Author Unknown)…. 🙂
Until we meet again
May the sun shine all day long
Everything go right, nothing go wrong
May those you love bring love back to you
May all the wishes you wish come true
May peace be within you
May your heart be strong
May you find whatever you’re seeking
Wherever you may roam
(Irish Saying)
LikeLike
Love these words. Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day 😀
LikeLike
what an incredible place on earth!
LikeLike
Definitely an amazing site to see. Thanks Andy
LikeLike
Wow 😲, the Ngorongoro Crater sounds like a stunning place to visit … can’t even imagine the magnitude of this two/three million years ago!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is an amazing adventure..a very unique place to see. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an inpressive place, I know it from documentaries on television but it must be great to explore it in real live. Enjoy it and I’m looking forward for what’s comming next.
LikeLike
Looks like you discovered plenty of beautiful wildlife, and I’m assuming the Big Five whilst in Tanzania. Can’t wait to read what else you saw on the trip!
LikeLike
Is there an animal more photogenic than the zebra? Really, that face!!
LikeLike
Can’t believe such a big volcano can exist. So big… How damaging it must be when it explodes. Unbelievable.
LikeLike
Imagine the explosive power needed to create a crater that large, wow! I love the Zebra, so amazing with its fun stripes. 😍
LikeLiked by 1 person
I bet that was a beautiful trip.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I hope to get there one day!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes it is a place to add to your list.
LikeLiked by 1 person