ngorongoro crater and the big 5

Ngorongoro Crater formed two to three million years ago, when a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself. On day three of safari we drove into what is considered to be the seat of humanity.

View driving down - cool and dusty just after dawn 

Approximately 25,000 large animals live in the crater, and in Africa, the big five game animals are the lion, elephant, cape buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros. We saw them all! The term was coined by big-game hunters and refers to the five most difficult animals in Africa to hunt on foot and the degree of danger involved, rather than their size.

Good morning from camp! Coming back later in the morning to pack up and go back out. Definitely heard growling during the night...

People of the Maasai tribe

Incredible morning light!

My money shot

Lions and their kill (what was a buffalo)

We startled this elephant as much as he startled us leaving the crater!

 Goodbye, crater, until next time!

elephants

Fed, rode, bathed and played with elephants last week... always a good time

hanging with elephants

Elephants are synonymous with Thailand- the shape of the country is even said to look like an elephant's head. I have spent time with elephants now in northwest Thailand and also Laos, and will never tire of these brilliant gentle creatures.

My elephant was 35 years old. They all have such personality!