As we settled into our luxury camp, a welcoming fire was tended by our Maasai protector. This camp was voted the highest ratings for excellence in food and service. We had two nights to enjoy the luxurious tents and proximity to the animals.
The following day, herds of zebras, wildebeest, giraffe and even these shy Hartebeest meandered grazing by our tents.
Ngorongoro Caldera and Conservation Area
Considered by many to be the 'Eighth Wonder of the World', we descended in our 4x4's for over twenty minutes along the escarpment wall to access the floor below. As we moved closer, all of the little black dots turned into living breathing herds teaming around us.
The scope and immensity is difficult to capture, so I chose the cute factor of this photo for today. We watched a family of Golden Jackals playing, two cubs and the parents. This cub was scared and went for the safety of the burrow. In the background are Grant's Gazelles, Wildebeest and an Abdim Stork. We also saw two rhino's off in the distance, completing the sightings of the Big Five.
Tomorrow we head off to remoter parts to visit a few tribes, one of which is the Hadzabe Bushmen. They are still hunter gatherers and one of the oldest original tribes on earth.
I'm currently taking reservations for the next safari... Will you join us?
We went for an early morning hunt with the Hadza men and they were successful! You just might have to come along on the next safari to find out more. Later, we took turns taking lessons and even our drivers had fun getting involved.
The Hadzabe are one of the earliest tribes in the world and have many similarities to the Kalahari bushmen, including hunting and gathering as well as their click language.
In the evening, we headed up to the Kisima Ngeda overlook for drinks and a group photo. At the top, our guide Donatus, saw a striped hyena make her way off to hunt for food for her pup. They are both shy and nocturnal, so I missed the photo' op. It was a hazy day, but in the background, you can see the tip of Lake Eyasi on the left and the beginning of the Ngorongoro Highlands on the right.
The drinks were thirst quenching and the views exhilarating. Another eye opening/full experience day!
Heading over to the Datoga home, we were too late to see the goats and cattle heading out to graze, but the chief and his family were up for a visit. Their homes are small and fairly dark, and the ladies showed us how to grind maize, one of their staple foods. I had been given a three legged sitting stool last year and brought earrings for the ladies this year. Lissa Flemming of Silver Waves Jewelry helped to sponsor the gifts (thank you Lissa!). She made silver hoop earrings with a Lake Superior stone on each. I am shown here holding her logo and explaining that my home and the stones are both on the shores of Lake Superior.
My hosts were simply delighted and are seen in the photo with their jewelry and Lissa's as well. We were treated to a sweet song of thanks afterwards.
