Bwana Kevin here…

As we descended into the crater the clouds hung gracefully over the edge of the Ngorongoro crater hiding the wonders of the 26km diameter caldera. The truck that is now resembling a travelling mobile hospital precariously fought the corrugated and pitted road trying its best to drain the last of the energy and well being from its intrepid travellers. Refusing to give in we were soon energised by the sight of a lioness with a cub which was about three weeks old. The lioness was blissfully ignoring her visitors and concentrated on keeping her offspring under control and the dulcet muttering of how sweet could soon be heard resonating around "the ward".

In the distance we saw a throng of vehicles gathering and like vultures we quickly joined the spectators hopeful of yet another close encounter. Our anticipation was quickly surpassed when we saw two lionesses and three cubs feeding on a young zebra that had succumbed to the ravishes of nature. The feast was already well underway when we arrived with the lioness disembowelling the zebra looking for the delicacies of the stomach. Occasionally stopping to survey the surroundings the lions stood imposingly with the striking blood red colour shimmering on their fur in the cool morning sun. This was nature in the raw! We sat transfixed on the feast, elated that we were able to witness the event but downhearted that the zebra had suffered such a terrible fate. Nick made a mental note to amend the zebra head count that he had so diligently been keeping all week.

The crater continued to amaze, sharing more lions, warthogs, crown cranes, pink flamingos, pelicans, black face monkeys and a small water hole where hippopotamus wallowed in the cool water. Such an abundance of wildlife that were prepared to put on a spectacular show for the visitors who were stunned each day by the extravagance that nature could show.

Onward and upward our weary travellers ascended from the crater with memories that will be forever etched on their minds.

Quote of the day - from our guide Baba Dingi after explaining about the role of the woman in the village "Judy, are we on the same page!!"

Distance travelled 159km; Foggy/Sunny 24deg; Altitude 1,800m