Bwana Elaina here…

Back to our roots! After staying at the wonderful Mapito Tented Camp, only marred by Kevin and Nick feeling poorly, we departed for the Ngorongoro Crater where we would witness the unparalleled beauty of one of the world's most unchanged wildlife sanctuaries.

Once again we crossed the bridge, where below, many hippos wallowed in the stagnant foul smelling water. Later there were troupes of baboons, playing with their young and caring for each other. Many zebras and Thompson Gazelles grazed alongside a large group of water buffalo; for the present, all at peace from predators

About midday we left the Serengeti and the terrain began to differ, becoming very rocky and barren in places then opening up to lush vegetation. Outside of the National Park we saw the habitats of tribesmen; villages of thatched huts sitting neatly in a circle. These tribesmen could be seen in their wonderful, vibrant attire, tending their herds of cattle. Among the many beautiful children, tending herds of goats we gave sweets to a couple and were rewarded by their wonderful, brilliant smiles.

Our lunch stop was taken at Ol'Duvai Gorge which is a steep-sided ravine in the Great Rift Valley that stretches through Eastern Africa and is one of the most important paleonthropoloical sites in the world and has been instrumental in furthering the understanding of early human evolution. This site was occupied by Homo habilis approximately 1.9 million years ago, Paranthropus Boisei 1.8 million years ago, and Homo Erectus 1.2 million years ago. Homo Sapiens is dated to have occupied the site 17,000 years ago. John, Judy, Nick, Laurel, Kevin and Elaine have added their names to the significant beings who have visited the site.

Ol'Duvai is significant in showing increased developmental and social complexities in Hominins but is of limited value as a potential golf course. Evidence of this is shown in the production and use of Stone tools, which indicates the increase in cognitive capacities. Evidence also indicates the practices of both scavenging and hunting, which are highlighted by the evidence of gnaw marks predating cut marks made during the hunt for the ellusive bottled water.

Our journey was rewarded by an overnight stay at the Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge which apart from it magnificent views across the crater it had an abundance of hot water, profusion of hot-water bottles and cornucopia of central heating - luxury!

Quote of the day - One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things!

Distance travelled 103k; Sunny 24deg; Altitude 1,800m