Kilimanjaro: Martin & Team Enjoy Game Viewing in Lake Manyara National Park
Posted by: Jeff Martin
Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro
Hello from the Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge,
Well, the elusive tree climbing lions were no where to be seen today, but the game viewing at Lake Manyara proved to be spectacular. From the moment we entered the gate, there were lots of animals. The first sighting of the day was a troop of baboons, followed by velvet monkeys, blue monkeys, giraffes, cape buffalo, elephants, hippos, and water bucks. Not bad for the first hour of our safari.
We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the park, and took enough pictures that a few batteries were already drained half way though the afternoon.
Lake Manyara is about an hour's drive to Ngorongoro crater and we timed it perfectly to be at the first viewpoint of the crater right before sunset. When you first approach the crater, the view is just spectacular. Dropping almost a 1000 feet below you is the largest unbroken and unflooded caldera in the world. It is almost 13 miles across and is home to 25,000 animals. Not surprising that many call this the eighth wonder of the world!
After a short drive along the crater rim from the viewpoint, we arrived at our lodge for the next two nights. The Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge sits right on the crater rim and each room has a full on view looking out over the entire crater.
We will get an early start in the morning to drive down into the crater. Tomorrow is going to be a big day and the group can't wait to get down there.
- The Kili Team
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Comments (2)
Been following you guys, but I’ve been a bit off and quiet. Jeff sure paints a pretty amazing scene with the crater and all its beauty.You must feel like giants among mortals after coming down off of Kili I would imagine. The animals and their potential bring you right back to earth though eh? What Jeff describes sounds like the beginning of time and it hasn’t change one bit. I’m an animal lover so I am even more jealous of you all than I was when you were squeezing in two breaths for every step up there at 19+. I cant imagine anything more amazing on this globe than where you are right now. Drink it up. It may be a once in a lifetime for many of you. Rusty and Sara, I hope you guys are doing well, and the whole team also. Stay safe everybody. Almost forgot, if you see a cute cuddly honey badger and you want coax him closer for a pic, Don’t, cuz honey badger don’t give a shit.
Gummi Worm Man
Posted by: gummi worm man on
It all sounds enchanting! The crater at sunset, and all the wildlife…I bet it is captivating. We so enjoyed the photo and you know we miss you.
L & Bailey
Posted by: L & Bailey on