From Karatu to the Crater

The group makes the trek down into the crater.

Photo Credit: Carly Burrus

Wildebeest and common zebra graze among each other.

Photo Credit: Morgan Fiore

Two common zebra groom each other.

Photo Credit: Carly Burrus

Three African Crown Cranes fly across the vast plains of the crater.

Photo Credit: Holly Pierson

After saying our goodbyes to the Hadza we headed for the town of Karatu.  The drive to the Octagon Lodge took longer than expected.  Recent rains saturated the soil and we spent the morning pushing our trucks out of the mud. Everyone worked together as we gathered sticks to put beneath the tires for traction.  On the count of moja, mbili, tatu (1,2,3) the whole group dug deep to free the sunken vehicles. After the long day of travel, we arrived at the Octagon Lodge where we were welcomed with a well-needed shower.   Most of the day was dedicated to group projects, but we still had some of the afternoon to explore local shops.  For the first time, we practiced our bargaining skills using the Swahili we have learned.  That night we packed our belongings in preparation for an early departure to the Ngorongoro Crater. At the entrance of the park, we were greeted with lounging baboons that closely watched our every move.  The crater spans nearly 10 kilometers in all directions and is filled with an abundance of wildlife.  A myriad of common zebra, cape buffalo, wildebeest, and gazelle scattered the entire area.  We were even lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a few lazy female lions sleeping with their paws in the air.  Midday, lunch was served by a lake filled with wading hippos and dive-bombing Black Kites. We saw black rhinos, spotted hyenas, and a massive lake turned pink by flamingoes.  Our nearby campsite was also teaming with wildlife; the motion-sensing predator camera captured spotted hyenas, elephants, bush pigs, black-backed jackel, porcupines, and bats wandering through our camp.