Travel Day

Martial Eagle

Since we were going on a long drive today and not doing a game drive per se, we didn’t leave until 9:00. We did see some interesting birds and animals as we left the Ndutu area, particularly some great views of a Martial Eagle. We also saw a large herd of about 20 eland. Previously we had not seen more than two or three gathered together. Later after we had entered Masai country, we passed through another large herd of wildebeest, this one probably 2-3 thousand in number. Nearby we passes a herd of zebra nearly equal in size.

The lush green plains we were passing through were bordered by a valley and groups of houses here and there. As we passed into a hilly forested area, we saw more houses and smaller open areas where the Masai kept their herds of goats, sheep, and cattle. While most of the houses were of a traditional style we did see several frame-built homes and many of both styles with solar panels and television dishes. Modern amenities are not lacking.

We made one stop near a village to take a close look at a chameleon. As we were taking pictures a few children showed up. Marcia started to ask if she could take their pictures, but Felix quickly squashed that idea. He explained that the ensuing negotiation would not have a happy ending unless we were prepared to pay the children well for the opportunity to take the picture.

We continued to climb until we reached the overlook for Ngorongoro Crater National Park. From the viewpoint we could see most of the crater we would be visiting the next day. Ngorongoro is the world’s largest extent crater. As such it is filled with all the different animals of this part of Africa with the exception of giraffes who find the effort to climb down into the crater too dangerous.

We soon passed out through the park entrance and onto a paved road with nice wide shoulders to accommodate the many three-wheeled motorcycles used to transport goods through the area. Along the way we passed the usual collection of roadside shops, bars, and cafes we have seen all over Kenya and Tanzania and parts of South Africa.

Roll up your windows

We did stop at one tourist shop. We passed several of these tourist shops. They advertised their wares with a wall of paintings facing the road. The one we stopped at included toilets and a picnic area where we ate lunch before wandering through the shop filled with more souvenirs for us tourists. We passed on the statues, carvings, and paintings, but did purchase a couple of Christmas ornaments and wall hangings.

Probably a new hotel?

Shortly thereafter, we arrived at Kitela Lodge where we would be the next three nights. Kitela is a fancy resort in beautiful hillside setting. After settling into our cabin and a shower, we walked back up to the main lodge for a gin and tonic where we could enjoy the view over the hillside. It is a great place to relax after a long drive, but we are much closer to town than to any wilderness area. It will be a couple of hours tomorrow to get into the crater. The advantage is that we are also a couple of hours from Lake Manyara National Park where we might actually see the tree-climbing lions.