Safari Days 3 and 4

Elephant, check.
Buffalo, check.
Lion, check.
Leopard, check (we actually saw two, but my camera was dead).
Mission: rhino.

On Sunday morning we set out into the Ngorongoro Crater, which is the one place to see a rhino. In East Africa, the only place to see black rhinos is in the crater, and at last count, there were only 21 of them left.

We were on safari right in the middle of the annual widlebeest migration, which basically meant they were everywhere, including on the road in front of the jeep.

We saw ostrich, warthogs, hippos, and a whole lot of other things.

The highlight of the day: a hyena carrying a baby wildebeest across the road.

Sadly, no rhino. And as we left the crater, we knew our hunt for the big five would fall short.

We returned to camp on the rim, where the 3-day safari goers left us for home and we continued toward Lake Manyara to Mbu Mto (Mosquito River) to camp for the night. Curiously enough, it was the pelicans more than the mosquitos that were an annoyance (well, for me anyhow).

Another great dinner followed by card games and drinking, then a good night's sleep.

The next morning we headed into Lake Manyara, where the theme of the day was baboons. We saw them playing, fighting, climbing trees, climbing our jeep, grooming, and yes, mating. I have tons of video, but can't upload it here - so look forward to it.

We also saw more of the same, including giraffes, hippos, warthogs, zebra, wildebeest, elephants, and monkeys.

Then, we headed home to Arusha. It was the first time I realized how much I have settled in here - Arusha seemed like home. Also, a much needed shower was heaven, even in the cold water.

Still taking ages to upload photos - so I only posted the minimum. Pole! Sorry!