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Millions of years ago a volcano erupted. Later on, it collapsed on itself, creating the Ngorongoro Crater. At the bottom of the crater, in the caldera, fresh water springs feed streams that are the basis for a diverse ecosystem. The lush vegetation found during the rainy season provides a cornucopia of nourishment for grazing animals that in turn provide dinner for lions, leopards, jackals and hyenas. The 20 km wide crater also contains a salt lake from which thousands of delicately pink flamingos find food.
We wind our way down the one-way gravel road that leads to the caldera. Leafy green trees and bushes line the route but once in a while we glimpse panoramic views of the crater and the salt lake. Once arrived at the bottom, we are amazed at the number and variety of animals. No wonder this is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Three rare black rhino graze in the company of hundreds of gnus. At this time of year, the gnus and zebras have been busy producing the next generation and we are treated to the sight of wobbly-kneed zebra foals and suckling gnu calves.
A hyena skulks about looking for a free meal. A solitary golden jackal patrols, also on the lookout for something to eat. We see a lion, some elephants, flamingos, hippos, crowned cranes, warthogs and Thompson’s gazelles. A large herd of buffalo grazes, looking deceptively mild in their bovine way.
Since this is not a national park but a conservation area, the Maasai are permitted to use the area for their animals during the day. So, interspersed with the wild animals, we see these tall, slim, proud people in their colourful garb, keeping watch over their donkeys, sheep, goats and precious cattle.
