Ngoro Ngoro Crater

(Hippos, not rocks that the birds are pooping on.)

Supposedly the 8th wonder of the world. It is the remnants of a volcano that blew and fell in on its self so many millions of years ago. It really is a beautiful sight. Fog clouds loom on the rim edge throughout the day while thousands of resident animals enjoy the crater floor.

Lets start with the negative. When I went here 13 years ago I thought it was one of the most beautiful places that I had ever seen. Luscious and green--like a small oasis that we had all for ourselves. Well this time it wasn't so green. So dusty actually that I really didn't take my camera out much. So most of the outdoor pics are from my brother's camera--I won't take credit for those. Second, apparently everyone else in the world found out about this place. Jeeps everywhere. It kind of felt like Disneyland. Everywhere else we were in the wild without any other humans in sight. And last it is about an hour drive in and out of the crater and I don't think that they have mended the road in the last 13 years. Bumpy, dusty, hot. It cost $200/car/day to go in and over 100 cars go in a day, so you would think the government would put that money into maintaining the place, but they haven't.

Now lets get to the good. The coolest part of the place was that not only did we see a Rhino--which is hard to come by in eastern Africa these days--but we got charged by one. And amazingly enough we were the only car around. No competition for views. It was a young 4-5 years old girl that just got kicked out of her mothers watchful eye because a new baby was born a few days earlier. So she had had a rough few days. Not to mention that she was attacked by lions earlier that morning. So emotionally wrecked, and trying gain her individual dominance she came after us. It's amazing how those huge creatures can move very fast when they want to. We were in the Jeep so there was no scare and we quickly drove away, but it was still a rush. Apparently rhinos can do a lot of damage to a jeep--actually a Land Cruiser. Sorry Ben.

And last great thing--our lodge--was beautiful. Great views into the crater and such different architecture. Every night when we would come back from the day our baths would be drawn and rose petals scattered about. It was very romantico. In our dining room there was a huge fig growing right up the center--hence the name, Tree Camp. So pretty, so different, and so great to have electricity and running water.

So here's some pics...