Our experience in the Ngorongoro Crater was beyond wildlife viewing (although to see such density of wildlife in such a small area was pretty amazing). Maybe it was because we were in the seat of humanity, where the earliest specimen of human species was discovered. Or maybe the the people in our camp and the local Maasai truly did feel like we were a part of their family. In either case, it truly is one world, one people when a black man from Chicago and Filipino woman from Philippines/Vegas is made to feel like a brother and sister.
Our camp site was situated along the rim of the crater.
A Maasai village.
The traditional house is plastered with mud, cow dung, ash, sticks and grass to make it waterproof. The inside is quite hot with minimal ventilation but can house many members of the family.
The Maasai people practice polygamy and is mostly based on wealth (how much cattle does one own). When we asked once tribesman (left below) how many wives he had, he replied just one. John told him he needed more cows. He was extremely tickled by that comment.
The Maasai jewelry and beading were all so elaborate. As an accessory kinda girl myself, there was much appreciation for all the beautiful earrings and necklaces.
I have mixed feelings about touring local villages. In the one hand, it does allow income for the local village and the schools. It also gives tourists the opportunity to not just learn about the culture and the people, but to gain a more lasting perspective. But how is this sustainable? And how transparent are the people that collect the money for the village? We are happy to give, but it seems there should be a better way to ensure collected donations are used and appropriated in a way that maximizes the benefit to the community, right?
The Ngorongoro Crater
The crater is the largest, unfilled, inactive caldera. The most amazing part of wild life in the crater is the proximity of animals; both predator and prey are mere yards from each other.
Driving into the crater.
Worthogs were also the cutest!
A jackal hiding perfectly in the grass.
From left to right: a grey crowned crane, a cape buffalo, and a wildebeest.
We think hyenas get a bad rep. But we thought they were the cutest, most mischievous animal. This one pictured above trotted away from some cape buffaloes so he can enjoy his meal in peace.