Welcome to my blog, day four, going strong(ish). Today my love for Yellowstone National Park was challenged by a new mistress: Ngorongoro National Conservation Area.
As much as I love savannas, I didn’t realize how out of place I felt in them until today. I woke up early today to listen to the birds as the sun rose over the mopane forest, looking out from our lodge. Maybe it was the cold, grey morning or foggy mountains that reminded me of where I grew up (Seattle, Washington), but the explosion of green covering the surrounding escarpment made me realize how at home I felt there. The birdsong only helped–each bird filled an acoustic niche, with owls hooting a low chorus complemented by the high harmony of the songbirds.
While climbing the rim of Ngorongoro crater, we were once again immersed in green–violently, explosively, unforgettably. As we climbed, we went deeper and deeper into the clouds, surrounded by nothing but trees, vines, ferns, and mist. And, unfortunately, a few olive baboons.
Luckily, none of my prized possessions (including Chevda, which I have recently discovered a great deal of affection for) were stolen by aforementioned baboons. However, in between the sights of great herds of cape buffalo covered in cattle egrets, blue wildebeest, plains zebra, and Thompson’s gazelles, we did encounter another thief in the form of a black kite, who dive bombed us more than a few times as we enjoyed Tanzanian ice cream at the center of Ngorongoro crater.
More shocks followed: greater and lesser flamingos flocked around the lake, the greater flamingos in a mating craze. Groups of hippos gathered to play and rest in the lake and smaller pools, planning an attack on the tourists leaning over the pond staring at them. Pelicans inhabited a small pond, showcasing their gullets. And, finally, a group of lionesses snoozed and dogpiled as the pride leader watched over them in the grass.
The savannas were gorgeous, the forests were breathtaking. And the nap on the way to Olduvai Gorge? Perfect.
Until next time,
Rose
