Before we entered Ngorongoro crater the last day we slept on the rim of the crater in a camp site which is also not fenced. Elephants, Zebra’s, Hyenas walk through the camp and we even had a Hyena trying to get some of our stuff early morning from our tent. Elsebie had to stop the ‘tug-a-war’ as soon as I realized it was a hyena. Just before dinner a few Elephants walked into the camp to drink some water from the water tanks.
It seems like a regular occurrence as the guides just stood around and laughs at the overseas visitors coming close to the elephants for a photo. I spoke to one of the guides, he said there has never been a visitor killed, and the animals are quite tame! Yes, they thought wild elephants that’s used to people are tame. At the same time one of the older elephants made a mock charge at the visitors and in the blink of an eye the campsite was empty.
It’s great to still be able to camp like that, but for some reason I do not think this operation is going to last in future. Someone is going to get killed or seriously injured from stupidity and not knowing wild animals and the guides also do not educate people about this. It would be sorry if it happens but it is bound to happen.
What I cannot leave out is the cost of the park fees. For a self-drive or per guided tour it cost 200USD to enter the park per car, it cost 30USD per person to camp per night, and 50USD per person for park entry fees. If you take the road conditions and ablutions facilities in the park inconsideration the money goes somewhere but definitely not back into the park. South Africa and Namibia are great game viewing countries with low rates, but in the end Serengeti and Ngorongoro are a must see and a great experience that you will remember till old age.
Very nice! Picture perfect
You will be forever glad you did it! Fantastic photos!
Unbelievable – what an experience – and you are absolutely right – no camera lense can actually capture the experience of being there. Well done . Keep enjoing the ride and please stay out of prison Linda –
Hey M and E
Awesome stuff, on my bucket list of things to do is spend 2 weeks in the park. I like the idea of self driving cause I don’t like to be rushed but you make a good point about the guide.
Stunning pics as well.
I hope you guys are having fun!!!
Neil
Some awesome photos there Michnus.
hello Linda and Harry
You look to be having such fun – living the dream
Stella has come over to Wigan for a few days so we re having a catch up and the kids are having a ball
hope to see you before too long
Helen xxx
This for me is Africa. I very often forget the people in Africa and only think of the wild life when I think of Africa. Your pictures are stunning!! In spite of the cost, I also want to experience the big gatherings of game & the migration! I love the coffee corner!
nice pics m&e.
Stunning pictures!! This is Africa at her best!!