This morning we woke at 6am, had a coffee and some biscuits and then set off for an early morning game drive. The morning was to prove perhaps the highlight of our entire safari. While the sun was rising giving everything a beautiful golden hue, a large male lion walked out beside a rocky outcrop.
If that wasn't enough, we rounded a corner and stopped beside some other vehicles watching a lioness. It soon became apparent she wasn't alone when we could hear a faint mewing. A cub, maybe a week old, set about running rings around its mother by constantly trying to climb up the hillside behind. Every time it got too far away the mother went to get it, bringing it back down the hill in her mouth. Clearly enjoying the game the cub, as soon as it had been brought back, set off again. Thomas our guide thought this was hilarious and we could hear people laughing in the other vehicles. It was a terrific sight to witness and one that we will not forget.
On the drive back to the camp-site for brunch we saw a pride of lions, more elephants and once again a cheetah and her cubs.
After a very nice meal it was time to pack up our tents and gear and then head towards the Ngorongoro crater, by way of another game drive. This time we came across a pride of thirteen lions, three of which were large males.
The remainder of the journey was largely free of any more animal sightings excepting the ubiquitous Thompson gazelle and we were soon climbing up the craters rim towards our next camp-site.
Arriving at the site, Thomas gave us the slightly ominous and somewhat amusing warning to not leave any food in the tents because of bush pigs. Apparently they will chew through a tent to get to food and while they won't hurt you, they will jump up and down on you. With that in mind we left our snacks in the vehicle!
Being at a higher altitude meant that the temperature on the crater rim was considerably colder than it had been on the plains. We were grateful when dinner arrived, as by now we were wearing everything we owned and had no intention of staying up too late. Another 6am start was suggested by Thomas, so an early night was definitely the order of the day.
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