Day 5 - Safari Hakuna Matata

Hakunamatata, what a wonderful phrase! We thought it something a Disney creative came up with, but no, it's real. It really does mean "no worries", or "no problem". We hear it a lot and one can't help but to smile. 

Today we descended into the Ngorongoro Crater which is the world's largest intact volcanic caldera. Due to its size and diversity , the  crater floor is comprised of several distinct areas ranging from forest, swamps, lakes and springs , to open grassland. 

The Ngnorongoro Crater delivered for us today. Its on these grasslands a pride of lions all lounging and sunning themselves and in particular one female with three cubs. Cute as button. However, like all kids they were pestering her constantly, wanting to feed, jumping all over her until she finally rolled over, belly up to let them feed.  Wow, nature at its finest. 

Our next find for the day, was the rare Black Rhino. Admitedly, quite some distance away and lying down to boot. Indeed, very difficult to see. The 4wd's were stacked up to catch a glimpse and yes, that 200mm lens may have come in handy today. However, it was the ranger who was radioed in to get this beast up and moving for the crowds.  Little did we know that 200 metres ahead there were three standing in full sight!!

We lunched by the lake, but had to stay in our vehicles to eat. A variety of bird similar to an eagle was close by to swoop down to get its feed from the unsuspecting tourist. Now bearing in mind we are in the middle of the grasslands by the lake and allowed to get out of our vehicles once we finished eating. The thing is , about 200 metres away someone spots a couple of lions. All I can say is  what a smorgasbord of tourist for the lions - there is Italian , Australian , Chinese , Germans , Russians for them to choose. Now that's a great lunch !  

I found a new sense of appreciation for the Wilde beast. Its an interesting looking animal. Its appearance is a combination of all the other great animals. A striped neck like a zebra, a mane like a horse, a beard like a billy goat and a body of a cow. Its simply fascinating, especially when grouped together in a herd.

           

Our finale for the day was spectacular. A lion taking shelter from the heat of the sun in the shade of the 4wd preventing it from moving. I mean really why would you want to move ?