Kibaoni School-Africa

After a few days at Lake Manyara National Park it was time to leave.  Our next destination is the Ngorongoro Crater, a breathtaking natural wonder.  It is often referred to as the 8th Wonder of the World.  This jewel is a deep volcanic crater, the largest un flooded and unbroken caldera in the world.  The altitude at the crater lodge is approximately 7800 feet.  The volcano became extinct over six million years ago and is home to more than 25,000 animals and is located in the vast Ngorongoro Serengeti National Park. 

Our first stop on our way to the Ngorongoro Crater was the Kibaoni School, but not before a stop at the Ngorongoro Conservation Center where we were overcome with baboons.

Leaving Lake Manyara Serena Lodge.

Passing through small towns on our way to the crater.

On our way to the Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge we had a short stop at the gate to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area for entry procedures.  Baboons were everywhere.

 This jeep arrived and clearly someone forgot to tell them to pull down the top and close the windows.  If not, baboons will enter as one is entering through the roof.  You can see a small portion of his booty and tail.  People are in the vehicle.

Help is on the way.  That baboon was very quick.  He was in and out, banana in hand faster than you could blink an eye.

 Someone is clearly unimpressed!!!

Cheez for the camera.

This is her glamor shot.

Massive termite mound.

This Water Buffalo was playing peek-a-boo.

Apparently elephants stick their trunk into termite mounds to scratch it.

But I don't want to say cheez!

 Hey, I'm talking to you!

Mom wait, I'm not on yet...

You forgot to wash your ears again! How many times do I have to tell you???

I call this just P-R-E-C-I-O-U-S!

 Seriously more tourist!

All kids eat lunch at school which is a bean and corn soup.

This kitchen at the school where the lunch is being prepared.

Kibaoni School lunchroom.

 Kibaoni School Library

Ngorongoro Crater

 Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

Home while in the crater.

 Our accommodations.

Stone relaxing after a long day prior to us meeting Ricky in the bar for a drink.  The view from our room and the bar overlooks the crater.

Lake Manyara National Park-Africa

Up early Stone and I departed for Lake Manyara National Park. The park stretches for 30 miles along the base of the 1800 foot high Rift Valley Escarpment.  Ernest Hemingway stated it as "the loveliest I had seen in Africa".  First up was a stop at the local Maasai Village.  The Maasai tribe is one of the most renowned tribes in Africa.   We were greeted by the chief's son and the villagers who perform a traditional song and dance.

Son of the chief of the Maasai Village.

Villagers assembling to perform a traditional song and dance.

Local Maasai Village School

A young couple showed us through their home.  The home of the Maasia family is built by the woman.

Passing through one of the small towns on our way to Lake Manyara National Park.

Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

Our pool with a view.

Flowers around the grounds.

 Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

Our accommodations at the Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge.

 Vervet Monkey

Known as blue balls.

Hippopotamus playing in Lake Manyara.

Water Buffalo

Hippopotamus 

Sand storm blew in.

Hippopotamus 

Baboons