Day 10 Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Part 1

(March 4, 2026)

Our departure from the camp was at a 7:00am.

We encountered a scene reminiscent of the Lion King, Pride Rock.

We saw evidence of a not-so-lucky buffalo. One of the detriments of living in the land of the lion.

The day was full of interesting birds starting with the Secretary Bird, named for the quill like feathers on its head.

Followed by the Nubian Vulture.

We descended into the volcanic crater formed two million years ago. At 11 miles in diameter, it’s the largest caldera on earth.

Its name, Ngorongoro, described the Maasai term for the sound made by the bell on the lead cow in a herd, echoing in the crater “ngor ngor.”

The Conservation Area is home to 25,000 large mammals, including all of the big five: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo.

There were plenty of zebras:

Including some enjoying a wade in the water:

The highlight were a trio of lazy lions:

The bird collection continued with a Sacred Ibis:

A larger antelope, the Oryx, the largest living antelope, weighing up to 900 kilograms (2000lbs):

We headed to Lake Magadi to view Flamingos:

and Pelicans:

It’s 1:00 pm, time for a bit more touring before arriving at our picnic lunch spot. To be continued.