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Monday, October 10, 2016

Ngorongoro Crater

A Volcano exploded, probably millions of years ago, ripping a hole into the ground about 610 meters deep, 24 km across,  300 sq.km. in area. It is called the Ngorongoro Crater, which, in the language of the Maasai, means: "The Gift of Life".
The area houses many thousands of Wildebeest, Thompson Gazelles, 60 to 70 Lions, Several Rhinos,
many Zebras, Leopards and all manner of other mammals and birds.
At the lowest point you may find Lake Magadi, which makes a gathering area of hundreds if not thousands of Flamingos.
Only a relatively short distance from the town of Arusha in Tanzania, at the South End of the Serengeti lies this jewel of a wildlife sanctuary.
Many of the Antelopes remain there without participating in the annual migration.
I suppose they are much too comfortable there.
Let me show you just a small segment of "The Gift of Life".


Rhinos in the tall grass of the crater.
Clearly visible in the background
the approximately 600 meter rise of the crater's wall.



A lone Lion suspiciously eyeing us.


A pride of Lions after a good meal, lazing in the afternoon sun.
They would surely agree with the name: "Gift of Life".
Plenty of meat to catch and puddles of water near by.
What more would a Lion want?


FLAMINGOS


At the bottom of the Crater is lake Magadi.
Occasional and temporary home 
of a flock of  these pink flecked birds.


I wanted to see the pink/red markings on their wings and bodies.
I clapped my hands as loudly as I could
and see there, the birds on the shore 
decided they wanted nothing to do with me.

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Yes, Lake Magadi is a wondrous place.


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