Going to Lake Manyara

We left the beautiful lodge on the rim of the crater and started on the way to our next destination.  There was one last photo op -

and time for a group photo.

Throughout our whole safari, we had kept pace with another TREK tour,

 driven by one of Chris' friends, Steve.  

This family group included grandparents, a brother and sister, 

and 2 grandchildren - from, you guessed it, Canada!

They were friends and co-workers - and typical guys!  Competitive, always trying to be ahead of the other one, joking and goofing around.    We were always watching out for each other, they shared wildlife sitings, and it made for lots of fun for both groups.   Chris told us that TREK is considered one of the best companies to work for and as a result, they are able to attract excellent driver / guides.   We could not have had a better driver - he really did make our trip fantastic.  

This cairn was dedicated to a German father, Bernard, and son, Michael, a duo of zoologists, the Grzimeks,  who had produced a film in the 1930's about the animals here and who were later instrumental in counting the animals and helping to map boundaries for the Serengeti.  They are buried on this spot.   This is a quote from one of the books written by Bernard:

"Large cities continue to proliferate. In the coming decades and centuries, men will not travel to view marvels of engineering, but they will leave the dusty towns in order to behold the last places on earth where God’s creatures are peacefully living. Countries which have preserved such places will be envied by other nations and visited by streams of tourists. There is a difference between wild animals living a natural life and famous buildings. Palaces can be rebuilt if they are destroyed in wartime, but once the wild animals of the Serengeti are exterminated no power on earth can bring them back."  (from Wikipedia)

How very true!  It explains why we were there visiting too!!

Then it was down the dusty trail - 

along the rim, with crater on one side and the Rift Valley on the other.

We checked out at the park gate

where they had some interesting displays, including this model of the area.  You can see how one side gets lots of rain and is green while the other side is very, very dry.   

If you research safaris at all, the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania is one of the big three to visit.  And even though it was dry and there weren't as many animals as there might be at other times, we are so very glad that we had an opportunity to visit this amazing place!!

And then we were heading southeast to Lake Manyara.  There was always lots to see along the road!

As farmers, we are always amazed at the soil

and the farms - plots and fields carved out of the land.

Many homes had flowers blooming in the yard - so bright and colorful. 

Sometimes village businesses lined the way.

And people were busy with everyday living.  These push carts could be hired to move your load.  Pickup trucks were rare and walking was the mode of transportation for so many.  

Next stop:  Lake Manyara!