I had the amazing opportunity to go on safari into both the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti a few weeks back. It was truly beyond expectations and I was filled with awe nearly 24/7 for four, precious days.
Here is my photo-journal.
The Ngorongoro Crater was nothing that I was expecting. It is a huge caldera that includes a lake, small rivers, areas of marsh, small forests, prairies, and other areas that were dry as a bone. It was such a great first foray into the world of safari; not too many other vehicles and lots of time to just stop and observe the beauty of nature.
At the end of the day, I was dropped off at Simba campsite on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. My little tent was set up and I just needed to wait for my dinner (which was delicious) to be served. While I waited, a small herd of Zebra wandered through. It felt so surreal to be so close to these wild animals, no fences, no zoo, just being Zebras – free.
Zebras woke me up munching outside my tent. 
The next morning, I was picked up and the four of us, an Iranian couple and our driver/guide headed to the Serengeti. It was two hours of varied and beautiful terrain, dotted with the most amazing animals and vistas.
The next three days were spent wandering, pausing and simply breathing in the beauty as well as feeling the luxury of being so close to such awesome animals. Thank goodness for protected areas that allow these animals to live without the fear of man. The weather alternated from cool to hot, to pouring rain. But we were out there having a blast in all of it. I truly did not want it to end.
Then there were the lions… So magnificent. I actually shed a tear when I saw my first lioness; she was so huge, her fur so dense and golden. Amazing.
On our last day, as we headed back towards Mto wa Mbu (my current home), we stopped by the Olduvai Gorge and went to the museum and hiked into the canyon where Mary and Louis Leakey discovered the “Nutcracker Man” and the first Homo Erectus. What an amazing few days.
Rain or Shine – I Safari! 
Until next time, happy adventuring.
awesome!! what fun : )
Beyond description. What a delicious experience. So happy for you. And exquisite photos!
Gretchen. Awesome pictures and adventure. Loved it. Glad you are doing well. Hugs. Carrie and Mel
Gretchen, Oh to think I was there just a year ago marveling at the wildlife in the wild so spectacular. Great photos. And I’m so glad you got to experience the landscape. Hope we can swap stories one of these days. Sandhy