Ngorogoro Crater Day 1

Today was a long travel day … but, the end-result is utterly amazing.  

We flew on a small prop plane from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro Airport (for me, a rather frightening hour) – then took another small plane from Kilimanjaro Airport to Manyara in Tanzania (for me, a worse hour...).  Upon arrival at Manyara we were greeted by our driver from & Beyond Ngorogoro Crater Lodge and driven an hour and a half to the lodge.  

Along the way we impusively decided to stop at a locals market that only occurs on the 7^th of every month.  Definitely NOT a tourist destination – which is exactly why I wanted to go.  The market was amazing – it just went on and on and on.  People were selling jewelry, pots and pans, amazing printed fabrics, sandals, bananas, ocra, etc.  We were immediately “greeted” by two vendors – they told us they were Mr Chip and Acoona Matada.  Hmm. They followed us all through the market trying to get us to buy their merchandise.  The women in this part of the world wrap themselves in these gorgeous bold fabrics – all different patterns and colors.  They literally take bolts of fabric and wear them as clothes – wrapped around as a skirt – a head covering – a top, etc.  

After our adventure in the market, we continued on our dirt road winding up and up to the top of the crater.  Along the way we spotted 2 baboons who darted across the road in front of us, a few buffalo grazing right along the roadside, and upon arrival at the Lodge, we were “greeted” by two zebras grazing on the Lodge’s lawn.  The staff at the hotel were incredibly welcoming and friendly.  The main lodge  is beautiful – very eclectic .  We were shown to our rooms – which again, are stunning.  My personal butler had already drawn a hot bubble bath for me – with a picture window view of the crater below – spectacular.  

Before being able to head to dinner, I had to wait for my personal escort to arrive to pick me up.  Once the sun has set, they don’t allow guests to wander the premises alone for fear of what animals may be right around the corner in the dark.  

The four of us gathered for dinner in the main lodge.  A wonderfully delicious meal.  And then were escorted safely back to our rooms – my bed had been turned down, the room had been cleaned, a fire had been lit, the electric blanket has been turned on.....