The Journey to Lake Natron

As the sun rose over the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, I found myself on a thrilling journey to Lake Natron. This was the beginning of a 7-day adventure that promised to be as breathtaking as it was enlightening. The drive from Arusha to Lake Natron was an experience in itself, as we traversed the rugged terrain of the Rift Valley Escarpment. The landscape was a tapestry of vibrant colors and textures, with the holy mountain of the Maasai, Ol Doinyo Lengai, standing majestically in the distance.

Upon reaching the small Maasai village of Ngare Sero, I was greeted by the warm smiles of the locals, their vibrant attire a stark contrast to the earthy tones of the surrounding landscape. The guided bush walk to Lake Natron was a sensory delight, with the shores of the lake shimmering in pink as thousands of flamingos gathered to breed. The hyper-alkaline waters of the lake, a primary nursing ground for these lesser flamingos, created a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere.

The Serengeti’s Hidden Gems

Leaving Lake Natron behind, our journey continued northwards to the Serengeti National Park. The drive was a series of serpentine turns, each offering a new perspective of the breathtaking landscape. As we entered the Serengeti through Kleins Gate, the vastness of the park unfolded before us, a seemingly endless expanse of open grass plains dotted with kopjes.

Our guide, with an uncanny ability to predict animal behavior, led us to some of the park’s hidden gems. In the remote northern Serengeti, we found ourselves alone with a leopard, a rare and exhilarating experience. The northern Serengeti, often overlooked by travelers, is a treasure trove of wildlife, with large herds of wildebeests and zebras migrating across the plains, and resident game including lions, elephants, and giraffes thriving in the diverse landscape.

The Majesty of Ngorongoro Crater

The final leg of our journey took us to the Ngorongoro Crater, a place of unparalleled beauty and biodiversity. As we descended into the crater, the view was nothing short of spectacular. The crater floor was teeming with wildlife, a testament to the area’s reliable water sources and rich vegetation.

Our guide’s expertise shone once again as we embarked on a game drive in search of the ‘Big Five’. The thrill of spotting a black rhinoceros, one of the most endangered species in the world, was a moment I will cherish forever. The Ngorongoro Crater, with its unique landscape and dense wildlife population, is a must-visit for any wildlife enthusiast.

This 7-day safari was more than just a journey through some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes; it was a reminder of the importance of conservation and sustainable travel. Each moment spent in the presence of these magnificent creatures reinforced my commitment to documenting and preserving the natural world for future generations. Great Migration Safari