This afternoon we depart the Serengeti and make our way over to nearby Ngorongoro Crater. But first, we have a minor medical issue to deal with — my sister’s thumbnail has become infected. She’s been keeping an eye on it the past few days as it’s grown increasingly swollen.

Our guide takes us to a nearby medical clinic that is essentially one room operated by a single nurse. She doesn’t speak English so our guide translates, and the nurse gives my sister some medication (to prevent infection?). The guide explains that in return for her service and the medicine, my sister should leave a tip. What an interesting system — I think Beth leaves the equivalent of around $10, if memory serves correct. My sister’s thumbnail ends up being fine (TMI: she later drains the swollen area with a needle and then Neosporin works its magic) and I don’t think she ever uses the medication. But it’s nice to know that there is some sort of makeshift medical facility in the Serengeti, however limited their services may be.

Onwards to Ngorongoro Crater!

Random fact: Ngorongoro translates to “cowbell” in the local Masai language.

Here’s an aerial view from overhead (photo not taken by me) that shows off the expansive depth of the Crater:

[image via]

And here’s a shot I took of the whole area from a look-out spot on the rim:

My sister and me, posing in front of another view of the Crater:

I think that’s a giant salt lick behind us:

Since we’ve spent the morning on a final game drive in the Serengeti, it’s late afternoon by the time we arrive at our campsite near the rim of Crater. A giraffe crosses the road during the final stretch of our drive:

Here’s our campsite:

It grows cold when the sun goes down; extra layers become necessary.

Dinner is simple affair — spaghetti bolognese with veggie stew. My sister the vegetarian simply has pasta with veggie stew.

The next day we depart shortly after sunrise. This morning will be our only opportunity to explore inside the Ngorongoro Crater so we want to squeeze in as much as possible.

Visibility is terrible as we leave camp, to the point we can barely see in front of the vehicle. Our guide promises everything will clear up once we descend into the Crater.

Sure enough, clouds cover the ceiling of the Crater but there’s great visibility on the floor.

The light is radiant, resulting in warm and muted colors.

The first wildlife we encounter is a herd of wildebeests.

And then an ostrich:

These funny-looking birds are called Grey-Crowned Cranes:

And this is a Kori Bustard:

Our driver has a handy bird book so I can double-check the spelling. Several of my family members are aviary fiends so I know they’ll appreciate this accuracy!

Twice today we spot rhinos WAY off in the distance. Both times a long line of cars gathers to watch them.

This light…! Every so often golden beams stream through the clouds to illuminate part of the Crater.

A long line of cars can only mean one thing… big game ahead.

We get closer and spot lion cubs and their mother playing near safari jeeps.

These three lions are content to hang out for awhile, mostly oblivious to tourists wielding cameras inside each safari vehicle. The Momma lion glances around every once in awhile as the cubs pounce on each other and demonstrate their playful nature. They really look like big house cats.

After getting our share of photos, our guides leads us to another part of the Crater. The light continues to impress.

Two full-grown male lions stand butt-to-butt, manes waving in the wind:

I have too many photos to cram into one post, so I’ll be back tomorrow with the remainder of our wildlife encounters in the Ngorongoro Crater.

Thanks to Nomad Tours for discounting my trip in exchange for blogging and photography. Opinions are my own.