We last left off with Journey Specialist Angie as she was leaving Tarangire National Park, her first stop on her safari around the Northern Circuit of Tanzania. Catch up on Part 1 of this series here.
Heading to the Ngorongoro Crater we stopped for lunch at Gibb’s Farm where the gardens offered a relaxing haven of lush green. We enjoyed arguably the world’s best farm-to-table buffet lunch, and along with other guests, were encouraged to explore and learn about the produce grown onsite.
Onwards we traveled and watched as the jungle thickened and soon we had sweeping views of the world-renowned Ngorongoro Crater, formed when a large volcano exploded and collapsed in on itself over two million years ago.
Another stand-out moment for me took place as we stopped en-route to our camp to photograph a tower (group) of giraffe and left the vehicle to the delight of all our senses! The golden hour light brushed the landscape below, the sounds of the cattle bells herded by Maasai shepherds in their traditional dress echoed through the hills and a light breeze drifted through. Absolute bliss! You will often hear us at Africa Adventure Consultants talk about the highlights and best sightings of a safari, but it is unexpected moments like these that are difficult to put into words that form the rich tapestry of a safari experience.
Smiles were all around when we arrived and were treated to the exclusive experience of staying on the rim of the Crater at the beautiful and new Entamanu Private Camp. This highland retreat is the perfect location to explore and enjoy the area!
Entamanu Private Camp’s location on the rim also meant that we were the very first vehicle on the Crater floor the next day. They say the early bird catches the worm, but in the safari world, the early bird catches the lion’s roar! As we entered the park gates (a 10-ish minute drive from our camp) and descended into the Crater we were greeted by a hungry lioness who had much to say about her empty belly and roared as she moved towards a herd of antelope. Our early start meant that in just a few hours’ time we had already seen the Big 5 (including a leopard which is very rare to be spotted in the Crater) and returned to camp for lunch before the arrival of the crowds.
Journey Specialist Tip: If Gibb’s Farm is your base to explore Lake National Park and Ngorongoro Crater I would highly recommend considering a 3-night stay, as there are several activities on offer. You may wish to enjoy a lovely walk to a spectacular waterfall and an elephant cave, head out on a mountain bike trail, take a leisurely two-hour walk to a neighboring village, explore the 10-acre fruit and vegetable gardens and 30-acre coffee fields, indulge in a spa treatment or enjoy an evening talk by Gibb’s Farm’s resident naturalist.
Journey Specialist Tip: Skip the sleep-in and if staying on the Crater rim get to the park gates first thing to enjoy the morning light, active wildlife and miss the arrival of the crowds later in the day.
Journey Specialist Tip: For last minute travel in 2019, book Entamanu Private Camp for exclusive use with just 4 people.