Thursday, Nov 3. The Ngorongoro Crater is a geographical wonder, which we will visit next week. For now we drove along the rim on our way to Serengeti National Park. Rough road, of course. This time on the rim of a crater. Saw a truck that had gone off the road. Lots of traffic with very little passageway. Climbed to 7,600 feet, into fog, making the scenic overlook useless. Emanuel says it’s always foggy in the morning. The downhill stretch reveal numerous Maasai homesteads, which the government is trying to take away.

Once we hit flat land, the road became rough and very dusty. Very fine dirt. I put on a face cover. The official entrance of the Serengeti had a surprisingly nice rest stop, complicated by the presence of a lion, forcing the closing of the lookout. I had prepared an alien PB&J sandwich in the morning by “stealing” the jelly from the breakfast section. It was a welcome rest.

The forecast called for rain in the afternoon, much needed. Just as we turned off the main road for a viewing drive, rain clouds appeared. Very shortly afterwards the rain fell. It wasn’t much but it totally messed up the roadbed. The water didn’t drain, and it made the road incredibly slippery. At one point the truck’s rear wheels lost all traction and we went into a sharp skid, nearly overturning. We ended up unable to regain the center roadway and spent about 30 minutes in the shoulder, often getting temporarily stuck. But it all worked out eventually, the rain stopped, and the viewing began.

Saw at least 8 lions. One couple had just killed a water buffalo, leaving it under a tree while they rested. Blood was still on their lips and paws. Viewed many other animals.

The camp is basic. More on it tomorrow.