Ngorongoro National Park (Day 16: June 4)

The day started really early, with many students waking up at around 5:30. After some tearful goodbyes to our homestay families, we made our way to the buses at 6:10 which drove us to Banjika to eat some breakfast before our day safari. Once we all got into our designated 4x4s (special cars used for safaris), we started our journey to the Ngorongoro National Park. During the car ride we had meaningful chats, shared some laughs, and bonded with the people in our cars. Once we reached the park gate we got out for some quick photos of the many baboons and beautiful views. On our way to the second check point, we drove around the rim of the crater which had limited views because we drove through a cloud. We stopped for a bathroom break then finally drove down into the crater to start seeing animals. After a roughly thirty minute drive, the first animal we saw was buffalo lying in the brush. Throughout our safari we stopped to see hippos, lions, zebras, ostriches, hyenas, a rhino, cool birds, elephants, and some wild hogs. Towards the end of our journey we had our closing circle with our Banjika buddies. We shared an emotional goodbye as we said our last appreciations for our buddies, took our last photos together, and sang one last time as a group. Once we were back into our cars we headed for the hotel in Karatu, and after dinner we had our final activity together where we reflected on our time in Tanzania. 

Sophia and Becca 
















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