The Big Five & More - Byline: Danielle Bruce “goes overland to experience more of East Africa”Swathes of cloud fell around the rim of the crater, the early morning mist and high altitude vapours bringing a slight chill to the crisp clean air. Perched on the lip of what is known as “Africa’s Eden,” I gazed down from our camp, foggy patches casting thick shadows over the vast caldera floor.Africa is a timeless place, and even moreso when it comes to the Ngorongoro Crater – a spectacular bowl that was carved into the earth’s surface over 10,000 years ago by Mother Nature’s hand. Spanning around 265-sqm and reaching up to around 600-metres, its 30,000 strong wildlife population leave their mark on the volcanic landscape year round; the animals drawn to the rich volcanic soil, lush forest and spring source lakes that line the crater floor .Just outside the ridge we spotted a red-cloaked Maasai warrior, herding his cattle across the highland slopes. A common sighting, the tribe have lived alongside the neighbouring wildlife for centuries – their presence adding to the ultimate appeal of traditional storybook Africa.
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