In the summer of 2002, I accompanied friends on a three week photo safari to Tanzania. We traveled from the city of Arusha, to Lake Monyara Park. Stayed overnight in a tented camp overlooking the escarpment and the lake. The next day we traveled by the Ngorongoro Crater, and stopped at Olduvai gorge. We continued to the Serengeti, lodging for two days at Ndutu Lodge. To add a point of interest, at each place we stayed at, we took part in game drives in the Land Rover from 9 AM until 5 PM daily. Most of the time we took lunches supplied us by the lodges to maximize our time in the bush. I would say Ndutu Lodge was my favorite of all places we stayed at. The food served at their restaurant, the friendliness and hospitality of the staff, and the amazing sunsets in the acacia trees. We didn't see as much wildlife as when we entered the park the next few days, but overall was my favorite lodge. We left after our two-night stay and drove for hours as we entered the Serengeti National Park. The next few days would have us staying at the most exclusive location of our trip in the Serena Lodge. Our hut was among a group that reminded me of condos. The wild- life in the park was spectacular. From the several cheetahs, mating lions, hippo pools...I would say some of my most spectacular shots were taken here. Our next stop was the Ngorongoro Crater (right), and our first night of camping. We toured the crater after stopping along the way to have our lunches supplied by Serena Lodge. The crater is one of the most amazing areas we visited. There are a few different eco systems in the 36 mile circumference crater. There is an area very desert like, with little vegetation. there is a saline lake free of any form of life but an algae flamingos seem to thrive on. By 5 pm we got to our camp. Our driver was aided by Simon and a Masaai warrior. The tents were up, we had shower and latrine tents up too. the meal that Simon had prepared was just wonderful. Fresh salad, beef stroganoff, potatoes and carrots. There was wine and beer, and fruit for dessert. We stayed up sitting around a nice campfire telling stories and listening to the distant calls of wild beasts. This will be a very memorable trip!