A Grand Finale: The Majestic Ngorongoro Crater

We began by making our way to Manyara Airstrip, where our guide greeted us for the transfer to the opulent &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Perched dramatically on the crater’s rim, this luxurious lodge felt like a mix of Maasai culture and Versailles opulence, with crystal chandeliers, multiple fireplaces, and lavish décor providing a cozy escape from the high-altitude chill.

Above: Mating lions in the Ngorongoro Crater photographed by Margaux Langley.

Descending into the Crater, often described as the “Garden of Eden,” we were immediately enveloped by the abundance of wildlife. On our first afternoon, we stumbled upon a pair of mating lions, spending ample time photographing these honeymooners as the afternoon sun bathed them in golden light. This was followed by an exciting sighting of golden jackals, a new mammal lifer for the trip.

Above: A Golden Jackal, photographed by Margaux Langley

The next morning, we set off in the pre-dawn darkness, our mission clear: to find the elusive black rhino—the final member of the Big 5 we had yet to encounter. As we descended the crater walls, the adventure began in earnest. Along the way, we watched a pride of lions stalk and successfully hunt a wildebeest, the drama unfolding right before our eyes.

Above: The lions were successful at catching one of the wildebeest. Photo by Margaux Langley

But the highlight of the morning came as we reached an elevated spot, where, in the distance, a black rhino rested. Dennis was overjoyed, marking off a long-held item on his safari bucket list.

The journey back to the lodge offered us stunning views of flamingo-dotted lakes, herds of zebra and buffalo, and majestic tusker elephants. What a grand finale to our East African adventure!

Above: A magnificent Big Tusker in the Ngorongoro Crater. Photo by Margaux Langley

Upon our return, a bubble bath filled with red rose petals awaited us—a fittingly romantic gesture from one of Africa’s most enchanting lodges.

As this marked our last evening together, we had arranged a special surprise for Dennis, who had expressed his newfound desire to become a guide. In collaboration with the wonderful &Beyond team, we held a prizegiving ceremony, presenting Dennis with a junior guiding certificate. The lodge staff went above and beyond by creating name badges for both Dennis and Sherri, officially welcoming them to the &Beyond guiding team.

And so, our time in East Africa came to a close—filled with unforgettable sightings, adventures, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime. We are forever grateful for this incredible journey and invite you to explore it further through our blog series. Let this story inspire your own safari dreams with Hylton Langley Safaris—Africa awaits!