There are dozens of ways to explore the Kenai Peninsula. Sitting just south of Anchorage, this is potentially the most accessible, yet still wild, part of Alaska. It is a playground for both Alaskans and visitors alike. With one main road leading all the way down to the Homer Spit and a main leg of the Alaska Railroad leading to Seward, a traveler has choices in how to access this playground.
For the independent-minded, renting a car and exploring at one’s own pace can be rewarding. Accommodations should be arranged in advance, and certainly the best fishing, rafting, cruising and hiking excursions will require prior planning – and potentially prior reservations. But, building in time to just explore and “wing it” will be beneficial as well. Take that turn to visit the incredibly-odd town of Whittier; enjoy a sunset stroll on the Homer Spit; stop in to that less-than-inspiring-from-the-outside roadhouse outside of Cooper Landing; or turn down that gravel road to Skilak Lake.
Skilak Lake (Kevin Moore)
For those who want things a bit more planned out, visit one of several wilderness lodges dotting the peninsula. Take the train to Seward - from which you can access the remote, boat-accessed Kenai Fjords Glacier Lodge or the Kenai Wilderness Lodge. Or enjoy a guided transfer all the way to Homer - from which you can access Tutka Bay Wilderness Lodge, across the Kachemak Bay from even the slightest hint of civilization. These sort of all-inclusive adventures allow for a more intensive Alaskan experience, in a shorter amount of time, because all the logistics are already taken care of.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
