Another 6:45AM wakeup call. The voice that comes over the intercom system was so pleasant to almost be annoying! "I am sorry to wake you from your pleasant dreams but it is 6:45 and breakfast will be served in 15 minutes..." Where is my obnoxious alarm clock when I need it?
The black sand beach of Egas Port was amazing! We snorkeled along a rocky point with the sea lions and iguanas in the water, and then headed to shore to conquer the elements! Cacti were growing everywhere, even when it appeared there was nothing for them to attach roots to! I enjoyed this Island very much, and was especially impressed with the high volume of sea iguanas sunning themselves everywhere - EVERYWHERE! I was staying on the designated walking area and still almost stepped on one or two! Move it already.
But the time passed all too quickly and we were headed back to the boat for lunch and a quick nap.
Later I was able to participate in a deep-water snorkel and saw sting rays, a white-tipped reef shark, and lots of tropical fish - water heaven.
Once back to the zodiac, the group was off to interrupt the quiet time of a Blue-Footed Boobies colony relaxing with brown pelicans on a rocky ledge. Like the other animals, they were not even slightly perturbed with us and allowed the cameras to click away! It was as if they knew they were the main star of the show.
The ship had its Neptune Party on board tonight in celebration for those of us who were crossing the Equator by sea for the first time. And ice cream was served - and devoured - by all. Good times.
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.