Today is the day that we cross below the Antarctic Circle! (66 degrees 33' South) We all gather on the bow of the ship for a photo and a toast of hot cocoa & rum and the captain blows the ships horn as we cross the circle. The expedition crew said at that moment we were further south than any other civilian (i.e. non-military or scientist) in the world. I'm getting chills even now remembering the moment!
Today we vacuumed all of our clothing & bags that we were planning to take with us on landings just to make sure we didn't transport any seeds or other plant/animal particles to the Continent where it can threaten the native habitat. And the day's lectures: Amundson the Sportsman, Scott the Hero? and Glacial Ice.
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.