Feb 18 and 19th were spent on the Drake Passage. We certainly did not get the Drake Lake -- but more the rath of the Drake. I had never seen waves so big. Over three quarters of the boat was sick. I did not get to meet many people until the passage was finished. I don’t know how I did not get sick. I took Dramamine the night before we left, and continued until we got to the calm waters of the Peninsula. I was very impressed with the wait staff. They came carrying full trays of food while 30 foot waves were tossing the boat.
During these two days, we packed in many lectures about the natural history of the area, wildlife, global warming, the politics of Antarctica -- everything was fascinating. There was also a tv in each cabin that played various movies through out the day. We were not bored. I enjoyed going up to the bridge to watch the boat challenge the large waves. But most importantly, I ate well…
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.