I feel like there was a standard response whenever I told family and friends I was headed to Antarctica. "Oh wow" and "but why there?"
It's a fair question. Traveling to the end of the world isn't for everyone. Most people aren't sure of the logistics on how to get there, what you do when you're there or where you stay. In all fairness, I was one of those people just a few years ago. But trust me, it's not hard to jump on the bandwagon and I will do my part to recommend this trip of a lifetime to any and everyone that asks.
My first interest with this icy wonderland was purely based on mystery. It felt like a challenge to be one of the few people that experience its wonder. My second interest came with the reality that my children and grandchildren have a strong chance of never seeing this wonder. More than a standard trip, the expeditions that operate to Antarctica have a strong focus on science, and widespread science at that. Whether it's climate, glaciers, birds, mammals or more, there are hundreds of professionals focusing on learning as much as possible about the world around us and the unknown of Antarctica.
The travel is long, the cost is high, and with a trip like this there are quite actually no guarantees. I am so extremely grateful for this opportunity and for the amazing experience I had. Do yourself a favor and book your turn next!
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
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
