Landing on shore at Nain, we were greeted by the brass band of the Moravian Church. The brass band uses instruments and playing techniques that originated with the German-born Moravian missionaries who settled in Labrador in the eighteenth century. But the brass band tradition has been waning in recent years, with only a handful of adults keeping the group in Nain going. Many people feared the band tradition would die, but today a new generation is learning to play instruments. We were witness to this upon our arrival. They even got up on the church roof and played as they historically have done.
Nain Brass Band (Kassandra Magruder)
Nain is the northernmost permanent settlement in Labrador. The town was established in 1771 by the Moravian missionaries. Nowadays, the population hovers right around 1,500 people of mostly Inuit descent.
Friendly Nain Resident (Kassandra Magruder)
A warm welcome was given to us interlopers - visitors for nothing more than a day. When I asked if people in town were a little annoyed than 189 people were dropped off on shore for a few hours they all protested saying that they were happy we had come to see their town and learn about their culture. We the lucky few who get to meet such incredible, hardy, kind and giving people. The people of Nain.
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.
