Kapawi Lodge was the first ecotourism lodge in Ecuador. When we told Ecuadorians we were going to Kapawi Lodge they gave us a second-and approving-- look. It is famous in their country because it is a partnership between the indigenous Achuar people and ''modern'' Ecuadorians and foreigners. 37 years ago when Achuar people first had contact with people from the modern Ecuadorian world many people feared it would be the start of the destruction of Achuar culture and way of life. The Kapawi Lodge project is intended to provide the Achuar with an alternative path to the destructive impacts of allowing oil extraction and mining on the extensive rain forest lands that have been identified as the land of the Achuar. All of the Lodge staff-Achuar and non-Achuar alike--are passionate about this goal.
The lodge complex is gorgeous. There were only 4 other guests there with us. We were all housed in 3 lodges at the far end of the line of lodges. I felt like we had our own private piece of the rain forest. The lodges have thatched roofs and are round, sitting on poles over a lagoon. A lanai with lounge chairs faces the lagoon. When we returned each night the mosquito nets were pulled down around our beds. It was the rainy season but while we stayed at the lodge there was a break in the rain. It was not as humid as I expected, either. . . A note. . . alert your roommate not to leave a chocolate mint on your pillow. It will melt in the tropics!
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.