I can't believe our vacation is finally here. After giving this trip to my mom for her 50th birthday last year at this time, I didn't think this trip would ever come! Wow did that year go fast. Today we head to Denver where we overnight with family before heading to Belize. It was cheaper to fly Montana to Colorado and then Colorado to Belize then to do it all in one shot from Montana.
I am amazed by the service on our small Frontier flight to Denver. My mom and I sat up front and the steward chatted with us the entire time. So friendly and eager to find out where we were headed and what we had planned. He even asked me for a card so I could help HIM plan a trip!
When we arrive in Denver mom's sister is there to greet us. She is so excited for us and excited she gets to see us off.
After a relaxing (and late) meal, we head to my Aunt's house to rest up for the beginning of our trip. REST is an overstatement! My mom is so nervous her luggage is over the weight limit that she essentially re-packs her suitcase tonight. We laugh until we cry as she debates about taking this shirt or that and her an I argue about her bringing her beach towel. I am going to be in so much trouble if our hotel doesn't have beach towels!
Finally, with the last items back in the suitcase, we can sleep soundly...well not really. We are too excited! (I feel like a little girl again!)
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.