Today we took a bus ride through the park (guanacos, Andean condors, amazingly multicolored blue green mountain lakes), then a boat ride across Lake Pehoe to start our hike to French Valley. Because it was Christmas Day, the last boat back was earlier than usual and so we had to keep up a brisk pace to get to the lovely spot by a mountain river with glacier view where we ate our sandwiches and chocolate bars before heading back. The views were lovely as were the various flowers and plants the guide told us about.
Today was the only time we had to get off our bus to cross the narrow bridge into the National Park. What a lark!
A fine served dinner followed by a game of cards with some fellow travelers and then back to Dome Sweet Dome.
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.