Due to limited availability for our frequent flyer mile tickets, we had to book first class (poor us!) for the first time ever. My mom and I were thrilled with the real dinnerware, table cloths and excellent food- such a treat! We were preparing my kids, Hailey and Matthew, to be impressed and letting them know how lucky they were. My 5 year old son, always the pragmatist, summed up his thoughts after the flight when he pouted, "Where's the treat part? This is just dinner!" My mom and I spewed wine, we were laughing so hard!
Betty, our friend in Quito, picked us up from the airport and took us directly to her home for lasagna. My kids, became instant friends with her 7 and 12 year old. Her 7 year old, Matteo, was worried about the language barrier but later told his mom it was no big deal. He told her that he could say "Play? Toys?" and that was all he needed!
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.
