Gordo our expert GuideThis was by far the best day of the trip. I had not gone river rafting before and all of us were a little nervous. But, fear not! We had excellent instructions from Daniel on the ride to the outfitter. Each group of 5-6 were assigned to a guide. Our guide was Gordo and he had to be the best. He fitted us with helmets and life jackets and gave us more practice in the rafts before we started the float. We even practiced 'falling' out and rescue! Water is about 60 and very refreshing. Our trip down the river included paddling, floating, getting very wet, having a lot of laughs, lunch, and a great time. We were very tired at the end of the 4 hours. I would do this rafting experience again, I would have done it the next day! After rafting we transferred via bus and truck to the Selva Bananito Eco Lodge in the rainforest. We arrived at 5 pm and I had time to get settled in my cabin and try out my hammock before supper at 7 pm. Supper was excellent: beans, rice, beef, yucca, slaw, green beans and carrots with fresh papaya for dessert. The lodge manager/guide is Richard and he is going to be very helpful over the next couple of days. Back to the cabin for a good night rest. The only power is solar power and we do have lights and a warm shower. The cabin is very open. It is warm and humid and air circulation is essential. Under the mosquito net for the night!
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.
