We arrived from our red-eye flight and I knew (from a past failed attempt to take kids across time zones) that it was essential to keep the kids busy the first day and get them quickly adjusted to European time. I bought them all rare caffeinated sodas and we set off for one of the highlights of Bavaria- Neuschwanstein Castle. Apparently, this is one of the most visited tourist sites in the world. It is a stunning place, but also a bit hectic. I booked tickets in advance to save us wait times and we walked to the neighboring castle, Hohenschwangau, for a tour of the inside. En-route, we stopped by the stunning alpine lake to let the kids play.
Hohenschwangau is less visited, but this was the castle where King Ludwig II actually lived, so the inside is more interesting than the famous Neuschwanstein. Unfortunately, no photos are allowed in the interior.
After our visit, we caught the bus up to Neuschwanstein. There's also a nice hike or a horse/ carriage ride offered to get to the top, but we were short on time as we still had a couple hour drive to get to our hotel for the night. Marienbrucke, the bridge in the background of the castle, offers beautiful views. There were also hordes of people during these peak summer dates (never been here in peak season before- now I know why!), but we had a chance to take some quick pics.
We also duplicated a photo that was taken in the same spot as a photo we had taken 11 years ago when we came with our two older kids (the fateful trip where I learned that jetlag and toddlers are a poor combination).
From here, we hiked down the hill (surprisingly quiet by end of day) and headed toward our hotel located in the center of southern Bavaria, virtually in the middle of nowhere, but a great spot to access our next two castles!
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.