Since we were in the area, we decided to take the kids across the border to Strasbourg so they could get a taste of another country. We found a centrally located parking lot and headed out on foot to explore. I was on the quest for a patisserie to find a specific French pastry I remembered from 20 years ago. No luck finding that treat, but we did pick up a huge bag of croissants to take to our friends who we were visiting later in the day.
From there we grabbed some lunch at an outdoor cafe and did a bit of shopping. The girls picked up adorable hats and the shopkeeper was especially charmed with my youngest, Samantha, who looked like she fit right in as a French mademoiselle.
We then walked to the impressive cathedral. I now have two favorite cathedrals in the world- this one and one in Ortygia, Sicily. Both are super welcoming with beautiful stained glass.
Strasbourg Cathedral also has an incredible astronomical clock that dates back to the 17th century.
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.