The Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp, established by young tourism professionals from the area in an effort to protect the natural environment, elephants and traditions of local people living around Kalaw. A large part of their propert is a private protected forest where native vegetation can grow undisturbed, creating a natural habitat for animals that could otherwise be easily hunted down and killed. The project includes creating a natural environment for some Myanmar elephants who are retired from the lumber industry, so they may live out their days in a more native environment.
On arrival to the Camp I had a wonderful lunch with Nepalese influences typical for this region. Then we hiked down to the elephant camp with my guide to meet the elephants and their mahouts (elephant keepers). Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp (Laura Cahill)
I arrived around feeding time so I was able to help the mahouts feed the elephants. It was awesome and a little scary to feel their trunks grabbing the food., mainly pumpkin and squash. The guide told me about the different elephants and their habits. It was nice to spend some time to see their different personalities and appreciate their massive, yet graceful manner. I then got to follow the mahout and his elephant to help with the washing in the river. After the bath, I had the rare chance to ride for just a brief time. As late afternoon came around the elephants started to wonder a bit away from the pavillion camp. The guides and mahouts said it was time to say goodbye to my new elephant friends, as they will spend the rest of the day and night in their forest protected by Green Hill Valley. Elephant feeding time (Laura Cahill) Elephant Bath Time! (Laura Cahill) Elephant bath time! Laura Cahill (Laura Cahill) Quick ride (Laura Cahill)
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.
