Lake Nicaragua is one of the wonders of the Western Hemisphere. One hundred miles long and as much as 46 miles wide, it is the largest freshwater lake in Central America, but it may millennia ago have been part of the sea. Freshwater sharks and tuna, and the extremely rare sawfish swim in these waters.
Out in the lake, accessible only by ferry, lies the magical island of Ometepe. The island is composed of two volcanoes and an isthmus that connects them, and is the largest freshwater island in the world. Trails up the volcanoes Conception and Madera lead the explorer through fields of plantains, sugar cane and coffee to lush rain forest. Pre-Columbian petroglyphs and sculptures dot the island, reminders of the ancient people who worshipped here. There is a cloud forest, one of the rarest ecosystems on earth, on Volcan Madera, and down in its caldera, a cold crater lake where the cries of howler monkeys echo out of the mists. It's best to go with a guide, but it's an experience not to be missed. Afterwards spend some time on a beautiful island beach, undisturbed except by the breeze in the palms.
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.