The first morning of the expedition cruise brought us to Cape Horn. It was expected that the waters would be rough, but overall it didn't seem as bad as expected. I was glad to hear that the captain would allow the excursion to Cape Horn. We were given instructions as to boarding and disembarking the zodiacs. Once on Cape Horn, there are 160 steps up the side of the cliff to the top. At the top there are wood trails to the lighthouse, church and gift shop. Yes, gift shop. The winds picked up, and it was beginning to rain. To get back to the ship, you have to descend the steps; those wooden, wet and slippery steps. Going to Cape Horn was such a thrill. Once back on the ship, we warmed up until the afternoon excursion. In the afternoon we disembarked at Wulaia Bay, once home to Yamana tribe. Our guides gave us history on the area and explained how Charles Darwin and Captain Robert Fitzroy explored the island. In the 1800's, missionaries returned with a goal to ''civilize'' the tribe to European ways. Instead the way of life for the indigenous people would be destroyed. As of 1947 it is said that there were only 43 Yamana Indians alive. At Wulaia Bay, there was an option of two hikes, one coastal and one up to a ridge with a panoramic view of the bay. The hikes were followed with drinks on the shore. It allowed us time to reflect on the day and the surroundings.
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.