This morning was sad and exciting. It was our last day on the Stella Australis but we were going to Magdalena Island before the adventure ended. The early morning excursion started before breakfast. Daylight was just breaking. Everyone gathered on the decks and waited for the zodiacs to be readied. It was quiet as if everyone was holding their breath, waiting and anticipating. Once on the island the trail took us from the dock to the light house. Along the way are hundreds of penguins. It was a highlight of my trip. Being on the island and watching the sun rise, the quiet of the morning, reflecting on the last few days, anticipating the next. We docked in Punta Arenas and were taken to our hotel, Hotel Rey Don Felipe. Plaza Munoz Gamero is only a few blocks away from the hotel. A monument of Ferdinand Magellan and Patagonian Indians stands in the plaza. Local legend believes that if you rub the toe of the Indian you will return to Punta Arenas. We took the time to rub the foot. After purchasing some items from the vendors in the square we set out for some lunch and a walk around town. We lunched at La Luna; the king crab casserole was delish. Again, we sampled some Patagonia beer.
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.