This morning we were taken on a tour to San Carlos, about 20 miles from Darwin. We drove through rolling hills and the 'rivers of rock', so aptly named by Charles Darwin during his visit to the area in 1833. San Carlos was a major military area in the 1982 war and we were taken to the British cemetery where many of the British military personnel who were killed during the war are buried. We also toured the small, but interesting museum at San Carlos.
In the afternoon we were taken on a 'battlefield tour' which followed the advance of British troops in the battle for Goose Green in which they eventually caused the Argentine military commander to surrender his 1500 troops. He was not impressed when he learned that he had been defeated by only 48 British personnel.
We also visited the large Argentine war cemetery near Goose Green. In all there were about 700 Argentine casualties.
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.