We are all early risers except for our guide Fabian. He was always the last one to get up in the morning. After breakfast we boarded the canoe for more bird and mammal watching. Over the course of the trip we spotted more than 46 different birds, six different mammals (not including humans) and many other reptiles, spiders, butterflies, moths and fish.(One common Rat) The one person that got the most excited about seeing a bird was Fabian. It was as if it was his first time.
After our ride, we were dropped off to hike back to the camp through the forest. It took approximately two hours to make our way back to camp. (Now I know why Tarzan swings from vines, he doesn't want to get his feet muddy). When we returned, it was time for our daily hang on or be swept down (up) the river. After lunch, we took the catamaran out for a drift ride and Paraná fishing. It was unfortunate that we were unable to catch any. (I kept losing my bait). Fabian caught a catfish and was going to release it, but our native guide wouldn't let him. Guillermo came with the canoe to tow us back to camp. You guessed it, Just in time for HAPPY HOUR! (Starting to run low on rum we may have to drink the Scotch, ugh!). I think I'm gaining weight from all the good food. Yeah dinner was great. After dinner we had to open the Scotch, the rum is gone. Around eight o'clock we went tarantula hunting around the camp. We found seven tarantulas in different tree stumps throughout the camp. We retired early. During the night I was awakened by a very deep growling sound. The forest would get really noisy and after the growl it became very quiet. There were other sounds below the choza that night. I wasn't going to investigate for fear of bodily harm.
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.