After we arrived on Saunders Island and got settled in, our host Susan drove five of us to The Rookery. This was our first time seeing the black-browed albatross. They were such neat birds, and made really beautiful sounds too. Many were sitting on eggs or brand-new hatchlings that we would occasionally get a glimpse of, if we were patient.
A little bit more of a hike and we made it to the ultimate Rockhopper Penguin destination. There must have been thousands of individuals nesting and making the journey back and forth to the water for food. What a wonderful sight. No still photo could really do it justice and I was glad to have brought my video camera. I was content to climb a small hill and look down on the melee below. Lots of penguins, always on the go, always hopping.
When Susan, our host, came to retrieve us at the appointed time that afternoon it felt as if the afternoon had flown by.
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.