From the time we landed at Puerto Maldonado to the time we left I was in a constant state of sweat and in a bubble of moisture, but it was worth it. Sandoval Lodge was different, but comfortable.
At first the high pitched sound of the cicadas was annoying, but each morning and evening the sound became part of the ambiance of the area and when we left we actually missed them.
Each morning at 4.00am which is the best time to see the animals, birds and water creature we ventured out on the lake. We saw colored Macaws, greenest budgies, colorful butterflies as big as your hand, 4 types of monkeys, schools of otters fishing, flocks of egrets, many lonely blue herons and many small but very colorful birds. An occasional Cayman swimming up to and around our canoe. It became a competition as to who could spot the next bird.
On the hiking adventures into the jungle the huge size of the trees were astounding, who knew that there is a tree called the Walking Tree which actually moves from place to place. The flowers were so different and so deeply colored covering the full spectrum of the rainbow. We went on a night hike which brought out various species of moths with colorful and unique patterns on their wings, plus tarantulas, fire flies and various other creepy crawly insects.
The sunrises and especially the sunsets were amazing and with the reflection of the trees and flowers in the water it completed an awesome experience.
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.