On Saturday, 8/15 we left KwaZulu-Natal behind and headed toward iSimangaliso Wetland Park. There we boarded a boat in hopes of seeing crocs and hippos in the water. Africa has only 1 type of saltwater croc and we were able to see 3 sunning themselves on the shore. Hippos were spotted rather quickly with their heads up and down out of the water. Our guide spotted several on shore and positioned the boat for all to see. I would describe the experience as akin to watching the grass grow, but one big fella did reposition himself in the mud for greater comfort. Hippos surprisingly kill more humans than any other African animal! We ended the day at a hotel in Durban.
We enjoyed city tour of Durban for our last day together, Sunday 8/16, and a stop at the beach to see the Indian Ocean. I had some extra time before my airport drop off so took an opportunity to visit the city mall which was adjacent to our tour guide's office. The mall was very lovely with palm trees and fountains which soared into the air under beautiful domes which reflected the light. People watching was the best part of visiting this crowded and bustling place!
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.