Most people wish for sunshine when traveling but the few peeks of sun we had yesterday reminded me were on the equator - and only 6 days before the equinox. The radiance of the sun is almost overwhelming so clouds, fog and occasional light rain were fine by me.
The plant zones were evident as we climbed the ancient volcano in a small bus making stops to look for birds.
A stop at a tortoise breeding center got us up close for the first time. Free roaming adults and cage protected young gave us a good perspective how these lumbering giants develop. One aggressive male decided to oust another using both the ramming and tail nipping techniques.
Near the top of the volcano we got an eerie fog shrouded tour with Alfredo and Pedro leading. The mud trail kicked the difficulty level up two notches. I was amused listening to the discussions of the benefits of walking trail left in the wet grass or trail right through the mud. Luckily Alfredo suffered no serious bodily injury when he misjudged the surface tension of mud on the side of a gully.
"Down there is a lake where Frigate birds come to wash. In that direction is the ....." Looks like thick fog to me. Fog does force you to examine what's right in front of you rather than the horizon. Plants, small birds, and sure footing.
After lunch back in town we had a short break before launching kayaks into moderate surf. Ordinarily a calm port, the change of seasons kicked up the waves a bit. Circling around a small point and into a cliff-sided cove where Frigate birds and blue footed boobies hang out took about 45 minutes. The plan was to snorkel and look around the rocks. The dark clouds and dropping sun dimmed the visibility.
Honestly I don't remember what we saw underwater though I'm sure it was great. As soon as a group of juvenile male sea lions joined us I forgot all else. Certainly nothing a guide could plan for, swimming with sea lions has got to be one of the highlights. Just inches away, rolling, spinning, diving and generally playing - the sea lions obviously wanted to show us we were out of our element. I dove down 8 to 10 times about 12 to 15 feet deep and each time was followed by 2 sea lions. Sometimes they followed me, other times they lead. I just wish I'd had an underwater video camera.
Waterlogged and exhausted, we made our way back in near darkness.
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.