The next morning I took a taxi to the airport, and was greeted by another staff that had my ticket and showed me the way to the VIP room. There I met my fellow adventures, that would be going to Sacha Lodge. Some were also from New Jersey where I currently reside. Everyone seemed to bond right away. We then boarded a plane for the short ride to the town of Coco and the start of our trip down the Napo river.
The canoe was quite large and comfortable. It was a two and half hour trip. We then unloaded all our gear and it was taken to the lodge for us. We enjoyed our first hike through the jungle, with squirrel monkeys jumping through the trees and welcoming us. All kinds of beautiful birds and butterflies surrounded us. When we got to the end of the path we got into smaller canoes to be spirited across the lake to the lodge. Here we were greeted with a cocktail and some tasty hor'doves.
We were introduced to our guide and our native guide. We were then showen to our rooms. My was very large and comfortable. I laid out on the hamock on my porch listening to the jungle sounds. Afraid I might miss something, I headed back to the main lodge and climbed up to a tower to view birds.
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.