Bright sun greets us with amazing temperatures and calm seas. Becca, my daughter and I get to kayak through Mickelson Bay and see blue icebergs, clear water and brash ice. Katy, my other daughter, sits on the landing observing the Gentoo penguins observing her. That's only the morning. In the afternoon, as soon as we get into the kayaks a Minke whale comes to play. It swims right under each of our kayaks and the zodiacs. It wants to be sure we all get a good close look at it. I look down past my paddle and there it is looking up at me. It sends shivers through you. It is longer than any of our kayaks. Another humpback joins us. And a leopard seal entertains on an iceberg, as much as any seal entertains.
Oh yeah, I'm in the path of a collapsing iceberg. I get to use the safety lessons Dan -O and Becca, our guides, taught. I'm glad I'm a good listener. I paddle away from the crashing sound as the rest of the kayakers look on in amazement. Quite an adrenaline rush! As we paddle on the penguins swim around us and show off their speed and agility.
Through the night we sailed between icebergs. Two were very big and very close
64 13.6'S
61 31.4'W
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.