A simply awesome expedition to this area of the world and the ''White Continent''. Highlights included thousands of King penguins and their chicks crowding the beaches with elephant seals and fur seals on South Georgia Island. Opportunities to hike the mountain snowy slopes were many and we were rewarded with stunning snow-capped landscapes and breath-taking views. We visited the relics of 1800's abandoned whaling stations that once thrived on nearly wiping out the whale population in that area of the world.
On the Antarctica peninsula we were treated to a pod of Orcas hunting a seal on a small ice flow. Unable to dump the seal into the water, the Orcas gave up after 12 minutes, but the viewing was unbelievable. Of course, we participated in the ''Polar Plunge''. . . how could one not go to Antarctica and not go for swim? More spectacular landscapes, unique and massive iceberg sculptures, and thousands of Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins. Unpredictable weather and snow blowing sideways made you feel you were on a real expedition to this southern frontier.
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.