I was picked up promptly at 6Am by Christian, the English speaking Adventure Life guide, and driver for transfer back to the Quito airport. As a solo traveler I had plenty of opportunity to ask questions questions about the sights on our route and Christian accompanied me through the ticketing process and helped carry my bags. After an approximately two hour flight, with a stop in Guayaquil, Ecuador's biggest city, we landed on the island of Baltra, paid our park fees, and then transferred by bus and ferry to the Island of Santa Cruz. There I checked.into the Red Mangrove resort and finally had a chance to unpack and unwind. In my room I could hear waves at the nearby beach and the wafting breezes through the open windows. I was suddenly startled by hearing what sounded, frankly, like someone throwing up outside my window but, happily, this turned out to be just two sea lions who had made themselves at home on the deck and were enjoying the selves vocally. The remainder of the day was spent at the beach, swimming and taking photos with the other six travelers in our group, followed by a delicious dinner and beverages at Red Mangrove. I also checked out diving gear for next morning's dive trip with the divemaster, Richard, before hitting the hay.
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.