In the morning we had the choice between walking on the beach or snorkeling – it was a unanimous decision. Along with thousands of fish we saw two sea turtles and one ray. Somehow it wasn’t quite as exciting because we knew it was all going to end soon.
After Galo gave all of us hugs goodbye and a quick stop to buy ice cream, we headed off to the airport at 10:30. For the nine of us leaving, it gave us a chance to chat some more at the airport about upcoming plans.
Back at the Hotel Eugenia we got our same room back. A few of the roses we left at the desk seven days ago are still looking good. We headed back to our favorite local restaurant and I ordered the exact same thing and it was wonderful again (shrimp cooked in lime and a spinach salad with apples and strawberries in a yogurt garlic sauce).
At the tiny corner store we bought snacks for our early breakfast at 2:45 to get ready for a 3:15 pick up. They asked us a question and we were not sure what it was they were saying, but they had big smiles on their faces and it reaffirmed that my language skills are lacking. Eventually I figured out that they were asking where we were from, and I remembered from my Junior High Spanish that we were from the Estados Unidos! This brought big smiles and, I’m pretty sure, words of welcome to us. Smiling is contagious, we left the store with big smiles of our own.
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.