We arrived in Nuremberg and headed to the river cruise port. Due to an unusually hot summer and exceptionally low water levels, our ship was not able to meet us in Nuremberg. We met at the port and transferred by bus two hours to Vilshofen. We had been alerted to this likely itinerary change last week and, after reading the proposed itinerary revision, I was actually hoping a bit that we would get this newly revised itinerary. Much as I love Nuremberg, missing this starting point to the cruise has allowed us to see other areas of the Danube in more depth. In particular, a full day visit to Bratislava, Slovakia has been added! In addition to this providing a taste of a new country (the only one I haven't been to on the itinerary!), I've heard such fantastic things about Bratislava's similarity to Prague that I can't wait to see for myself!
Once in Vilshofen, we checked into our cabins and then headed back outside the ship where a tent had been set up for a Vilshofen Oktoberfest celebration! We were greeted with pretzels and beer (juice for me) and a fantastic Bavarian musical group. They led us in toasts, songs, and some lively dancing to start our cruise off on an energetic note! A four course dinner followed our Oktoberfest celebration and now we have a bit of time to explore our beautiful ship that has been decked out for the holidays!
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.