On our second relaxed morning at the Posada, we devoured magnificent blue corn pancakes while again gazing at the lake. While we were waiting for breakfast, D who is an excellent musician gave an impromptu concert on the hotel piano, including some of her own compositions. Prior to leaving our home, D had arranged a session with the local Mayan healer, Dolores Ratzan. While D was having an amazing morning with Dolores, I sat quietly by the lake and read. In late morning, we zoomed into town again by tuk-tuk to meet with our small group for a tour of some of the lake villages. So it was back into a fiberglass dinghy and off first to San Marcos. This New Age center had the rather nostalgic vibe of San Francisco in the 60's. Available here was all manner of alternative activities such as tarot reading, reflexology, flower remedies, etc. Next stop was San Juan which was a lovely quiet and relatively untouristed small village. A special treat here was a demonstration by a woman who belonged to a cooperative that used only natural, rather than chemical dyes. Our last stop was the more bustling San Pedro, which we reached by tuk-tuk rather than by boat. Here we had a late lunch at a hotel restaurant owned by a young Canadian woman. By late afternoon, the wind had come up considerably, so the boat ride back to the Posada was rather wet and wild. Our final night included another lovely meal as well as a visit in our cabin from a mercifully small and shy scorpion.
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.