We arrived into Athens on time (after 3 long flights- hooray!) and caught the Metro into town. It was rush hour and crowded so I tried to keep careful watch on all of our luggage. Just as we were about to get off in Monastiraki, I felt a man pushing me from behind who seemed to be in a bigger hurry than necessary. I was suspicious and turned around as he pushed by me. Sure enough, he had pickpocketed my daypack and had my travel wallet (with no money and only luggage tags and an itinerary) in his hand. I bumped the wallet saying loudly, "Hey, that's mine!". He dropped it on the floor and hurried out of the train.
We got to our hotel and walked to Victoria Square for a substantial dinner of meatballs, Cretan Salad, and souvlaki before trying to get some sleep.
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.