We drove 5 hrs over the pampas, but about halfway from the east coast to the west side of Argentina, a varied landscape began with mountains and hills which helped to break up the vast expansiveness of the flat plains. We arrived at our Estancia (ranch) 30 km outside of Calafate. Calafate is considered by all Ags to be very expensive—so much so that they cannot visit this part of their own country. The town reminded us of a combo of Santa Fe, North shore Tahoe, the Australian alps, etc. Very cutesy and very new. The town grew from 7000 5 yrs ago to 22,000 now. All new and beautiful alpine/texmex construction with views of Lake Argentina and the Andes. Our estancia use to be a working sheep ranch and is now a spa –like ranch with fabulous amenities.
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.