Today was Frankie's birthday, but unfortunately, most of our day was spent either in the airport or in an airplane. We flew from Iguazu to Buenos Aires this morning, then had a couple hours in the airport there. They assured us our luggage was on the plane (finally!) and we headed off to Ushuaia. When we arrived, our luggage still did not. Apparently, they had taken it back off the plane for security reasons. Still not sure why we were having such a hard time with the luggage, but we were certainly ready for some different clothes. After we checked into the Hosteria Linares, and chatted with Julio, the owner/manager of the little hotel, we set off for a fun birthday dinner down by the water. It was almost 10 pm by the time we ate, but the lobster dinner was well worth the wait!
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.