Off to visit Grey Glacier and other local sights in the park. Couldn’t help but notice, the drivers had two tendencies, one, to drive on the left as long as there is no center line in the road (and no one coming), and two, to deal with potholes and washboard roads apparently on the thought that it’s better to drive as fast as possible to minimize the time spent in the bottom of each pothole or washboard dip. The left side driving preference was puzzling since Latin American countries have officially been driving on the right since 1945; these drivers were not old enough to have been driving before then!
The trip to Grey Glacier was via a small ship anchored near a little hotel and restaurant at the end of Laguna Grey. This little hamlet was at the opposite end of the lake from the glacier. The small ship apparently runs regular shuttles down the lake to pick up and drop off hikers who are doing one of the major treks in the park. The day was windy and rainy, apparently a common state of affairs, and clearly this boat's captain didn't have the Via Australis' concerns about loading and unloading passengers in inclement conditions. We put on our life jackets and off we went!
After about a half hour journey down the lake (passing a big blue iceberg on the way) we dropped off and picked up trekkers not far from the glacier itself, and then sailed along in front the glacier's edge. Amazing blue color, often striped, just didn’t seem real! Then on the way back down the lake, the crew came around with a tray and (guess what) Pisco Sours for all.
Back in the bus we headed back to make a stop at a waterfall (the Salto Grande, “big waterfall”). It was not so impressive for the view of the falls as it really wasn't very high, although it was dramatic for the quantity of water that was pounding down, but rather for the incredible amount of wind that was blowing by that time. Little mini-twisters of rain and mist could be seen forming all along the river and the lake and then dashing themselves into oblivion on the rocks. It was a challenge to keep walking upright, and I was very glad to be wearing full length raingear!
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.