There are people that believe that Antarctica is "shared" among multiple countries because it is not its own continent, but instead a massive wall of ice along the edge of our disc-shaped planet. I however like to believe that tis treaty comes from an international desire to make Antarctica the exception from the rest of the globe. That the whole planet wants to protect this delicate ecosystem and these pristine landscapes. I feel this idea is supported by the creation of IAATO.
Penguin! (Rachel Shull)
The IAATO is a member organization founded in 1991 to advocate and promote the practice of safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic (https://iaato.org/) When you travel to Antarctica, you sign your name agreeing to the rules set forth by the IAATO:
Protect Antarctic Wildlife
Respect Protected Areas
Respect Scientific Research
Be Safe
This covers more specific rules like staying a measured distance away from wildlife, not bringing food on shore and certainly not using the shores as your personal bathroom. It breaks my heart that I travelled to the ends of the Earth and still found people that couldn’t care less about the world around them. There was an unfortunate group of selfish travelers that didn’t understand what a privilege it is to step foot on Antarctica.
Getting comfortable for camping! (Rachel Shull)
They robbed others of the chance to enjoy the rare camping experience and broke several rules in the process. They brought food and alcohol on shore to celebrate loudly into the night. Despite the supply of an emergency toilet provided mere feet away from camp, these people urinated and puked on the once clean shores. Our tour operator was unable to enforce any kind of punishment because there was no documented proof other than pointing fingers of 20 other frustrated campers.
Camping... IN ANTARCTICA! (Rachel Shull)
In my eyes, I just witnessed another rich person evading consequences. When personally approached, he admitted he did not respect Antarctica and kept saying that it was “just my opinion” that what he did was wrong. He believed his money earned him the right to do as he pleased.
If you agree with this man, If you think IAATO is just a “liberal agenda” and you think it’s okay to disregard the rules put forth to protect this precious land; then stay home. Do not go to Antarctica. You don’t deserve to. And if you do go, I promise you, there will be a woman on board that will break the chains of her timidness and put you in your place.
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.
