We hit the road in the morning just before 8AM. 2 hour bumpy drive later we were at a view point to see an active volcano. The view point itself was formed by volcanic rocks of many different shapes.
The second and third stops were two sulphur lagoons with pink flamingoes. I didn't know they even lived in such cold climates. We had lunch at second lagoon.
We also stopped at an desert area that bordered Chile to look at a rabbit/kangaroo like animal called Viscacha. They were very cute with their long ears and whiskers and brush tails.
Then it was a short stop at the Tree Rock which is a piece of volcanic rock that is in a shape of a tree. It is naturally formed by the strong wind. I also noticed the strong wind forms strange formation of snow/ice left over from the winter.
Our day ended at the Laguna Colorada or the Red Lagoon. The lagoon is dark red due to the algae in the water which the flamingos also feast on them. It is part of the national park. There was a 150 bolivianos (27 USD) per person park fee. There were a lot more flamingos in this lagoon.
There were nicely maintained toilet facilities at each major stops. But they can range from prices from 2 to 5 bolivianos (which was at the Red Lagoon). You get toilet paper with the price.
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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.