There are several Antarctic itineraries that include Cape Horn as a possible stop, but most are never able to make it there due to weather either at the Cape itself, or along the Drake, forcing the ships to rush the crossing to beat a storm. The Antarctic Express cruises make the most earnest attempt to land here, and we were lucky enough to be on a successful attempt!
Even when landings here are possible, the conditions are not ideal. There are usually strong winds, cold temperatures and rough seas that make the landing quick and not a highlight for many travelers. Well, the travel gods were smiling upon us, because our day at Cape Horn was GORGEOUS! The seas were flat, the winds were calm, the temperatures were perfect, the rain held off and the sun even peaked through at us a few times - our guides were beyond giddy! Most of them had never experienced a day such as this at the Cape!
We made our way to shore by zodiac (passing some Magellanic penguins merrily hopping in our wake) and climbed the never-ending staircase to the top of the cliff. From here, you could see the the path laid out before you. There was a single boardwalk making its way across the cape. At one end, a tiny church and lighthouse where the captain assigned to duty here lives with his family (YES - his FAMILY with children) for a year). At the other end, the monument paying tribute to sailors lost at sea.
We made our way from one end to the other, taking in the magnificent views, meeting the young boy who called this barren land home, and feeling the wind against our skin at the end of the world - standing in places very few had ever stood before.
When it was time to leave the Cape, our guides had one last surprise for us! The winds and waves were actually calm enough that they could take us in zodiacs to round Cape Horn! Something most of them had never done before! We piled in for the ride, discovering caves, watching birds and laughing at giant piles of sea lions fighting to be king of the rock at the very tip of the Americas. It was incredible!
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.