The celebration began at Seattle’s Fishermen’s Terminal with free-flowing champagne and excitement thick in the salty air. I witnessed InnerSea Discoveries’ CEO, Dan Blanchard, speaking proudly of his ships as if they were his own children. He spoke just as highly of this staff and colleagues. His hugs and amiable kisses on the cheek showed that he meant every word of those high praises. It was like a family celebrating the birth of its newest member. For me, as a self-proclaimed foodie, it got even better at dinner. Who knew that a true gourmet meal could be prepared on a ship?! Previewed by a cocktail hour with a sweet-sounding Latin jazz band playing in the background, the party moved on to the Endeavor’s dining room. Some of you may not care that I am about to describe the menu of the night, but please humor me. You’ll probably be hungry by the end… -Coho salmon tartare with avocado mousse served with homemade flatbread crackers -Tender roasted duck on a bed of butternut squash and Swiss chard -Passion fruit tart in a nut & shortbread crust served with a web of burnt sugar & raspberries Throughout dinner, I had the opportunity to meet Tim Jacox (Vice President) and Eric Gier (CFO), as well as Astrid and Naomi, whom I email frequently from work. The people at InnerSea are even more amazing in person! Eric had my husband and me in stitches telling his off-the-wall stories until 11:00 p.m. around the dinner table! I could already tell this was a special group and that it was going to be a special weekend.
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.