I had five wonderful days at Mfuwe Lodge over Thanksgiving!
Twice daily game drivers with Jason, our guide, netted 25 types of mammal sightings, 2 reptiles, and 55 species of birds! Oh, and one foam frog nest. Quite amazing.
Did not always have to leave the grounds of the lodge to see wildlife. Daily visits in the courtyard from George, the elephant. One morning a troop of four elephants came in through reception and I had to dash behind the desk. What fun! The pond behind the spa always had a raft of hippos and an occasional croc looking for dinner.
Speaking of food, we were never hungry. Mornings started with a breakfast buffet before the early game drive. Jason, our guide, provided tea, coffee and biscuits for our tea break while out in the bush. We would return in time for a lovely brunch -- one day it was make your own pizza. Then it was off to siesta time. Afternoon wake up call at 3pm meant there was a pick me up tea with a savory and sweet offering before the afternoon game drive. And, yes, there were sundowners! Dinner was served at 8pm and was generally a 3-course plated meal. However, one night we had Mongolian stir fry.
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.