Had breakfast at our hotel, and were picked up at 9:00 AM for our shuttle to Coban. We picked up some other travelers along the way, and took a gorgeous 5-hour drive to Coban. We drove through lush mountains for about 2 hours until we reach the Rio de Pasion. Here, we board a ferry (while staying in our van) that takes us across the river, as there is no bridge. In about 5 hours total we reach Coban, a quaint city high in the mountains. There is not much to see in Coban itself, but the views around town are great. They grow cardamom and coffee here, so you can arrange a tour of the coffee plantations if you have time. (We didn’t.)
Our hotel, El Recreo, was great. Small rooms, but very clean and tidy. The staff were exceptional, and one of them even walked us to a specific location to make sure that we found it! There was construction going on right outside our window, so it was pretty noisy. I would bring earplugs for this place, just in case! Either way, I really enjoyed staying at this hotel, mostly due to the friendly and warm staff.
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.