Today it was time to say goodbye to Guyana and make my way back home. I was tired after the long flight to JFK then only to find out my connection to Boston was cancelled and I would not be able to get another flight until the next afternoon - - and via Detroit!!!!! Being a frequent traveler and knowing nearby Laguardia Airport had shuttles to Boston, I inquired about availability and luckily was able to hop on a bus to the nearby airport and make the last evening flight out.
I landed in Boston in the late evening not looking forward to the hour or so drive home. But during the drive, my mind replayed one of the most interesting trips I had ever been on. While I didn't spot the jaguar, I did see a giant anteater, well over 300 species of birds - many of which I had never seen before - the giant water lily blooming and had the most incredible conversations and adventures with the local people I met (not to mention the cast of characters that were part of the tour group!!!). I have visited 24 countries, mostly in South and Central America and Africa. Of all trips, this journey will go down as one of the best with some of the most unique and interesting experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life!!! Although, I may need to return to find that elusive jaguar!!!!!!
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.