All too soon our trip came to an end, and it was time for an early-morning departure. This time, the desk clerk was awake, and our boxed breakfast was waiting. A quick shuttle courtesy of the ever-prompt ViaVenture driver brought us to the airport and our flight to Guatemala City. Knowing that we would have a very long wait for our connecting flights home, I came prepared with a most interesting book, The Long Night of the White Chickens, by the Guatemalan-American author Francisco Goldman. Getting through security was a somewhat frustrating, and mildly amusing (depending on one's mood) experience, as the security personnel did not seem to be especially well trained. They looked askance at my electric razor, but did let that pass. My small travel sewing kit, a small pair of tweezers, and a small container (under 3 ounces) of sun block, however, are now in some Guatemalan limbo. Once aboard, our flights home were uneventful and we are now happily reunited with our cats and blessed with fond memories of a wonderful trip to Guatemala.
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.