We're sitting at the floe edge hoping to catch a glimpse of the pods of narwhal that generally travel along the edge in the upcoming weeks. We're here a bit early in the season so even though we hear reports of narwhal sightings frequently, we haven't seen any whales yet. While we wait, we see flocks of Eider Ducks, Kittiwakes, and Murres. A seal pops up his head in the distance and quickly hides under the water when he notices us onshore.
While at the floe edge, we enjoy gourmet food- Arctic char sashimi served directly on the ice, spicy shrimp curry and shortcake with freshly whipped cream. After a huge meal, we burn off some extra energy playing on a nearby iceberg. From the outside, the iceberg looks like the typical pyramid shape you so often see in pictures. However, within this pyramid is a winter playground complete with a slide and perfect half pipe for doing tricks. My snowboarding travel companions are wishing they had brought their snowboards with them!
24 hour daylight has its perks. This evening, we decide to take the kayaks out on the glassy sea. The ocean has a light layer of frost across the surface that crunches softly as we paddle through. The panoramas are beautiful with full icebergs and wildlife reflected perfectly in the sea. The sun is low enough in the horizon to look like a sunset from one angle and yet have bright daylight facing the other direction.
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.