Today was especially special as we made our way down the river to Mr. Silverio's home. He is an indigenous man - quiet, humble, and very knowledgeable about his surroundings and their challenges. He introduced us to his garden (hardly resembling our Western notion of what a garden should look like) and demonstrated his planting skills. We learned that his father, and grandfather, had lived on this same land, and farmed in the same manner. The crops ranged from various types of squash to Manioc (a starch staple grown much like the potato), ginger and aloe, fruits and other regional crops such as peanuts, yucca, peppers, bananas, plantains and even some cacão (chocolate beans) to sell. Not furrowed in a perfect row, each plant was thoughtfully placed amongst the surrounding plants, helping to keep the soil more fertile and using the larger plants as protection for smaller, more fragile crops.
After dinner, we set out in a small canoe for another night of bird watching. Tonight, we were able to follow a large group of bats as they floated through the air, using their sonic skills to search out dinner. It was an amazing sight, really cool to watch! And we were able to spot the eyes of the local caiman - bright red and glimmering - for a brief moment before the entire animal slipped effortlessly into the lagoon. I visited during high water season, but Raul told me if I were to return during low water, I would usually be able to see the entire animal and not just his erie eyes.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
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
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.