As a Trip Planner at Adventure Life, I get this question frequently. "Do I really need someone to hold my hand?" As an independent traveler looking back on her trip, I can tell you that guide service took my experience to the next level and put my mind at ease. Like so many of our busy travelers, I was working right up until the last minute before this trip and really didn't have the time to pore over books and blogs for an endless stream of inspiration and recommendations. I made sure that my suitcase was filled appropriately, but outside of that I left the day-by-day details and logistics to the experts, and boy was it worth it! Since my guides were all locals, they knew these sites and customs like the back of their hand, and it truly felt like I was on a whirlwind tour of their most favorite things to do in their home town.
They helped me interact with market vendors, eat at the best hole-in-the-wall spots, and avoid the typical tourist faux pas. Since someone else was worried about getting me from point A to B and had my safety in mind, I was able to truly take it all in and focus on the experience. There's certainly a time & place for the "DIY vacation," but I'm a true convert when it comes to using guide service, particularly when your planning time is limited, and especially when the culture and language seems so foreign!
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.