Today we were off to Monkey River so back onto the ''semi-paved'' road and south to Independence where we met Ralph. We expected a ''River Boat'' as in ''Show Boat'', but Ralph drives a small fiberglass boat that holds eight tourists, has a small bimini and a 200 horsepower Yamaha motor. As it turned out, it was the perfect vehicle for our needs. We sped along the ocean coastline through a bird sanctuary and observed some great ospreys before getting into the mangrove swamps and the jungle. The river is teeming with wildlife--and Ralph pointed out toucans, green parrots, great egrets, white eagles, herons and even a baltimore oriole! We spotted a flock of small fruit bats sleeping on a log in the river and four crocodiles-one hiding in the reeds that was close to 14 feet long. We landed on a narrow muddy bank right next to a baby croc while Ralph got out of the boat to try to find the howler monkeys in the jungle. In 25 minutes he returned for us and led us through the jungle with the mosquitos and the army ants and sure enough, above us in the upper canopy- there they were--nine monkeys and 2 babies. Very neat! They totally ignored us and we just stayed and watched them eat on leaves, interact with each other and just be monkeys. It was awesome! We stopped to have lunch in Monkey Rivertown on the trip back up the river. Back through the mangrove trees and we found a large group of manatees feeding in a grassy area. About then it started to rain and it just poured on the way back up the coast---nobody cared!! Another great day!
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
3 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
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.