• We traveled by public bus from El-Calafate, AR to Puerto Natales, CL. The bus left at 8:30am; the station was busy with many travelers (mainly backpackers), however, the only coffee shop at the bus station was closed which we found it to be very strange.
• The border crossing was an amazing experience, about an hour on each side.
• Puerto Natales was extremely windy; we never experienced such strong winds.
• We were picked up for a ride to the Eco- Camp. On the way we stopped for lunch and a visit to an amazing huge cave that once sheltered a prehistoric sloth, the Milodón.
• We checked in into Eco-Camp, a deluxe tent camp of large igloo-shaped tents; it was very windy and rainy, but not too cold. Entering the tent, a fire was lit at the fireplace and the place looked homier. Natan blessed Maggie for choosing (against his wish) a suite vs. a standard dome. We later found out that the suite not only had a toilet and shower inside the dome, but also a fireplace to keep the dome warm.
• That evening we had orientation and dinner with the other travelers that arrived that day and form a new group. Our guide Charlie (young women) was assigned to us for the duration of our stay.
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.