Walker Bay, Livingston Island and Deception Island were the two zodiac landings for this day.
Every zodiac landing we went for a hike.
The elevation and length of the hike varied. We would usually spend two to three hous on a landing. I would be on the last zodiac return.
We saw Gentoo, Chinstrap and one lonely Macaroni Penguin. The penguins were adults waiting for their feathers to molt before going out to sea. Some were very curious and came right up to us, especially the younger less experienced birds. One came and nibbled on my glove. We were cautioned not to touch the wildlife. It was very difficult not to pick them up and cuddle them. They look less like birds when they are standing in one place until you notice the molting feathers. They were very photogenic. Their behaviours were fun to watch. I never became bored of watching their activities.
A group of elephant seals were molting on the shore of Livingston Island. A bull elephant seal was in the water. They were very interesting and really pleasant to observe.
Deception Island was interesting because of its volcanic rock, cauldera formation and whaling history. The hike up to the top was met with various forms of precipitation. Snow does not bother me as I am certain it was snowing where I am from on the same day. It was windy but not cold.
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.