We started the morning early at sunrise with a spectacular still sea with mountains of the Lemaire Channel reflecting their beauty. It's quite odd, you constantly feel like you're headed in a direction with no out, but somehow we always made our way through the islands and icebergs. We saw Crabeater seals on some ice floats and a few more Humpback Whales. We then landed at Port Lockroy where a small shop sold trinkets and t-shirts, closely guarded by Gentoos out front. It was a sunny day, effectively hot, so I was glad my new ski pants included optional vents down the legs -- one of my best pre-trip purchases. This site featured a Blue Whale skeleton and hundreds of fluffy Gentoo chicks. As we departed land for the last time, mixed emotions emerged. We did one final zodiac cruise around Melchior Sound and Gerlache Strait, finding Weddell Seals and being surrounded by Humpback whales. The water around us was boiling with their bubbles under our zodiacs, it was unbelievable! We feared the worst, being overturned by an angry whale, but they just posed for us in the mystical light and ended our Antarctica voyage with a bang. We were so lucky at many points along our route. Generally speaking the weather was on our side and the animals of the deep south came out to play throughout. I certainly hope to return one day, but for now, I'll live with the memories of this glorious adventure.
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.