This morning we leave Pooks Hill early with our guide Hector who is taking us to the ATM Cave. Let me say that the three of us traveling together each had our own fears about this. Claustrophobia, too narrow and dark, too strenuous. Kat gave us the total 411 on what to expect and Hector told us before we started that if one person could not handle it, no questions asked we just turn around and leave. We walked about 1 1/2 miles on a trail and crossed the river several times and finally got to the stageing area. We then swam about 20 yards to the opening of the cave, and off we went. Through the water, up over rocks. It was just the four of us in the cave, and so quiet. None of us asked to leave and we just kept on going. We kept climbing and got to the spot where you take off your shoes and go the rest of the way in your sox. We came upon The Cathedral Area. Stalagtites and Stalagmites, wide open, with ruins of pottery, sacrificial areas, skeletal remains. Simply awe inspiring, spiritual, amazing... When we got back to Pooks Hill other guests asked us what it was like as you cannot take pictures there. All I could say was strenuous, an adventure, and experience, a must do. This is something that will be forever imprinted in my brain,my heart and soul. I feel so accomplished that I was able to physically do this, and am so grateful that I did not chicken out and not go to ATM and well the spiritual part,well what can I say other than again, grateful.
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.