It is not easy sleeping in the jungle! We were not bothered by mosquitoes or any nasties in our cabin however the loud and sometimes creepy jungle noises made for a disturbed sleep! To top that off, we were awakened by a 5 am knock on the door, getting us up for our first morning hike! After breakfast, we were off for a hike, canoe and then another hike over to the motorized canoe and back to the Napo river. A trek down the river led us to large banks of clay that attracts hundreds of Amazonian parrots and parakeets each morning. One of the highlights of the parrot watching was the sighting of a python sitting silently on a branch just feet from the unsuspecting parrots. Notwithstanding, we never saw the snake successfully strike. Upon returning from our morning outing, we had time for a swim in the Black Water lake. While the lake is home to piranhas, caimans and electric eels, we were told that it was completely safe as these animals are largely nocturnal and generally disinterested in humans (although a large sign cautions not to swim close to the shore or after 4 pm). Fortunately the lodge has a large dock which includes a diving board about 10 feet above the water. Steve went first and the kids fearlessly followed, I was happy taking pictures on the dock! In the afternoon we went for a long canoe ride navigated by our guides down a tight and twisty jungle canal. Highlights included multiple monkey sightings and at one point, squirrel monkeys playing just a few feet from our canoe. In addition to multiple bird sightings, the trek portion featured an interesting array of plant species including the mammoth sabre trees. Our native guide also explained different plants for medicinal, food and building purposes (Our guide also made the boys little toy boats out of seed pods and palm tree fibre which they could pull as we paddled along). Upon returning, we cleaned up before a big BBQ feast at the waterside building. The kids have been so good, Steve and I have been very impressed with them. It is not easy being told to sit still and be quiet for long stretches of time when searching for animals. Another amazing day in the Amazon...we are hitting the sack early more prepared this time for our next very early wake-up knock!
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.