Before the cruise, I did not know much about Gibraltar, besides that there was a really large rock called the rock of Gibraltar. Gibraltar was a really neat port to explore with a lot of unique history. Gibraltar is a strategic point between the Iberian Peninsula and the African continent and its control has been contested throughout history. It is currently controlled by Britain, and the official language is English (although many people do speak Spanish as well). As both a Spanish and an English speaker, it was interesting to hear people switch between languages in the same sentence and speak with a British accent! The city had modern British architecture and fish and chips were common in restaurants.
We decided to skip the ship's excursion in Gibraltar and explore the town on our own. We were particularly interested in seeing the Barbary apes at the top of the rock and the caves but were not particularly interested in learning too much about war history. We took a shared van up the rock for a quick trip that would take us to a lookout point, a cave that was used as a hospital during WWII, and the top of the rock. At the top of the rock, there were apes everywhere and they were quite used to seeing people. We had heard horror stories of people feeding them and getting their fingers bitten off, so we made sure to keep a good distance. Other tourists were letting the apes climb all over them, and a mama and her baby climbed on our tour van! To end the day in Gibraltar, we went swimming at a city beach right below the towering rock.
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.