We got an early start this morning to catch the 0715 flight to Punta Arenas and then on to Mount Pleasant Airport, Falkland Islands. This is the military airbase and home for the 2000 troop garrison that is permanently based in the Falklands since the war with Argentina in 1982. I will refer to this in future simply as MPA . After the long overnight flight from Toronto this flight was a pleasant change with the changing views of the Chilean landscape passing below our window. The five hour flight was broken up by a one hour stop at Punta Arenas where everyone had to leave the plane taking all hand luggage with you. Lan, formerly known as Lan Chile provides a snack on both legs of the flight.
We arrived at MPA about 1330 and were met in the airport lobby by Sally Ellis of International Tours & Travel Ltd. of Stanley, Falkland Islands and given an extensive portfolio of brochures and detailed tour itinerary.
After weighing in our luggage, and ourselves we were ready to board the Falklands Islands Government Air Service Norman Islander eight passenger plane that would fly us to Pebble Island in the West Falklands. I shall refer to this air service in the future as FIGAS, the normal term used in the Falklands for this very efficient service.
It was a very windy day and we experienced considerable turbulence during the flight and also a period of thick fog during which the pilot turned and said to the passenger behind him that he couldn't find Pebble Island - a not very assuring statement for him to make! Since the planes fly only on visual flight rules that was not good news, especially on our first flight with FIGAS. The pilot flew up to a higher altitude and was able to see Pebble Island in the distance which luckily was not fogged in. We landed about 20 minutes late on the grass runway and were met by our hosts Jacqui and Allan.
They drove us the short distance to Pebble Island Lodge and showed us to our rooms. Much to my surprise we were given the same room in which I had spent three nights there in November 1998 during an earlier visit to the Falklands.
Of course we were offered the usual tea and cookies, which is a staple at all the lodges and guest homes in the Falklands. There were several other guests for dinner after which Jacqui took our orders for breakfast. Pretty much any kind of cooked or dry cereals were available.
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.