This time of year is the dry season and the water levels are really low. That's good for wildlife sightings 'cause they're all concentrated in a smaller area. But it means we didn't get to see flooded forests, which would have been really cool. Might have to go back some day to see that. In some of the little tributaries that we rode through, the water level was so low we had to be really careful so we wouldn't get stuck, which we actually did a couple times. Our guide had to jump out of the canoe to dislodge us, and once we had to have the other canoe tow us out.
The weather was hot & steamy most days. I had rivers of sweat running down my back on our forest walks, for which we had to dress in long sleeves, long pants, hiking boots with heavy socks, and leather gaiters around our shins. But when we got back to the canoes after the hikes, they'd give us frozen washclothes from a little cooler they'd brought. Brilliant! And they'd always have us leave our boots out after a hikes so they could clean them for us.
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.