The highlight of our day was pushing the flat-bed truck converted into an open-sided bus around in ankle deep mud. So much for trying to keep clean.
Another sea to summit day for a horse ride around the volcanic caldera. Due to mud, we walked until we reached the rim. Fog obscured our view but it diminshed as we reached the half way point around. 100 ft below was a wasteland of black lava from an eruption 5 years ago. Fumerals depositing yellow and white minerals on the black showed this place is still active.
It didn't feel like it had been 40 years since I last rode a horse. My mother wasn't so keen on the idea but braved one guaranteed to be docile (that and Alfredo offered to lead her steed.
We made way around the rim further to a point were we could see the side volcanos of eruptions in the past number of years and the shoreline off in the distance.
2 hours later, the truck-bus was still wallowed in the mud so we pushed and got a tow. Still the driver did everything he could to get it restuck by ... well it's over.
Like most lunch meals, we arrive later than anticipated but the hosts are understanding and gracious. Palm thatch roof, dirt floor and great food (must be the typical combination).
The restaurant is part of a larger farm and camp complex and the owner proudly gives us a tour. All sorts of fruit trees (tropical and semi tropical of course) as well as vegetables and a private compound of tortoises. All in well-kept order.
An afternoon off is welcomed. I decline the Jens' offer to join him and Bob surfing though I had said I wanted to the previous day. Glad I didn't go after walking up the beach and watching them get pummeled by the surf.
Susan and I take a boardwalk deep into a swamp but only see a few birds before darkness falls.
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.