No problem getting up at five. However a little nervous about going up on the wakway, especially after some brave women I met said it was scary.
I ate a light breakfast, filled up my water bottles and off we went. Good thing we got an early start, since it was hundred and climbing. The humidity was also very high. Our clothes were soaked by the time we walked through the jungle to the walkway.
Wow what a sight, I got dizzy just looking up. I took pictures of me overcoming my fears and dancing up there. It was a very proud moment for me and my two daughters were very impressed, they said no way would they do it. After all of that the bird viewing was sparse since it was so hot, the birds stayed down low in the rainforest.
After about two hours we decided to head down, it was getting hotter. Wendy was very interested in a tree called the Dragon's Blood. The guide found one and cut a slit in the bark. The sap was red, he rubbed it on a cut I had on my hand. It turned white as he rubbed it and the cut vanished. WE HAVE TO SAVE OUR RAIN FORESTS.
When we got back to the lodge, the cool waters of the lake called. I then headed to my hammock and a refreshing nap.
At four we again headed out in the canoe to see more wonders. More monkeys and a pygmy kingfisher the smallest kingfisher in the world. Lots of beautiful plants and awesome termite nests. They have a special relationship with parrots. The parrots dig an opening in the nest and lay their eggs. It keeps them warm and the termites don't bother them. The parrots supply the termites with droppings.
Of course we headed back for another wonderful dinner. At night we would once again head out on the lake. Sad since it is our last night at the lodge.
The last night at the lodge turned out to be quite a night. After dinner Wendy, David and I with our wonderful guides headed out onto the lake. The lightening and thunder we saw was mind boggling. I was a little concerned but Julio said not to worry that the storm was far off and wouldn't arrive till four a.m.. Well it sure seemed near and I never seen such a light show and I have seen many.
We also got to see the creatures of the night -- bats. One that we saw is a fisher bat the only species to fish. Sure enough we saw him dive down and get a fish.
After returning to my room, I finished packing and off to sleep I went being serenaded by the sounds of the jungle.
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.