Every expedition has a list of animals and birds that one MIGHT see on an expedition. Of course, no one can guarantee a sighting so it is good to take trips without expecting a sighting. This helps to keep the excitement high when a critter IS spotted.
This is what I tried to do. I have had a National Geographic picture of Polar Bear on my computer screen since I started at Adventure Life. It has been a dream to see these amazing mammals in their home. I was prepared our cruise dates were late in their season and that a sighting might not occur. However, we had five polar bear sightings! It was magnificent. The first bear was during our circumnavigation of Sillem Island. We got to spend an hour plus just watching him wander over rocks and then into the water. He swam for a good 45 minutes before getting out. He then proceeded to strike poses for the delight of the passengers and all you could hear was “click, ooo, click, ahh, click”.
We also had an amazing moment early in our adventure with a family of humpback whales. Our camera did a great job of capturing a tiny shot of a tale so we have proof of the sighting. We also saw harp, bearded and ringed seals throughout the expedition. A few saw dueling Arctic hares, two Arctic foxes (one deceased), and a recently devoured seal carcass. Pretty crazy but so interesting to see.
For birds, we visited two bird colonies (Upernavik and King William Island). At Upernavik, we saw the White Phase Gyrfalcon teaching it’s young to hunt as well as Black Guillemot, Razorbill, Thick-billed Murre, Northing Fulmar, Terns, Cormorants and Black-legged Kittiwakes. I’ve never been a big birder but it was an amazing site to see these homes on cliffs housing so many birds.
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
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
4 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
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.