When not zodiac cruising, we had two type of landings that the expedition team would arrange. With both, the preparation involved was a bit different than by zodiac and different than a shore landing in Antarctica (if you have had the opportunity to do so!) This is because any shore landing had to be preceded by an expansive sweep of the area by the team to ensure no polar bears were in the vicinity. This gave us ample to to adequately layer up for the very chilly temperatures and gather in the mudroom for our time to load up.
Type 1 was a fixed perimeter that was set for guests to wander freely within. This was typically in the vicinity of historical sites, trapper huts or old mining areas that had been cleared of polar bear activity so that we could explore. This included visits to the shores of Kongsfjord and Billefjorden. Another landing had us exploring the remains of an abandoned Gypsum mine site from 1918 at Skansbukta.
Type 2 Landings were actual hiking opportunities. During these landings, we were tasked with determining our own activity level: Chargers, Medium Fast, Medium Slow, and finally Contemplative for those who wanted a slower or relaxed pace. I chose the chargers group in order to get my blood pumping and stretch my legs at every opportunity possible while on shore. Our hiking group was always sandwiched between two expedition team members, each carrying a rifle, as required in case of unexpected polar bear encounters. I will not say that the chargers group was easy, in fact it was a full fledged workout. We saw our numbers drop at every landing, but those of us who remained covered miles of ground, often post-holing across flat land still covered in winter snow, trudging up steep hills to summit mountain peaks, and snagging incredible views of the scenery below us. My favorite Chargers hike was up a steep peak above Camp Mansfield with sweeping views of the shoreline and panoramic views of the land all around us. We trudged down the mountain after our summit, with enough time to explore the hits at camp Mansfield before returning to the ship for a hearty dinner and an early night. Another Charger hike took us up the hills flanking Midhusen Sound where we wandered amongst a herd of reindeer, spied two arctic fox, and trekked up a mountain under swarms of Little Auks.
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.
