I would be remiss to not detail out what was truly the absolute highlight of this early season trip for me, the incredibly abundant and active wildlife. Svalbard has an very diverse ecosystem, and spring, while the pack ice and the fast ice is still strong, is the best time to see the wildlife in action. Bearded seals lounging on ice are prime hunting targets for hungry polar bears. We were incredibly lucky to see the number of polar bears that we did, all out on the the ice. As the summer progresses and the ice diminishes, polar bears head to land to hunt and become less visible from the shoreline. So if this is your prime objective, early season is for you!
I was stunned at how curious the reindeer were whenever we landed on shore. This particular species of reindeer is stunted in growth, so the herds of reindeer you come across on the islands are small, almost appearing miniature compared to the sizes you would see in Arctic Canada or Alaska. Arctic fox, still white from the snowy winter, were just starting to stand out against the pockets of brown from the pebbles and tundra peaking through the snow.
Possibly the most bizarre and memorable creature we came across on our voyage was the walrus. These creatures with their lengthy tusks and wartlike nodes on their heads are blubbery and strange to look upon, but also are full of personality. Their grunts and snorts were often the background music to our mid day lunches and our afternoon wildlife spotting from the decks of the ship.
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
3 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
5 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
6 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
