One thing I was not exactly prepared for was the timing of autumn in Alaska. I knew that it was supposed to be chilly and wet for our trip, but extrapolating that to what that means for our travelers hit me upon my return. Whereas in the contiguous US, autumn starts mid-September or beginning of October (depending on your latitude), in Alaska, autumn can often start at the end of August (or the middle of August in our case).
Hiking in the rain at Hatcher Pass (Kassandra Magruder)
Thus, all of our pictures wearing cold weather gear! So, if you are looking for more predictable weather in Alaska, aim for July or early August, or just give up altogether.
Alaska is a land of extremes and it surprised me in a lot of ways. Besides the weather, I was most surprised about the extend of swamp that the inland is comprised of. I can't imagine having to traipse across the land without roads. The only tree able to grow in the excessive moisture was the poor Black Spruce -- all of 5 feet in some areas.
Maybe that's part of what makes Alaska so special. So much of it is extreme --- massive mountains, stunted trees growing in vast swamps, extensive glaciers --- and that extremeness probably keeps most people away except for a few months a year. We'll be back - but we may pack more clothes next time!
Playing at the campground in Matanuska (Kassandra Magruder)
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.
