Our adventure had a bit of a rocky start, but everything turned out great thanks to the AMAZING staff aboard the Safari Explorer!
We arrived into Honolulu in the wee hours of the morning and went to a hotel for a few hours of sleep before catching our flight to Molokai. We arrived at the airport way too early in the morning (we were trying to be safe) and spent over an hour sitting on a bench outside of the airport, waiting for it to open.
Finally, we checked in and took a tiny little hopper plane over to Molokai. Our driver was waiting to take us to the meeting place...but unfortunately, our bags didn't arrive. We filled out forms for the lost baggage and headed to the hotel where there was a receiving tent for all of the cruise guests.
From the moment we arrived, everyone took care of us! We settled into hammocks to rest while we waited for news of our luggage. One of the other passengers waiting for the cruise lent Kepler some shorts, and they gave us some local beer!
We took naps and enjoyed the beautiful view. One of the crew came to let us know that there still was no news of our bags, so they arranged to have the shuttle driver take us to town to pick up essentials. We each bought one outfit and a swimsuit - enough to get us through if needed. We had some extra time, so we grabbed food at a local pizza place and wandered through town. It was a tiny little town - not touristy at all - and it gave us a great feel for the local culture! Their weekend farmer's market was taking place which helped us pass some time.
When orientation began, we still did not have our bags, so one of the crew went to the airport and started to make calls to see what he could find out. He had great connections and was able to pull some strings and sure enough, just as we loaded up to head to the ship, our bags arrived! Phew!
If the crew had not been so helpful, we would have been stuck with no food, no luggage and not much hope for a great trip. The Safari Explorer was impressive from the start, and they did not let us down as the week continued!
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.