• The early part of the day was dedicated to a 5 hours walking tour with a private guide of downtown Rio. In addition to being highly enlightening, it gave us the courage to return to downtown the day after all by ourselves.
• We finally went to the beach for sunbathing and swim. Maggie was the only one with a one piece bathing suit. The water was very disappointing – dark with a lot of floating trash. In addition to popsicles, they sell drinks and cut watermelon on the beach. Our mouth was watering when we saw the guy. Unfortunately, we didn’t have any cash on us. Maggie went back to the hotel (just across the street) to bring some cash. She came back with the cash, but the watermelon guy never return.
• Of curse we could not leave Rio without having Brazilian BBQ Dinner at the famous Marius’ Restaurant. The place is decorated in a Pirate ambience and has a unique atmosphere. When we were sited, we were asked whether we will have a meat or seafood dinner. We could not understand why they are asking. The appetizers were buffet style with a huge variety of salads, vegetables, sushi and much more. For main course Natan feasted on the different types of excellent tender meats and Maggie on the seafood that was brought to our table by the roaming waiters. The dessert buffet looked as good as the appetizers. We enjoyed the food tremendously, much better quality than the Palace restaurant. The shock was when we got the bill. First, we immediately understood why they asked us whether we will have meat or seafood since they were priced differently. The meat dinner was 97 BR per person, while the seafood 150 BR per person – both outrages prices!!! By the way, there was no price list posted anywhere that we could see.
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.