We flew into Miami a day early in order to make connections with the noon flight to Belize City on the Fifth. Miami Int. was in it's usual state of organized chaos but as soon as we boarded the A.A. flight for Central America the transformation was palpable. The passengers were all relaxed and happy, the crew was friendly and helpful, the seats had more leg room, we even had an inflight snack--it was magical!! The flight was short but we missed our connecting flight on Tropic Air. Not a problem, Mayan Air had room for us on the next flight 30 minutes later. The plane was a little 5 passenger job that skimmed over the ocean to a small metro airstrip made out of a macadam-type material and covered with gravel and a few white egrets. The pilot picked up a load of fresh fruit then jump-started the plane with an old battery his buddy dragged out on a wagon and we were off again. We got to sit up with the pilot and it was pretty exciting in the cockpit! We were met in Dangriga by two Hamanasi guides who gave a tour of the countryside on our drive to Hamanasi.
We were greeted by Pauline, the Garifuna ''Jill of all Trades.'' She sat us down and ordered a late lunch for us while acquainting us with the resort. We had a beautiful ocean front room with a porch all furnished in wonderful mahagony furniture from the Belize rain forest. We chose the 6:30 dinnr seating and enjoyed a fantastic epicurean meal. The menu had 5 or 6 entrees from which to choose and the selections changed every night-this place is awesome!
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.