It is such a relief to arrive into Belize City without a hangup on our international flights! Every time I've traveled in the last seven years internationally, there has been some sort of delay or malfunction. Besides our seven hour layover in Salt Lake, it was a smooth ride!
We stepped off the plane, down the stairs, and onto the tarmac, a wave of warm air hitting and welcoming us at the same time. Immigration and customs were a breeze. There was already an air of calm and relaxation as travelers grabbed drinks and food before taking off in the tiny puddle-jumper planes for Ambergris Caye. They boarded the plane according to weight and three of us ladies were smushed together in the back bench seat by the tail. We decided to take it as a compliment.
In San Pedro, we were greeted by a representative from Victoria House and whisked away in a golf cart down the road to the hotel. After checking in, they gave us an introduction to the lay of the land. Then we got busy. . . doing nothing! We lay on the beach and soaked in the long forgotten sun, having come from the rain, snow and sleet of Montana springtime.
That evening we walked down the road to Pepperoni's Pizza, hidden on the side of the road about a 15 minute walk up the road from the hotel. They had a nice, basic outdoor seating area with wooden benches. It was the best pizza Matt had in a long time he said. Halfway through the meal I noticed that my legs were itching and being bitten by bugs or mosquitos or sometime. I had about ten or more bites that swelled to dime-size red bumps, but it was a small price to pay for being in paradise.
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
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.