This morning we meet up for breakfast and head out on our adventure. We are taking a horseback riding tour through the Jungle this morning....well that was the plan any way
When we get to the pasture where the horses are, it is clear to see we are not going any where. The pasture is completely flooded. So to even get to the horses, we would be shin deep in water. The trail that we would go on is also flooded and muddy.
The staff tells us that we will try this afternoon if the flooding goes down.
The guide then takes us to the river bank to see how high the river is. We saw the river last night during our drive to the Jaguar Preserve but because it was dark we could not see how high it is.
There is evidence of a collapsed bridge from last year's flooding. Then I notice the bridge we crossed over last night, is completely under water. I am in awe at the amount of water and how crazy it is that we were just on that bridge about 15 hours ago. There are people on the other side of the road who will not be able to get to Belize City an onward. One of our guides is trying to get to Punta Gorda to watch his daughter graduate. He doesn't know how he will get there now since the bridge is flooded.
With the days activities being canceled, we decide to have a nice relaxing lunch and sit by the pool while we wait for an updated plan.
We end up visiting the Marie Sharpe's factory and going to the Garifuna Museum. The factory is famous for making the red sauce you see on every table in Belize as well as different varieties of jams.
When we get there we take a 5 minute tour (I was a little disappointed) of the factory and learn a little about how they make everything. We even get to see Marie Sharpe's in her office although she was too busy to come say 'hi'.
After the tour, we drive to the Garifuna museum. This gives an in depth picture into the local community of Garifuna people (native African descent) who were once slaves in nearby countries. The rich history and culture is still alive and flourishing in Dangrig and Hopkins. We even get to meet a few children who are attending school to learn not only a regular curriculum but also learn the history and traditions of the Garifuna people. They love having their picture taken.
The rest of the afternoon is spent relaxing on our balcony and watching the river pour into the ocean. Ugly brown water emerges with crystal blue ocean water. Quite a phenomenon!
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
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
4 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
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.