This morning, even though we could sleep in until 7:00 a.m., we woke-up around 6:30 with the sounds of the birds and lizards that were surrounding our tree house and even inhabiting it with us. . . geckos are very helpful in keeping the house clear of insects of all sizes and shapes. They are also very amazing to watch catch their lunch or dinner with their long tongue. After breakfast, we were good to go at 8:00 a.m. for our first visit of one of Belize's Tropical Jungle. Cockscomb National Park and Jaguar Preserve was our destination for the day. Pedro, our guide, met us at the entrance and along with him and five other guests, we left. It was a hot day, so the wild cats were sleeping and keeping cool in their home. It was a great time to see lots of mosquitoes harassing the people in the group (remember: bug repellent is a must and your new fragrance for this trip), two tarantulas, lizards, ants of all sizes and shapes and hear beautiful bird's songs. Speaking of ants. . . Pedro took one of them, a leaf cutter warrior ant; in his hands. . . this little guy was pretty angry, with its mandibles snapping back and forth. Once the guide mentioned these mandibles could cut nails like butter and showed us a demonstration, everyone moved far away from the hive. . . awesome demonstration! After a great lunch, we walked to a waterfall and people enjoyed a nice swim that was very refreshing and cooling too. After about 30 minutes of so, we walked back to the van. On our way out of the Park, we stopped at a site of a plane wreck. On the sign, we could read that all three people who were on-board suffered of only scratches and made it through. It was interesting to see that this plane that was hidden in the jungle could only be seen as we walked into the forest; which was about 300 feet away from the road. After sightseeing the wreck, we left and went straight to the hotel and arrived around 4:30 p.m. We enjoyed a wonderful and tasty dinner and called it a day around 9 p.m.
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.