Sad day, but I'm ready for the next adventure. We took the water taxi back to Belize City and waited for our bags to arrive...(They ended up on a separate boat.) We shared a taxi with 4 other people plus the diver (that makes 7 of us in a relatively average-sized car). The driver was a bit scary and didn't even stop to let a disabled man cross the street! Good thing we weren't in that car for long! We were headed to the bus station, and paid about $5 for the 2 of us.
There were some bus station attendants who were helpful in deciphering what bus would get us to Belmopan. We were on our way to Pook's Hill Lodge outside of Belmopan, and the lodge agreed to pick us up in Belmopan for free. The bus was an old school bus, a little worn, but the ride was pleasant. The ride took about 1 hour (give or take) and we were in Belmopan before we knew it! It was a nice way to take in the scenery. Belmopan is now the capital of Belize, though it's a relatively small town.
When we arrived to the bus station, we went across the street to the Caladium restaurant to wait for Cat from Pook's. Joe and I had a nice meal, and then Cat from Pook's arrived and joined us.
Driving into Pook's was a beautiful drive. The forest is lush and there are many different birds. Our cabana at Pook's was amazing! Quite the step up from our cabin on Caye Caulker. The first thing we did was explore the property. There's a loop that you can walk through the jungle, and on that loop there are a few gorgeous swimming holes on the Roaring River....I waded a little but Joe went right in (of course).
After the stroll. I took a nice hot shower! (They burn the Cahune Palm Tree nuts to heat the water.) Cat made us some mean rum drinks at the bar, and we went down to the dining room (under the main lodge) for dinner. The food at Pook's was amazing! Seating is family-style, so you get to chat with the other guests, staff, etc.
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.