The day began with another early breakfast to prepare for a bird-watching trek with Mario. We were lucky to have his good eye, since neither me or my Mom have done much bird-watching ourselves. Walking around the Pook's Hill property we were able to spot an surprising amount of bird species as well as some howler monkeys climbing through the trees.
Spotting a howler monkey. (Joe Devine)
Mario was able to help us get some great photos with his scope. We got some great photos of some Toucans. It was cool to see them in person, as they were always a childhood favorite for me.
After relaxing in the most comfortable hammocks we had ever been in, made by Pook's Hills own general manager Ascension, we packed up, said our goodbyes to the wonderful staff and headed over to a small regional airport in Belmopan.
Regional airport in Belmopan. (Joe Devine)
After a short wait we took off in the smallest plane I have been in. It fit about 14 passengers and we rode in the back. It was a pretty fun experience since we could really feel each turn and bump during the ride. It was almost like an amusement park ride, which we are both fans of. However, riding in the front of the plane is a much more stable experience if your looking for a more relaxed experience.
Boarding our puddle-jumper plane. (Joe Devine)
Our short flight took us to the island of Ambergris Caye and the city of San Pedro. We checked in to our hotel, familiarized ourselves with the island, grabbed a bite at a local restaurant and went to bed to prepare for our day on the ocean!
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
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
