An early morning breakfast prepared us for our first day of excursions. We departed with fantastic guide Mario to a day of zip-lining and cave tubing a short drive from Pook's Hill. Our first experience zip-lining was a blast as we cruised through jungle treetops and over rivers.
Zip-lining over the river. (Joe Devine)
A relaxing float took us through a series of caves in the gently-moving river. It felt great to cool off in the water while enjoying the ancient formations and water features of the caves. It was a nice time to talk with Mario and get to know about him, his family and what life is like as a guide in Belize.
Cave tubing: Exiting one of the caves. (Joe Devine)
That night we met some newly arriving guests at the lodge and set out for a night hike to see the night life of the jungle. We were able to find quite a few creatures during our hour long search including a kinkajou, tarantula, scorpion, boa constrictor, and lots of frogs!
Tarantula coaxed out of its lair. (Joe Devine) One of the many frogs we spotted. (Joe Devine)
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.
