The howling began before sunrise. Having stayed in jungle lodges in Costa Rica and Guatemala, we hoped that we would hear howler monkeys again. This time, it sounded like they were perched in the trees directly above our cabin. As it turned out, they probably were. The other-worldly sound of howler monkeys is hard to describe, a combination of wild animal and horror movie make-believe. During our 4 night stay at Lamanai, we saw and/or heard howlers every day, including a close-up encounter on our deck.
The Lamanai area has been protected for the past 30 years. While there is a village nearby, the lodge is situated on a large lagoon and feels very remote. There are only two ways in or out – via boat up the New River (our arrival) or via 4-seater Cessna (our departure).
The Lodge is located a short walk away from the ancient Mayan city of Lamanai, one of the longest occupied Mayan cities. Our guide Levy was both well-informed and passionate about the Mayan civilization and read aloud the temple inscriptions in the Mayan language. While not as spectacular as Tikal or Chichen Itza, it affords the unique experience of walking among and climbing temple ruins with no crowds. By the time we finished our exploration in the morning, the day trippers from the cruise ships were just beginning to arrive.
During our stay at Lamanai, we took dawn canoe trips and walks, sunset cocktail cruises on the lagoon, night walks and night spotlight safaris by boat where we saw crocodiles and nocturnal birds. There’s much to see and remember about Lamanai – the well-informed naturalist guides, the amazing moonrise over the lagoon, the stunning variety of birds in the marsh, and the unforgettable sound of the monkeys.
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
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.