This morning we departed for Belize City after a leisurely breakfast. Along the way, we stopped at the Belize Zoo and saw all the animals we hadn't seen at Pooks, like crocodile, jaguar, tapir and harpy eagle, just to name a few. The zoo is small, and all the animals are rescued from situations that they likely would not have survived. Miguel drove us to Belize City and dropped us off at the Ramada where we were to meet our boat transfer to Turneffe Flats. As we walked in, we ran into Chris, the assistant manager of the lodge. Chris is also from Missoula and a fellow fishing guide friend of Evan's. We had a couple hours to kill so we grabbed lunch at the poolside bar and wandered along waterfront while we waited for the rest of the guest to arrive. We departed from the dock late in the afternoon for our 30-mile trek across the water to Turneffe Atoll. The lodge is on the far side of the atoll so we entered into the mangroves right before dark and arrived at the lodge pretty much at dark. We all walked into the lodge and were welcomed by the staff with welcome drinks and appetizers. It was a very comfortable lodge - nice but not fancy. Comfortable enough to just relax and hang out without feeling the need to be dressed up. Everyone had a few moments to settle into their rooms and then dinner was served. Everyone sat in various groups and got to know all our fellow-lodge guests for the next week. That night we walked along the beach and listened to the surf before turning in for the night.
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.