Nestled in the small coastal town of Punta Gorda lies a gem, Belcampo Jungle Lodge. The theme from Jurassic park continually played in my head as I boarded the jungle tram-like cable car up to our Ridge Suite in Belcampo. 4 Ridge Suites sit atop the lodge and are truly spectacular. The combination of a group of local howler monkeys, private pool and endless views of the jungle made it difficult to leave our room and join the world of the living. The only thing to coax us out of our jungle oasis was the jungle food. Dinner on this night was an Indian food themed spread of 16 dishes ranging from curried rice to various types of fish, chicken and vegetarian options. We had the pleasure of taking a Hot Toddie up to our private deck and listening to the sounds of the jungle as night spread across the land.
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.