Billie Swamp Safari on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation
Billie Swamp Safari operates on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation. It is located on 2,200 acres of untamed Florida Everglades preserved. It is kept in a pristine state by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. I was treated to a swamp buggy ride that had animals of all varieties, and it also featured the traditional dwellings of the Seminole Tribe. I found the juxtaposition of old and new to be appealing to my desire to know more about the traditions of the past while enjoying the comforts of a motorized vehicle. The animals and history lesson were engaging. I would highly recommend the buggy ride. If you are on the hunt for more adventure, then you will feel compelled to get on the air boats. It was a pleasant way to see the Everglades and to look for gators. I was able to enjoy nature and travel back in time. It was an experiences unlike any I have had before.
We were then treated to an eclectic mix of traditional and modern food. I know you will be hungry after your tour like I was. The food at the Swamp Water Cafe was some of the best food I have ever eaten so you will not be disappointed. I had to have the fried gator and traditional the Seminole fry bread with honey. They had both a regular and a pumpkin ersion of the fry bread. I hope to be able to recreate it again since it was so amazing. I almost wanted to scoop up a few for my purse for later.
After lunch we had an opportunity to meet and greet with a little gator. I like them in the handheld size or on my plate. The tour offers you the ability to see several animals contained and roaming the wild. I came home with a better understanding on the plight of the Native Americans and a new found respect for how difficult it is to preserve their culture.
The demonstration of carving a canoe out of a single tree was fascinating. I didn’t know that it took so long or the amount of skill that was needed to make that happen. It is truly amazing how much was accomplished before modern society by the Seminole Tribe.
This is a day long adventure for the history buff, adventurous undertaker, and foodie in all of us. I highly recommend making it part of your next trip to Florida. I am positive my children and husband would have really enjoyed it. I had a great time on my all day adventure with my friend. It was a fantastic way to experience a diverse and rich culture.
I would take a moment to check them out http://www.billieswamp.com/tour/
