Highlights of Guyana
Get close to nature on this tour through undiscovered Guyana. Anteaters, tapirs and monkeys surround us as we venture deep into the forested interior.
As we travel by river we discover the wildlife and may even be rewarded with a glimpse of the giant river otter. As a special highlight, the magnificent Kaieteur Falls await.
Note: If circumstances dictate, certain details, such as overnight stops, may vary from those shown below.
Saturday
Arrive in Guyana. Transfer to Georgetown. Overnight at Cara Lodge.
Sunday
Today you are off to the Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls. The impressive Kaieteur Falls are the world’s largest single drop waterfall – a highlight well worth admiring!
Overnight at Cara Lodge. (B/L)
Monday
After breakfast transfer to Ogle Airstrip for a flight across the rainforest to the Iwokrama Airstrip. Take a short transfer boat ride on the Essequibo River to the Iwokrama Field Station.
In the afternoon you can explore the trails around the field station with an Iwokrama Ranger. After dinner, we will take you out on to the river to spot caiman and other nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight at Iwokrama Field Station. (B/L/D)
Tuesday
This morning you will embark on an early morning boat ride near the Field Station. After breakfast, you will leave the field station for the journey to Turtle Mountain, and a leisurely stroll up the mountain to its summit at 935ft (360m). It takes an hour to walk up the mountain, but the effort is more than worth it for the breathtaking views over the forest canopy when you reach the top.
Enjoy a picnic lunch in the forest (for those who may find the Turtle Mountain trek too strenuous they can take an alternative boat trip to Stanley Lake to search for Giant River Otters and Black Caiman or go birding along the trails near the Field Station).
On the return trip, visit Kurupukari Falls to see the Amerindian petroglyphs (dependent on the water level) and stop off at the small Amerindian village of Fair View before returning to the Field Station.
Overnight at Iwokrama Field Station. (B/L/D)
Wednesday
At dawn you are invited to come on a wildlife walk closeby. After breakfast we will explore the trail that is one of the best places to see the elusive Jaguar by 4x4. The Iwokrama forest is rapidly gaining an international reputation for its healthy jaguar populations that seem not to be troubled by the appearance of curious humans. No promises, but many have been lucky!
The journey ends at the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway which allows you to view the forest from 35m up in the canopy. Experience the activity in the mid and upper canopy of the forest and see darkness settle over the forest.
Overnight at Atta Rainforest Lodge. (B/L/D)
Thursday
This morning you are off to hopefully see the amazingly bright orange Guianian Cock-of-the-rock before travelling to the Amerindian village of Surama. After you have settled into your accommodation, a local guide will accompany you on a short walk to observe the forest and bird life. As the afternoon cools you get a chance to visit the village. Tonight why not enjoy an educational walk to observe wildlife and experience the magic of the forest after dark.
Overnight at Surama Guest House. (B/L/D)
Friday
Rise before dawn for a walk across the savannah and then master the gentle climb up Surama Mountain in the cool morning air. This is the best time to observe bird life along the trail. Breakfast will be served at a view point which offers incredible views across the village and savannah to the Pakaraima Mountains.
You return to the village for lunch and then take a three mile walk across the savannah and through the rainforest to the Burro Burro River. A canoe trip on the Burro Burro River is perfect for opportunities to observe Giant River Otters, Tapirs, Spider Monkeys and many other species. Return to village for sunset.
Overnight at Surama Guest House. (B/L/D)
Saturday
After breakfast depart Surama by 4x4 for Rock View Lodge at Annai. Rock View Lodge is located where the savannah meets the forest-covered foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains. With its tropical gardens and flowering trees, the lodge resembles an oasis in the savannah, and attracts many species of birds, particularly nectar feeders and frugivores. Nearby patches of light forest are home to ant birds and flycatchers, and of course the grasslands support an avifauna of their own.
Overnight at Rock View Lodge. (B/L/D)
Sunday
Today you can join the vaqueros on horse back (optional) as they take cattle out to graze on the savannah. Or hike in the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains and visit nearby Amerindian villages.
Overnight at Rock View Lodge. (B/L/D)
Monday
After breakfast transfer by 4x4 to Ginep Landing for a boat trip on the Rupununi River to Karanambu Ranch. This is the home of Diane McTurk, widely known for her work in rehabilitating orphaned, giant river otters to the wild. Diane and her otters have appeared on National Geographic and various documentaries and Karanambu has a long history of visiting naturalists. Diane’s father, Tiny McTurk, has welcomed David Attenborough and Gerald Durrell (Three Singles to Adventure).
Today’s generation of Edward and Melanie McTurk are your hosts, leaving Diane more time developing the Karanambu Trust, work with her otters and her writings. Find out more about the family’s history and the Rupununi Savannahs over dinner.
Overnight at Karanambu Ranch. (B/L/D)
Tuesday
Diane sometimes has resident orphaned otters and you can help her as she tends to them. You can visit Simoni Pond for some of the best inland fishing (optional) in Guyana including Peacock Bass. Or explore the flooded forest or savannah. Visits can be made to nearby ponds for birdwatching and to view the Victoria Amazonica, the world’s largest water lily and Guyana’s national flower.
Overnight at Karanambu Ranch. (B/L/D)
Wednesday
Explore the Rupununi River in search of wild Giant River Otters, Black Caiman and Arapaima. On an evening visit to Crane Pond you will see hundreds of Ibis, Anhinga, Heron and Egret roosting – a true highlight.
Overnight at Karanambu Ranch. (B/L/D)
Thursday
This morning travel out onto the savannah to search for a Giant Anteater. After an early lunch take a flight back to Georgetown. Enjoy an afternoon Georgetown city tour to see the highlights of this bustling city on the Demerara River Estuary.
Overnight at Cara Lodge. (B/L)
Friday
Transfer to the airport for your departing flight. (B)
Our price includes:
Airport transfers, double or twin accommodation, meals as listed, local bar at Karanambu Ranch, all road and river transfers, internal flights in Guyana, activities as described, local guides, hotel tax, Kaieteur National Park fee, Iwokrama Forest User Fee, Iwokrama Canopy Walkway fee
It does not include:
Items of a personal nature, alcoholic drinks except where mentioned, departure tax, international flights
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