An exceptional adventure penetrating the densely forested interior of Guyana, the 'land of many waters’. Staying in Amerindian villages and former cattle ranches, you visit different habitats with knowledgeable native guides.
The birdlife in particular is rich and colourful, but you will see many fascinating mammals, including – if you are lucky – jaguar. Among the many highlights are Iwokrama Canopy Walkway – for a glimpse of treetop life – a stay at Karanambu to learn about the conservation of giant otters and a chance to see giant anteater, with a final visit to the impressive Kaieteur Falls.
Read travel consultant Chris Smith's blog about his trip to Guyana.
On arrival at Georgetown you will be met and transferred to your accommodation in the city.
Accommodation: Cara Lodge, 1-night
Morning transfer to Ogle Airport for a scheduled flight by light aircraft over the dense forest to Annai (flying time 1.5 hours). On arrival meet your local transport – four-wheel-drive vehicle or four-wheel-drive Bedford truck – for the drive to Atta (roughly one hour away). After lunch at Atta, spend a couple of hours on Iwokrama Canopy Walkway before dusk.
Accommodation: Atta Rainforest Lodge, 1-night.
Start the day with an early visit to Iwokrama Canopy Walkway to hear the dawn chorus, followed by a drive to Surama after breakfast, with a stop to walk the Cock-of-the-rock Trail in the hope of seeing this colourful bird. Lunch on arrival, then spend the afternoon visiting the village with a wildlife walk after dark to see nocturnal species.
Accommodation: Surama Ecolodge, 2-nights
Set out before dawn for a walk on the open savannah, then climb to the low summit of nearby Surama Mountain for breakfast at the lookout point, before returning to the village for lunch. Afternoon walk across the savannah to the Burro-Burro River for a boat trip to spot river otter, tapir, tayra, spider monkey and birds. Return to the village for dinner.
Pre-dawn forest walk for birding, then drive to Annai (one hour) for the two-hour boat trip to Rewa, with plenty of opportunity to see wildlife en route. Afternoon boat trip up the Rewa River for a short walk to Grass Pond to see giant Victoria amazonica water lilies.
Accommodation: Rewa Ecolodge, 2-nights
Short boat ride to Awarmie Mountain for the two to three-hour to climb to the summit, with lunch on return. Afternoon visit to Grass Pond to see arapaima, the world’s largest freshwater fish, and go birding.
Morning transfer to Rock View Lodge, arriving in time for lunch; afternoon walk the Panorama Trail to see poison dart frogs or the Burrowing Owl Trail across the savannah, or simply relax.
Rock View Lodge, 1-night
Transfer by boat and road to Karanambu, arriving for lunch and visit the giant river otter rehabilitation programme. Afternoon boat trip to spot giant otter, black caiman and birds such as green ibis and herons, with a walk to a pond to see Victoria amazonica waterlilies. Return by boat at dusk.
Accommodation: Karanambu Ranch, 2-nights
Morning drive out on the savannah in search of giant anteater; afternoon birdwatching walk or boat trip to see wildlife.
Early morning birdwatching, then transfer to Annai airstrip for mid-morning scheduled flight back to Georgetown. On arrival at Ogle Airport transfer to hotel in time for lunch (not included). Afternoon city tour of Georgetown.
Accommodation: Cara Lodge, 2-nights
Transfer to Ogle Airport for a morning chartered flight to Kaieteur Falls with included lunch. On arrival spend a couple of hours walking trails to get the best views of the falls, plus an opportunity to see Guianan cock-of-the-rock and the endemic golden frog. There is an option (at extra cost) to return via Orinduik Falls. Return to Georgetown in the afternoon.
The chief port, capital and largest city of Guyana occupies the right bank at the mouth of the Demerara Estuary, where a fort was constructed to guard the early Dutch settlements. The Botanical Gardens house one of the most extensive collections of tropical flora in the Caribbean. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Named after the 1,000-metre-high Iwokrama Mountains that lie at its heart, tearthhis area of dense rainforest covers some 3,710 square kilometres of central Guyana, and is one of the world’s four remaining pristine tropical forests – along with those in the Congo, New Guinea, and Amazonia. Find Out More about {acc:title}
This spectacular waterfall, along with the surrounding national park, is Guyana’s most famous visitor attraction, as well as one of the world’s great natural wonders. The dramatic view down the deep gorge in the opposite direction is almost as good as that of the waterfall itself. Find Out More about {acc:title}
The remote Amerindian community of Rewa is located in the north Rupununi , at the confluence of the Rewa and Rupununi rivers. The village has a population of around 300 inhabitants, mostly made up of people from the indigenous Makushi tribe, along with a few Wapixani and Patamona families. Find Out More about {acc:title}
This diverse area of mixed savannah, moist tropical forest and mountain takes its name from the floodplain of the Rupununi River in the southwest of Guyana, along the border with Brazil – one of the country’s most complex ecosystems, and among the earth’s last great wildernesses. Find Out More about {acc:title}
The Amerindian community of Surama lies at the very heart of Guyana, where eight square kilometres of savannah are surrounded by the Pakaraima Mountains, at the edge of the Rupununi savannah. This isolated and idyllic location provides a fascinating insight into Guyana's rainforests. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Surrounded by rainforest, this rustic lodge is just 500 metres from Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, one of Guyana’s best birding spots. Experience traditional Amerindian hospitality, before falling asleep to the sounds of the forest and waking to the call of howler monkeys in the morning. Find Out More about Atta Rainforest Lodge
This magnificent hotel, one of Georgetown’s best preserved wooden buildings, exudes charm and the nostalgia of a bygone era, with first-rate service in a congenial atmosphere. Its 34 rooms reflect the traditional building-style of Guyana during the colonial era, with Demerara shutters and polished wooden floors. Find Out More about Cara Lodge
This eco-resort lies in a tranquil spot, where savannah, swamp and forest meet at the Rupununi River and the plain stretches towards the Pakaraima Mountains. Renowned for its hospitality and abundant wildlife, the five clay-brick and palm-thatched cabanas give it the flavour of an Amerindian village. Find Out More about Karanambu Lodge
Lying close to the confluence of the Rupununi and Rewa Rivers, in the very centre of Guyana, this tranquil ecolodge is renowned for the diversity and abundance of wildlife in the surrounding area. Activities include boat trips along the river, a hike up Awarmie Mountain and excursions by dugout canoe. Find Out More about Rewa Ecolodge
Lying on the outskirts of the small Amerindian village of Annai, in the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains, this comfortable lodge is a pleasant place to relax on the North Rupununi savannah. There are eight rooms, and the lush tropical gardens attract many species of birds - hummingbirds in particular. Find Out More about Rock View Lodge
Situated on the western edge of the village, Surama Lodge occupies a clearing in the savannah with picturesque views towards the rainforest and surrounding mountains. Built as a sustainable ecotourism project by and for the isolated Amerindian community, interpretative guides are on hand to accompany guests. Find Out More about Surama Ecolodge
