Deep in the heart of Guyana, on the banks of the Rupununi river lies Karanambu. Since 1927 this has been the home of the McTurk family and a working cattle ranch and has been visited by David Attenborough and Gerald Durrell.
The mission of Karanambu is to provide visitors with the opportunity to experience the wildlife of Karanambu and Simuni while enjoying the hospitality of the McTurk family and helping to conserve this extraordinary wetlands. Karanambu is situated on the Rupununi River with access to the Simoni Pond - one of the key wildlife and fishing areas in Guyana. Karanambu has a strong reputation of providing excellent viewing opportunities of Giant River Otters, Black Caiman and Giant Anteaters.
Karanambu is dedicated to conservation of the Rupununi savannah and wetlands ecosystem and preservation of the traditional way of life of the indigenous Amerindians who make the area their home. Karanambu is a nature lovers paradise and we welcome visitors to this remote corner of South America to experience its untouched natural beauty.
Karanambu Ranch is situated where the north savannah grassland, swamp and flood forest meet on the Rupununi River and the horse flats stretch towards the Pakaraima Mountains and into Brazil.
The settlement has the flavour of an Amerindian village, with its clay brick and palm thatched cabanas set in a compound between the bush and the open range. Diane McTurk, well known for her work in rehabilitating orphaned Giant River Otters to the wild, can accommodate guests in five cabanas with verandah, twin bedded rooms and ensuite bathrooms. Meals are served around a large dining table in the open hammock-swagged living room of the main ranch house.
Outstanding tropical freshwater fish and teeming bird life abound. Bird watchers intrepid enough to brave the flood and insects of the wet season (June - August) are rewarded with water birds breeding in the nearby nursery. The area is also a last refuge for the Giant River Otter and Diane often has orphans in residence. The river reveals Black Caiman and for the lucky the huge Arapaima, the world’s largest fresh water fish.
Diane has started the Karanambu Trust in an attempt to create a private protected area at Karanambu. The primary purpose of the protected area will be the protection of the habitat for the otters and ensuring their survival. This project has created such interest that filmmakers from around the world, such as BBC, Yorkshire Television and Wild Things, have travelled to Karanambu to film Diane's work. As a visitor you can join in with Diane's efforts and help her in the daily feeding and care of the otters. Your overnight rate also helps fund Diane's work.
Guyana's best inland fishing is close by at Simoni Pond, where Peacock Bass is a favourite catch. Boating through the flooded forest offers unparalleled opportunities to observe the unique ecosystem. Excellent bird watching is available on the savannah, in the gallery forest and in particular in Crane Pond.
Guests at Karanambu Ranch are treated as friends rather than as clients and the atmosphere is that of ‘living as family’ in a remote settlement on the banks of the Rupununi River. This approach is reflected in an all-inclusive tariff with few supplementary charges.
ACCOMMODATION
Is in five Amerindian style claybrick, thatched huts with verandah, twin bedded bedroom and bathroom with cold shower and flushing toilet. One of these huts has two bedrooms with shared bathroom facilities. Electric lighting is generated until shortly after bedtime. (Bring flashlights).
