Trip Overview
Embark on a captivating day tour through the colonial heart of Guyana, where history and heritage come alive through the story of the world-famous 1-cent Magenta stamp. From the tranquil Manatee Pond to the historical grounds of the Royal Gazette and Parliament Building, this immersive experience explores the nation’s early postal roots and natural treasures. Along the way, you’ll encounter rare yellow-footed tortoises, enjoy a British-Guyanese fusion meal by Chef Eon John, and delve into a whimsical Donald Duck comic adventure tied to British Guiana’s philatelic past.
Your journey culminates with a cultural showcase featuring photos of President Ali’s proud moment with the stamp in London and a nostalgic musical performance by the Singing Chef. This unique tour offers a rich blend of storytelling, nature, cuisine, and music—making the legacy of the 1-cent Magenta truly unforgettable.
Itinerary
0900 hrs pick up from your hotel to begin your journey into the colonial history of Guyana begins with a visit to the serene Manatee Pond at the National Park. It offers a perfect opportunity to reflect on Guyana’s natural heritage, setting the tone for the rest of your historical journey. From here, you’ll head to the original site of The Royal Gazette, where the 1-cent Magenta stamp was first printed in 1856. The visit to this historic site provides a fascinating glimpse into the stamp’s connection to Guyana’s colonial past.
Next, you’ll travel to the Parliament Building, which was the site of Guyana’s first post office. Here, you’ll be able to view the original post box, a relic of the colonial era that plays a key role in understanding the evolution of Guyana’s postal system. The Parliament and post office hold significant historical importance, as they laid the foundation for the postal infrastructure that would later be immortalized by the 1-cent Magenta.
The journey then leads you to the Tortoise Protective Haven, where the majestic yellow-footed tortoises roam freely. These tortoises were featured on the 2012 Reptiles of South America stamp edition, and a visit to the haven offers a unique chance to see these incredible creatures up close, while also learning about the ongoing efforts to protect them.
Afterward, you’ll unwind at the Secret Garden, a peaceful oasis adorned with a coconut palm and a bamboo gazebo. Here, Chef Eon John will prepare a sumptuous meal that blends traditional British fare with a Guyanese twist. This meal is a culinary nod to the past, offering a taste of what the young L. Vernon Vaughan, the finder of the 1-cent Magenta, and his uncle—the original owner of the stamp—might have enjoyed. As you savor this meal, you’ll also have the rare opportunity to view the original Donald Duck comic created in 1952, which humorously charts Donald Duck’s fictional adventure to British Guinea in search of the 1-cent Magenta. This comic is a delightful piece of memorabilia that ties into the historical narrative of the stamp.
The journey continues with a look at President Ali’s connection to the 1-cent Magenta, through photos documenting his involvement with the stamp’s exhibition in London. These images capture a moment of national pride as Guyana’s rarest artifact took center stage on the international stage, underscoring the stamp’s continued cultural significance.
Finally, the day concludes with a musical performance by the Singing Chef, who will serenade you with songs from the era. His performance brings the past to life, offering a fitting tribute to the time when the 1-cent Magenta was the center of global attention.
As your immersive day draws to a close, you’ll depart at approximately 1500 hrs, with a deeper appreciation for the rich history of Guyana and the extraordinary journey of the 1-cent Magenta, a stamp that transcended its original function to become a global treasure.
Inclusion
Included
- Private Guided Tour
- All Site Visits and Entrance Fees
- Curated Historical Experiences
- Themed Culinary Experience
- Taxes and Service Charges
Not Included
- Items of personal nature
- International flights
- Alcoholic drinks
- Departure tax
- Visas
Terms & Conditions
AUTHORITY ON TOUR
At all times the decision of the company or its representative will be final on all matters likely to endanger the safety, well being and enjoyment of the tour. Clients must at all times strictly comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited. Should the client fail to comply with the above or commit any illegal act when on tour or, if in the company’s opinion, the client behaviour causes or is likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others we may terminate that client’s travel arrangements without any liability on the company’s part.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
The client must be in possession of a valid passport (valid 6 months past the return date), visa (where necessary), permits and certificates including vaccinations certificates, insurance policies required for the journey – the client accepts the responsibility of obtaining these. Any information or advice given by the company on visas, vaccinations, clothing, special equipment, baggage, climate, etc. is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.
CONDITION RESTRAINTS
You have selected a tour that is, in part, in remote areas. This adds to the adventure and opportunity to enjoy a true nature experience. However, due to the nature of the terrain, weather, road conditions, and other elements beyond our control, some elements of tours may have to be altered. Times of some activities may need to change or even cancelled due to the conditions. If an activity is cancelled it will be replaced with an alternative activity that is more appropriate for the conditions. Advance notice will be given for any changes where possible, although at times changes may be made whilst the tour is in progress.
WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS
With any trip involving wildlife, it is impossible to guarantee a sighting, but each trip is designed around known habitats. Wilderness Explorers will make every effort to ensure a sighting, but cannot be held responsible if no sighting is made due to the wildlife itself, weather, or any other elements beyond our control.
LOCAL CULTURE
Many of the areas to be visited are remote and cultures of the people most likely different from what you are accustomed to. These communities welcome visitors under the conditions that their customs, habits and rituals are respected at all times. Wilderness Explorers will endeavour to provide appropriate guidance to visitors as to correct behaviour whilst in these communities. The company reserves the right to cancel a visitor’s tour, at any time, should their behaviour be inappropriate and offensive to the local communities.
ACCEPTANCE OF RISK & RESPONSIBILITY
Nature and adventure travel is by character, an activity that requires travelling in areas that are often remote and the terrain difficult. Whilst every precaution is taken to ensure the comfort and safety of our customers, these trips do have elements of risk. By taking part in this tour you acknowledge that there are inherent risks and that you are fully aware of the conditions of travel, accommodation and activities offered. You accept that Wilderness Explorers, its staff and sub-contractors cannot be held liable for any accident, illness or similar occurrence. You hereby accept all such risk and release the company from all claims and causes of action arising from any injuries or damages resulting from these inherent risks.
FORCE MAJEURE
The company will do its best to minimise the effects of matters outside its control but cannot accept liability of these matters which include political disputes, industrial action, refusal of visas, border closures, unforeseeable climatic events, epidemics and pandemics, delayed or cancelled flights etc. Wilderness Explorers may change, modify, rebook or cancel a trip for defined force majeure events
TRAVEL INSURANCE
It is the client’s responsibility to obtain adequate personal travel insurance. This insurance should, at a minimum, cover personal accident, medical expenses and repatriation expenses. It is recommended that the coverage extends to include loss of effects, curtailment, cancellation and all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the client.
PAYMENT
All rates are quoted in US dollars unless otherwise stated. Rates are correct at the time of publishing, but are subject to change without notice. Due to fluctuating world fuel prices, internal airfares cannot be guaranteed and the rate is therefore subject to change. Every effort will be made to maintain the quoted rate. A deposit of 20% is required to confirm any booking and balance of payment is due 30 days before commencement of the trip.
CANCELLATION BY THE CLIENT
Any cancellation by the client must be in writing and acknowledged by Wilderness Explorers. The date on which the correspondence is received will determine the loss of any monies applicable.
• Cancelled more than 48 hours before tour – full refund, less any money transfer fees.
• Cancelled less than 24 hours before the tour or no show – 100% cancellation fee.
RESPONSIBILITY
All services are organised by Wilderness Explorers. Notice is hereby given that all arrangements made on behalf of customers are made by the organisers on the sole condition that the organisers shall not be held responsible for any injury, death, accident, delay, loss, damage or irregularity which may be occasioned through acts of any company and /or persons engaged in carrying out the arrangements and Wilderness Explorers acts as an agent for transport companies, hotels and other contractors and shall not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, delay or irregularity that may occur, including, but not limited to, any defect in a vehicle or any other form of conveying a traveller, acts of God, detention, delays or expenses arising from quarantine, strike, riots, theft, force majeure, civil disturbance, government restrictions or regulation, accident by aircraft, boat, bicycle, motor vehicle or any other form of transport or in any hotel, resort, ranch, guest house, camp or other forms of accommodation.
SEVERABILITY
In the event that any term or condition contained herein is unenforceable or void by operation of law or as being against public policy or for any other reason then such term or condition shall be deemed to be severed from this Agreement or amend accordingly only to such extent necessary to allow all remaining terms and conditions to survive and continue as binding.
Essential Information
AIRLINES
American Airlines
British Airways
Caribbean Airlines
Copa Airlines
Inter-Caribbean Airlines
Jet Blue Airlines
Suriname Airways
Gum Air
United Airlines
VISA
The following countries do not need a visa: Commonwealth countries, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA. Visa requirements should be checked as requirements can change at any time.
Wilderness Explorers can assist in obtaining permission for a visa on arrival at an additional fee. However, the granting of visas remains at the discretions of the Ministry of Citizenship.
YOUR SAFETY
Our number one priority is your safety and welfare.
Suriname
Paramaribo is a small friendly city. Normal travel precautions for any city are advised. The downtown area is very quiet at night and not worth visiting. Restaurants and bars tend to be out of the city centre, with many focused around the Uitgangs Centrum area near the hotels we use. Uitgangs Centrum is buzzy and quite safe in the evenings.
Once out of the city and into the rainforest it will be isolated with just small villages and you will be perfectly safe. Surinamese people are very friendly and enjoy meeting visitors.
French Guiana
French Guiana is actually a department of France and so in safety terms much the same as being in France. Expect to see gendarmes and even French military (guarding the spaceport and on manoeuvres) and European standard roads. Cayenne is a tiny, sleepy city and normal travel precautions for any city are advised.
Guyana
We always get the question is Guyana safe? Like any big city, Georgetown has areas that are to be avoided by visitors. But we only use hotels that have good standards and are safe. Most of the time in Georgetown you will be accompanied by our experienced guides and drivers who live in the city. During your free time if you want to visit a bar or restaurant in the evening we recommend a taxi, which is inexpensive. Your hotel will be happy to call one for you.
Once out of Georgetown and into what we call the interior, it is a different scenario. You will be in areas with small villages where everyone greets you with a smile and you will be perfectly safe. Some lodges don’t even have locks on the doors as there is no need. There will always be an experienced guide close by to accompany you on your excursions and bring the rainforest and savannah to life and share their knowledge and experience.
Generally, you will find the Guyanese people extremely friendly and only too willing to help you enjoy their country.
VACCINATIONS
Malaria – Many of the areas you visit in Guyana’s interior will have no malaria. However, it is recommended to take malaria Prophylactics as a precaution on some trips. Please consult your physician before your departure. All beds in the interior have mosquito nets, and on camping trips, hammocks with specially fitted mosquito nets are provided. It is advisable to use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and long trousers at night. The mosquitoes are often more prevalent at dusk and dawn.
Yellow Fever – A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers coming from or transiting from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. Vaccination must be undertaken at least 10 days before travel to, or through Suriname. Suriname recognizes the Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is valid for life starting 10 days after vaccination. Children over 1 year of age are required to have a vaccination certificate. Travellers should carry their vaccination card (Yellow Fever) with them at all times.
CLOTHING
In the interior wear casual, comfortable clothing. A shirt with a collar helps protect you from the sun, and a hat and sunglasses are vital. During the day shorts and shirt are fine. In the evening you would want long trousers and a shirt with long sleeves. There is no need to dress up in the interior. You can leave any travel or city clothes in your city hotel or with our office when you are travelling around the interior.
Footwear – Comfortable walking shoes or boots and sandals.
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