The perfect introduction to the unique culture and wildlife experiences of Guyana
About the trip
Marvel at Kaieteur Falls which is five times the height of Niagara before flying into the heart of the country and stay in an indigenous community lodge at the Makushi village of Surama with mountain hikes and river trips. Immerse yourself deep in the rainforest at Atta Rainforest Lodge and the adjoining Iwokrama Canopy Walkway which allows you to explore the tree-tops with the chance for great bird and wildlife observations. Explore historical Georgetown with an interactive market tour and an evening boat trip on the Demerara River to see flocks of Scarlet Ibis, Egrets and Herons roosting.
Activities & Highlights
- Kaieteur Falls
- River trips
- Wildlife spotting
- Bird watching
- Mountain hikes
- Trail walks
- Indigenous and local culture
- Community-owned and operated lodges
- Culinary tour
- Historical Georgetown city tour
- Demerara historical river tour
Itinerary
Saturday – Pickup and transfer from the airport to Kanuku Suites. If time permits, you can choose an optional tour to Mangrove Heritage Centre and Trail or Roy Geddes Steel Pan Museum.
Sunday – At dawn you can take an optional birding tour to the Georgetown Botanical Gardens, which is home to over 200 species of birds including the regional endemic, the Blood-coloured Woodpecker. Later in the morning, take a flight over the Demerara and Essequibo Rivers and hundreds of miles of unbroken tropical rainforest to land at Kaieteur Falls, the world’s highest free-falling waterfall. Kaieteur Falls which was first seen by a European on April 29, 1870, is situated in the heart of Guyana on the Potaro River, a tributary of the Essequibo. The water of Kaieteur, one of the world’s natural wonders, flows over a sandstone conglomerate tableland into a deep gorge – a drop of 741 feet or 5 times the height of Niagara Falls. There are no other falls in the world with the magnitude of the sheer drop existing at Kaieteur. Amerindian legend of the Patamona tribe has it that Kai, one of the tribe’s chiefs (after whom the falls is named), committed self-sacrifice by canoeing himself over the falls. It was believed this would encourage the Great Spirit Makonaima to save the tribe from being destroyed by the savage Caribishi.
Kaieteur supports a unique microenvironment with Tank Bromeliads, the largest in the world, in which the tiny Golden Frog spends its entire life and the rarely seen Guianan Cock-of-the-rock nesting close by. The lucky visitor may also see the famous flights of the Kaieteur Swifts or Makonaima Birds which nest under the vast shelf of rock carved by the centuries of water, hidden behind the eternal curtain of falling water.
This evening you can choose an optional tour to experience the Seawall, bars and street food of Georgetown or dinner at Aagman’s Indian restaurant.
Overnight at Kanuku Suites. Breakfast and snack included.
Monday – Board scheduled flight for journey to the Rupununi where you will be met and transfered to Surama Eco-Lodge.
On arrival in Surama you will receive a warm welcome and settle into your accommodation at the lodge. A guide will escort you for a short walk on trails to observe the forest and bird life. As the afternoon cools your guide will take you on a tour of the village. Visit the local school, medical centre and church along with some of the village houses. Tonight enjoy an educational walk to observe wildlife and experience the mystique of the forest after dark. Make sure to bring your flashlights to look for the eyeshine of the creatures of the night.
Overnight at Surama Eco-Lodge. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Tuesday – Rise before dawn for a walk across the savannah and then climb up Surama Mountain for incredible views across the village and savannah to the Pakaraima Mountains. This is not a technical climb but can be arduous, especially after rain, and not for everyone. Your guides will happily offer alternative activities if you prefer not to do this climb. Return to village for lunch and then take a three-mile walk across the savannah and through the rainforest to the Burro Burro River. Your guides will then paddle you on the Burro Burro River, through the rainforest for opportunities to observe Giant River Otters, Tapir, Tira, Spider Monkeys and many more species.
Return to village for sunset.
Overnight at Surama Eco-Lodge. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Wednesday – Dawn forest walk to look for wildlife and birds before travelling through the rainforest to the Iwokrama Forest, for a short walk to hopefully see the amazingly brilliant Guianan Cock-of-the-rock. This trail is through pristine rainforest and the guides can explain how the plants are used for medicines and other uses. Then continue the journey to Atta Rainforest Lodge, home of the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway. The walkway has four suspension bridges leading to three platforms, the highest of which is over 30 metres above the ground, and these will allow great looks at a range of canopy species, many of which you would struggle to see well from the forest floor.
Another area where we will want to spend some time is the clearing around the lodge, as this is one of the best places to see another of Guyana’s “must-see” birds, the Crimson Fruitcrow. This species is seen here on a reasonably regular basis, as it often comes to feed in some of the nearby trees. The clearing is also a reliable site for Black Curassow as there is a family party which has become habituated to people and regularly passes through the clearing.
Overnight at Atta Rainforest Lodge. Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Thursday – Before dawn we will return to the canopy where we can birdwatch easily and from this tree top vantage you can sometimes see Red Howler and Black Spider Monkeys. Apart from the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway itself you can enjoy wildlife and birdwatching walks on the trails around the area. For those interested in botany many of the trails have the key tree species marked. Many bird species, stunning insects, noisy amphibians, and playful primates make the surrounding forest their home. Deer, Tapir and Agouti are also regular visitors to the lodge. Serious birders will want to search the undergrowth for the rarely seen Rufous-winged Ground-cuckoo.
As darkness falls on the canopy walkway, you may see the White-winged Potoo. Night walks are also possible and something new or exciting always seems to pop up along the transnational road near the lodge.
Overnight at Atta Rainforest Lodge. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Friday – Welcome the dawn chorus from the canopy walkway or get close up with a range of hummingbirds in the lodge gardens.
After breakfast drive through the Iwokrama Rainforest for your final chance to view more neotropical wildlife before a scheduled flight back to Georgetown.
Overnight at Kanuku Suites. Breakfast and lunch included.
Saturday – This morning become a local and join Chef Delven Adams for a street-food breakfast in Bourda Market and explore the range of unexpected Guyanese breakfast selections. Delven will then lead you through the labyrinth of the market, discovering it’s deepest corners including the fish, meat, fruit and vegetable marketplaces. You have the chance to meet Delven’s preferred stall holders and taste their produce. There are also fascinating bush medicine stalls, providing concoctions for every kind of ailment. We then head off for a guided tour of Georgetown, the chief port, capital and largest city of Guyana situated on the Demerara River Estuary. The city was designed largely by the Dutch and is laid out in a rectangular pattern with wide tree-lined avenues and irrigation canals that criss-cross. Most of the buildings in the city are wooden with unique Guyanese-colonial architecture dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. A few of these that should not be missed is the residence of the Prime Minister, Statehouse built in 1852 and St. Georges Cathedral which is one of the world’s tallest free-standing wooden buildings. Close by is the Georgetown Town Hall, a splendid example of Gothic architecture, the Victoria Law Courts, St. Andrews Kirk and Stabroek Market, the largest and oldest market of its kind in the Caribbean built in the year 1881.
No tour of the city is complete without a stop to hand-feed West Indian Manatees in the National Park and a visit to the Georgetown Botanical Gardens which is home to over 100 species of birds including the range-restricted Blood-coloured Woodpecker, White-bellied Piculet and Festive Parrots. The garden is also home to the Georgetown Zoo which has evolved into a wildlife rehabilitation centre with over 90% of its population being rescued animals.
Lunch is a special treat as you re-join Delven at his home, where his backyard has been converted into the exclusive hidden gem, the Backyard Café. He will prepare an amazing meal from the morning’s market experience whilst you enjoy the relaxing setting with an arbour, herb garden, fireside and bar with fresh local juices.
Later you can take an optional Demerara River Tour in a local river taxi that enables a completely different view of the city. The journey passes under the Demerara Harbour Bridge, once the longest floating bridge in the world at a total length of 1,851m long. As the sun sets over the river flocks of brilliant Scarlet Ibis, Snowy Egrets, Cattle Egrets, Great Egrets, Tricolored Herons, Striated Herons, Snail Kites and Rufous Crab Hawk settle into the mangroves for the evening.
Overnight at Kanuku Suites. Breakfast and lunch included.
Sunday – Pickup and transfer to the airport for your departing flight. Breakfast is included
Inclusion
Included
- Airport transfers
- Double or twin accommodation
- Meals as listed
- All road & river transfers
- Internal flights in Guyana
- Activities as described
- Local guides
- Value Added Tax
- Kaieteur National Park Fee
- Iwokrama Forest User fee
- Iwokrama Canopy Walkway Fee
Not Included
- Items of personal nature
- International flights
- Alcoholic drinks
- Visas
- Optional activities
Terms & Conditions
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 90 days before arrival – full refund, less any money transfer fees.
• Cancelled 60 to 90 days before arrival – 5% administration fee.
• Cancelled 41 to 59 days before arrival – 20%
• Cancelled 31 to 40 days before arrival – 50%.
• Cancelled 2 to 30 days before arrival or no show – 100%.
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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