Discover South America & Caribbean Tours
Discover South America & Caribbean Tours
Discover South America & Caribbean Tours
It is with great sadness I pay tribute to the passing of Diane McTurk. Diane was an inspiration to not just me but to the entire tourism industry in Guyana and the thousands of visitors that were privileged to stay with her at Karanambu.
Her work in rehabilitating orphaned Giant River Otters to the wild was grass-roots conservation that helped bring understanding to local people and at the same time provide unrivalled wildlife experiences for visitors.
Diane’s old-style hospitality was legendary and she treated all guests as friends at her dining table. The endless stories were entertaining and often hilarious and told part of the rich history of the Rupununi.
On a personal note Diane was a much cherished friend who daily lived her dream at Karanambu. We shared some challenging, funny and rewarding business experiences over 25 years. Some of my most cherished moments in the Rupununi have been shared with Diane. May she rest in peace in her eternal home at Karanambu.
Tony Thorne
Managing Director
Wilderness Explorers
Introduction to the Guiana Shield The Guiana Shield is a vast and ancient geological formation located in northeastern South America, spanning across six countries: Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Renowned as one of the most biologically diverse
Key Highlights Kaieteur Falls is one of the world’s tallest single-drop waterfalls at nearly 750 feet. The waterfall is in the Kaieteur National Park in Guyana, South America. Kaieteur Falls is surrounded by the Amazon rainforest, which boasts unparalleled biodiversity.
The Otter Lady Those were, of course, different times, so perhaps the way in which Diane McTurk found her herself at the forefront of ‘ecotourism’ in Guyana might not happen in the same way today. Nonetheless, she was in many
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Driver/Office Assistant
Shamir Khan hails from Yupukari, a small village in the central Rupununi region of Guyana. With deep ties to his community, he has served as a prominent figure, including roles as a tour guide and a member of the Board of Directors for Caiman House Incorporated. His leadership experience also includes serving as Toshao, the chief of his village, where he played a pivotal role in community development and cultural preservation.
Currently, Shamir works as a driver and office assistant at Wilderness Explorers, where he continues to promote eco-tourism and connect visitors with the natural beauty of his homeland. An avid fisherman, Shamir cherishes opportunities to engage with nature, reflecting his commitment to the environment and traditional practices.
Driver/Office Assistant
Accounts Assistant
Accounts Assistant