This classic small group scheduled departure takes in many of the highlights of Guyana: start in historic Georgetown with a market and city tour. Fly across the endless rainforest into the heart of the country to visit Kaieteur Falls, the tallest single-drop waterfall in the world. Continue to the one million-acre Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve for jungle hikes, boat trips, the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, and the chance to see the elusive jaguar. Stay in the Makushi village of Surama before going into the savannahs in search of giant river otters and giant anteaters and taking part in the black caiman research project at the indigenous community of Yupukari. Explore this Guyana Nature Tour by booking on the available dates.
*Group pricing available
*Group pricing available
*Group pricing available
*Group pricing available
*Group pricing available
*Group pricing available
*Group pricing available
*Group pricing available
*Group pricing available
*Group pricing available
*Group pricing available
*Group pricing available
*Group pricing available
*Group pricing available
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Condition of Sale :
Flights to Kaieteur Falls are operated on chartered aircraft, and all flights have a minimum passenger restriction. Therefore, any booking to Kaieteur Falls is subject to a minimum of 12 passengers being available to travel. In most cases, we can fill flights, especially if scheduled for a weekend. However, in the rare case that we cannot meet the required numbers, we will reschedule the trip to another day during your stay, if this is possible. Wilderness Explorers retains the right to reschedule a flight as a first option. If we cannot reschedule the flight, Wilderness Explorers will guarantee a flight, with a minimum of 2 passengers, to Kaieteur Falls only. If a flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control, such as weather, we will endeavour to reschedule the flight during your itinerary. If this is not possible, then a full refund on the flight will be made.
Early morning boat excursion on the Essequibo River. Circumnavigate nearby Indian
House Island before returning to the River Lodge for breakfast.
Excursion to Turtle Mountain via boat and hike. If you think this hike may be too strenuous, you can take an alternative boat trip to Stanley Lake to search for the Giant River Otters and Black Caiman.
Late afternoon boat trip to visit Kurupukari Falls to see the Amerindian petroglyphs (dependent on the water level).
Overnight at Iwokrama River Lodge.
Guyana Nature Experience Pre-Tour 2027
Thursday
Pickup and transfer from Cheddi Jagan International Airport to Georgetown and your selected hotel.
Cara Lodge was built in the 1840s. It has a long and romantic history and was the home of the first Lord Mayor of Georgetown. Over the years, the property has been visited by many dignitaries including King Edward VIll who stayed at the house in 1923. Other dignitaries have included President Jimmy Carter, HRH King Charles III and Mick Jagger. This magnificent wooden colonial home turned hotel offers the tradition and nostalgia of a bygone era. Overnight at Cara Lodge. (Check in time 1400hrs, Check out time 12midday)
Friday
This morning we make an early start to have breakfast at one of the local stands with our host, guide and culinary master, Chef Delven Adams who will guide us around Bourda Market, the largest of the four markets in Georgetown. We will start our tour at the Guyana Shop which has all the local products produced and packaged in Guyana, before heading over to the market where we will meet some of the vendors who Chef buys from daily.
We will visit the fish market, the meat section and the haberdashery section – where one can find anything you can think of from thread to bolts of all kinds of fabric. Dry goods like rice and of course demerara sugar are abundant. A stop at the bush medicine stalls is always educational. Heading outside you can see, touch and taste a variety of local fruits and vegetables unique in this part of the world. The chef will make his purchases with your suggestions of what you would like to try and will then head home to start preparing while we continue on a tour of the city of Georgetown with an experienced guide who will give you the history, rumour and facts on Georgetown and its citizens.
During your visit to Georgetown, there are a number of interesting sites that should not be missed such as the National Museum, which contains a broad selection of our animal life portrayed in taxidermy in beautiful old glass cases, and the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, which houses a wonderful collection of artefacts and explains history and lifestyle of our indigenous peoples.
On this mix of vehicle and walking tour, enjoy the views of other historic buildings along this promenade such as the Public Library, City Hall, the Victoria Law Courts, St. Andrews Kirk, Stabroek Market – once described as a “bizarre bazaar, and St. George’s Cathedral, which is one of the world’s tallest free-standing wooden buildings.
We will visit the Botanical Gardens, home to an extensive collection of tropical flora, and we will also pay a visit to a pond either in the gardens or the National Park, to feed the endangered West Indian Manatees.
After our city tour, we will go to the Backyard Café for lunch. This, as the name suggests, is a backyard that Chef has turned into an exclusive little hidden gem of a restaurant. If you are interested, Chef will welcome you to join him as he prepares a wonderful meal prepared from the fruits and vegetables we bought in the market in the morning. Or you can just sit under the arbour and sip unique blends of juice or enjoy a cold beer, while taking in the sounds and smells of a delicious meal in the making. Once he is ready, we will start eating our way through the courses, remember to pace yourself as you will want to try it all.
Optional Service (not included in package rate):
Demerara Historical River Tour
| Number of Pax: | 1 | 2 | 3 – 4 | 5 – 6 | 7 – 12 |
| Rate p/p US$: | 370.00 | 200.00 | 165.00 | 125.00 | 105.00 |
This afternoon we will take a drive through the heart of the city to the Stabroek Market area. Here we will join the afternoon commuters using the old ferry stelling to board the river taxis which are used to cross the Demerara River. The river taxis are a faster alternative route to using the Demerara Harbour Bridge.
We will slowly cruise along and across the Demerara River while your guide will give a brief history of the famous buildings along the waterfront. We then continue our trip to see the Demerara Harbour Bridge, once the longest floating bridge in the world at a total length of 1,851m long. We will cross under the bridge and tie up our boat near a mangrove that is the nightly roost for a variety of birds. As the sun sets over the river we will have a cold drink and some snacks (or cutters as we call them here in Guyana) as we enjoy flocks of brilliant Scarlet Ibis, Snail Kites, Herons, and three kinds of Egrets as they fly across the sky and settle into the mangroves for the evening.
Soon after the sun sets we return to the ferry stelling while enjoying the city and ship lights from the river.
Overnight at Cara Lodge. BL
Saturday
0430 – 0445hrs pickup by your guide and driver at Cara Lodge and travel eastward from Georgetown along the Atlantic coast to the Mahaica River.
The narrow winding road to the landing runs parallel to the river and takes us through an area that is mainly used for the cultivation of rice and other crops. Fortunately for us, the area along the river has been well preserved and provides an excellent riverfront ecosystem inhabited by flocks of egrets, herons, ibis, various marsh tyrants, and Guyana’s national bird, the Hoatzin. Howler Monkeys also frequent these riverside trees. Giant River Otters are also often seen in the river.
Upon arrival at the river landing, you may enjoy a cup of coffee or tea before heading out onto the river. The river offers a rare chance to see the range-restricted Blood-colored Woodpecker which has been badly affected by habitat loss in the ‘Guianas’ coastal region.
This river is one of the best places to spot Guyana’s national bird, the Hoatzin (Opisthocomus Hoatzin), also known as the Stinkbird, or “Canje Pheasant”. This odd bird is an unusual species of tropical bird found in swamps, riverine forest and mangrove between the Amazon and the Orinoco delta in South America. It is a pheasant-sized bird about 65 cm (25 in) long, with a long neck and small head. The Hoatzin is herbivorous; it eats leaves and fruit, and has an unusual digestive system with an enlarged crop which functions as a rumen. It also produces a horrible smell to scare away potential predators, hence one of its local names.
After our tour we will have breakfast before returning to Georgetown. On the way we will make a brief stop to look for shore birds on the mudflats beyond the seawall. Flocks of Scarlet Ibis, Herons and Egrets are common here as is the rare endemic Rufous Crab-Hawk.
Optional Service (not included in package rate):
Dinner with The Singing Chef
| Number of Pax: | 1 | 2 | 3 – 12 |
| Rate p/p US$: | 110.00 | 90.00 | 85.00 |
Pickup at your hotel and transfer to a local restaurant.
Guyana has a plethora of incredible foods. From grass-fed cows, delicious fresh fish, succulent prawns, wonderful tasting chicken and gorgeous fresh fruits and vegetables.
Now combine all that with a trained international Guyanese chef bringing together an updated form of classical Guyanese cuisine and served in the delightful garden setting of his home. On top of that, combined with the smells of the herb garden and seeing fruits of the garden hanging from the trees around you. Lit by stars, moon and candlelight you are going to be in for an unforgettable feast.
Eon John will be cooking right in front of you so it’s a very personal experience.
We start with a delicious rum cocktail (or mocktail) and relax. The menu is designed to suit your group’s palette so if you fancy the bush fish like hassar lovingly crafted into a delicious meal or maybe the golden Gilbaca catfish which is one of the sweetest fish ever. The ingredients come together using ingredients that have been personally sourced to give you a highlight of your dining experience in Guyana. Chef Eon John the Singing Chef will serenade you under the stars as you finish your meal.
Eon John was born in Guyana and moved to the United States as a boy. His mother, Yvonne John was a celebrity chef in the US with successful restaurants and who wrote 2 cookery books featuring Guyanese Cuisine. Eon worked initially as a professional musician, a career he still enjoys to this day. Eon has had recording deals for Virgin, EMI and Naked Records, and toured with Blondie, Toots and the Maytals and The Wailers amongst others. His passion however has always been food and his culinary career spans working in Germany, France, Spain and the UK, which landed him with a cookery show pilot for the BBC Saturday Kitchen Show.
Eon is on his 3rd TV cooking show for NCN Channel 11 in Guyana the Singing Chef Show is a purely Guyanese cooking programme that features the best of Guyanese food with an accent on culture, music and the natural beauty of the country.
TOTAL RATE :
US$1,247.00 per person, based on 2 pax sharing a twin or double room.
Single Supplement: US$295.00
* This price applies to a Double or Twin Room
| Rate Includes:– airport transfers
– double or twin accommodation – meals as listed – all road transfers – activities as described – local guides – VAT |
Not Included :
– items of a personal nature – alcoholic drinks – international flights – visa |
Saturday
Pickup and transfer from Cheddi Jagan International Airport to Georgetown and your selected hotel.
Cara Lodge was built in the 1840s. It has a long and romantic history and was the home of the first Lord Mayor of Georgetown. Over the years, the property has been visited by many dignitaries including King Edward VIll who stayed at the house in 1923. Other dignitaries have included President Jimmy Carter, HRH King Charles III and Mick Jagger. This magnificent wooden colonial home turned hotel offers the tradition and nostalgia of a bygone era. Overnight at Cara Lodge. (Check in time 1400hrs, Check out time 12midday)
Optional Service (not included in package rate):
Birding in Georgetown’s Botanical Gardens – 3 Hours Duration
| Number of Pax: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7-12 |
| Rate p/p US$: | 155.00 | 80.00 | 70.00 | 60.00 | 60.00 | 60.00 | 50.00 |
0545hrs pickup and transfer to the extensive and beautiful Georgetown Botanical Gardens where, if we are lucky, we will have views of the Blood-colored Woodpecker. This colourful Veniliornis is found only in the Guianas and even there almost wholly limited to the narrow coastal plain. The gardens host Snail Kite, Gray Hawk, Pearl Kite, Carib Grackle, Red-bellied and Red-shouldered Macaws and the rare festive parrots. We will walk on trails in the back of the gardens and may see Yellow-chinned Spinetail, Black-crested Antshrike, Silver-beaked Tanager, Buff-breasted Wren, Golden-spangled Piculet and Ashy-headed Greenlet. You may even want to take a break from birding to feed some manatees in one of the nearby ponds.
Return to your hotel.
Pickup and transfer to Eugene F. Correia International Airport return to Georgetown.
From the Eugene F. Correia International Airport take a scheduled 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 is situated in the heart of Guyana on the Potaro River, a tributary of the Essequibo. The water of Kaieteur 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 micro environment with Tank Bromeliads, the largest in the world, in which the tiny Golden frog spends its entire life and the rarely seen Guiana 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 over millions of years by the black water of the Potaro River.
Condition of Sale :
Flights to Kaieteur Falls are operated on chartered aircraft and all flights have a minimum passenger restriction. Therefore, any booking to Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls is subject to a minimum of 12 passengers being available to travel. In most cases we are able to fill flights, especially if scheduled for a weekend. However, in the rare case that we cannot meet the required numbers we will reschedule the trip to another day during your stay, if this is possible. Wilderness Explorers retains the right to reschedule a flight as a first option. If we cannot reschedule the flight Wilderness Explorers will guarantee a flight, with a minimum of 2 passengers, to Kaieteur Falls only. If a flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control, such as weather, we will endeavour to reschedule the flight during your itinerary. If this is not possible then a full refund on the flight will be made.
Pickup at Eugene F. Correia International Airport and transfer to Georgetown.
Optional Service (not included in package rate):
Evening Seawall, Bars and street food experience
| Number of Pax: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 – 6 | 7-12 |
| Rate p/p US$: | 260.00 | 160.00 | 150.00 | 130.00 | 120.00 |
Every Sunday evening Georgetown’s Seawall comes alive as families, courting couples and friends promenade along the seawall, enjoying the Atlantic sea-breeze. The narrow strip becomes a hive of pop-up cocktail bars, street food vendors, blaring Caribbean music and parties spilling out of the trunks of cars. This excursion takes you into the heart of the scene visiting various bars and enjoying street food, with your guide, who knows all the best places. We will also visit other local bars around the city, looking for what is popular, traditional or unusual. Every Sunday is a new experience, tailored around the group and the level of immersion into the local culture they wish to enjoy.
Optional Service (not included in package rate):
Dinner at Aagman Indian Restaurant
| Number of Pax: | 1 | 2 – 12 |
| Rate p/p US$: | 100.00 | 95.00 |
Pickup at your hotel and transfer to a local restaurant.
“Aagman” is derived from India’s ancient Sanskrit script, which means ‘arrival’ or ‘beginning’. The Aagman food philosophy is driven by a desire to present an eclectic and expansive Indian repertoire, bursting with flavours and originality, as a multi-sensory dining experience. Experience the epicurean Mughlai Cuisine from the imperial kitchens of India. Enjoy the authentic flavours of creations achieved through the use of the finest ingredients and cooking techniques, in elegant surroundings.
Overnight at Cara Lodge. B
Monday
Pickup and transfer to Eugene F. Correia International Airport.
Board flight for journey over hundreds of miles of tropical rainforest to land at Fair View Airstrip. (Check in time 0730hrs, Departure 0900hrs, time subject to change by airline)
Pick up from Fair View airstrip and transfer to Iwokrama River Lodge.
The Iwokrama Rainforest is a vast wilderness of one million acres. This protected area was established in 1996 as the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development. The Iwokrama Forest is in the heart of one of four last untouched tropical forests of the world – The Guiana Shield of North-Eastern South America. Iwokrama was established as a living laboratory for tropical forest management.
From research to business, Iwokrama ensures local economic and social benefits from forest use and conservation. The forest is in the homeland of the Makushi people, who have lived here and used the forest for thousands of years.
The Iwokrama River Lodge is set overlooking the Essequibo River. Accommodation is offered in eight spacious timber cabins with en suite and verandas overlooking the river. Electricity is provided by a combination of solar and diesel generator systems, and wireless internet access is provided for free in the main building. Meals are served buffet-style in the Fred Allicock dining hall.
Explore the trails around the lodge with an Iwokrama Ranger. Iwokrama is home to many bird species including Capuchin bird, Black Nunbird, Chestnut-rumped Woodcreeper, Amazonian Antshrike, Brown-bellied Antwren, Spot-tailed Antwren, Todd’s Antwren, Spotted Puffbird, Green Aracari, Guianan Toucanet, Guianan Red Cotinga, Pompadour Cotinga, Rufous-crowned Elaenia, Bronzy Jacamar, Chestnut & Waved Woodpecker, Gray Antbird, and Strong-billed Woodcreeper. Three other Neotropical species in the Iwokrama forest of high interest are White-winged Potoo, Rufous Potoo, and Rufous-winged Ground-cuckoo.
The forest is also home to many mammals and you may see Red-rumped Agouti and various species of monkey including Red Howler, Black Spider and Wedge-capped.
After dark we’ll set out on the river, in hope of finding one or another of its four species of caiman, and listen for night birds such as Spectacled Owl, White-winged Potoo, Rufous Potoo, Long-tailed Potoo, Zigzag Heron or Blackish Nightjar. Using our flashlights we will look for the eyeshine of snakes including Cox boa, tree frogs and if lucky maybe some mammals. Overnight at Iwokrama River Lodge. BLD
Tuesday
Making an early start, we’ll embark on the Essequibo and circumnavigate nearby Indian House Island, before returning to the River Lodge for breakfast.
Leave the lodge by boat, birdwatching along the way, for the hike to Turtle Mountain. A well-maintained trail winds through the forest before an exhilarating climb up the mountain to its summit at 935ft (approx. 360m). It takes 1 3/4hrs to walk up the mountain, but the effort is more than worth it for the breathtaking views over the forest canopy when you get there and chances of Green Aracari, White Bellbird or a fly-by of one of five types of eagles. This trail is also a great location for seeing Black Spider and Red Howler monkeys. If you think this hike may be too strenuous you can take an alternative boat trip to Stanley Lake to search for Giant River Otters and Black Caiman.
As the afternoon cools you set out on a boat trip to visit Kurupukari Falls to see the Amerindian petroglyphs (dependent on the water level). Overnight at Iwokrama River Lodge. BLD
Wednesday
Explore the trails around the lodge with an Iwokrama Ranger.
Transfer by 4 x 4 along the trail that is one of the best places to see the elusive Jaguar. No promises, but many have been lucky! Along the road, we will watch for the myriad of bird species that frequent the forest edge. This road is the only north – south access in Guyana and links the country to Brazil. Even so traffic is only very occasional and wildlife is often seen along the road, such as Agouti, Tayra, Tapir and Black Curassow. The journey concludes at the Atta Rainforest Lodge, home of the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway.
The Iwokrama Canopy Walkway is situated near the southern boundary of the Iwokrama Reserve in central Guyana. The walkway has four suspension bridges leading to three platforms, the highest of which is over 30 metres above the ground. (Important note: currently, 2 bridges & 1 platform are down for maintenance)
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. The clearing is also a reliable site for Black Curassow as there is a large and growing family party which has become habituated to people and regularly passes through the clearing.
Atta Rainforest Lodge is 500 metres from the base of the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, offering comfortable private-room accommodation with ensuite bathrooms, delicious home-cooked meals, and traditional Amerindian hospitality. The communal building houses the bar, dining area and kitchen and is open sided with views across the gardens to the towering forest, which completely surrounds the lodge. Hammocks and outdoor benches enhance the lovely gardens which include varieties of heliconias that attract over ten different hummingbirds, close enough for the perfect photo. Overnight at Atta Rainforest Lodge. BLD
Thursday
Before dawn we will return to the canopy where we can birdwatch easily and may see Rufous-throated Sapphire, Green Aracari, Pygmy Antwren and Guianan Streaked-Antwren. With some luck Guianan Toucanet, Pompadour Cotinga, Buff-cheeked Greenlet and a host of crown specialists may come within our view. 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. 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 interesting or new always seems to pop on to the scene including one of the six different cats to be found along the transnational road near the lodge. Overnight at Atta Rainforest Lodge. BLD
Friday
Welcome the dawn chorus from the canopy walkway and then return to the lodge for breakfast before departure.
Transfer from Atta Rainforest Lodge through the rainforest to Corkwood in the Iwokrama Forest. Here there is a comparatively short trail to hopefully see the amazingly brilliant Guianan Cock-of-the-rock. This trail is through interesting and pristine rainforest and the guides can explain how the plants are used for medicine and other purposes. Continue to the community of Surama.
The Indigenous community of Surama is located in the heart of Guyana. The village is set in five square miles of savannah which is ringed by the forest-covered Pakaraima Mountains. The villagers of Surama are mainly from the Macushi tribe and still observe many of the traditional practises of their ancestors. The Surama Eco Lodge is owned and operated by the entire community. The Village Council serves as the Board of Directors and through consultation, they decide how the profits from the tourism business are to be spent to benefit the entire community.
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 take for a three-mile walk across the savannah and through the rainforest to the Burro Burro River. This is the best time to observe bird and wildlife along the trail. Your guides will then paddle you on the Burro Burro River for opportunities to observe Giant River Otters, Tapir, Tira, Spider Monkeys and many more species.
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. BLD
Saturday
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.
Sunday
At dawn take a hike in the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains on the Panorama Trail where you might see Cinereous Mourner, Finsch’s Euphonia, Reddish Hermit, Rufous-bellied Antwren, Green-tailed and Yellow-billed Jacamar. The views across the savannah and villages as the sun rises are spectacular.
Return to the lodge for breakfast before departure.
Transfer by vehicle from Rock View Lodge to Ginep Landing.
From Ginep Landing we take a boat trip on the Rupununi River to Karanambu Lodge. Depending on the river level, this trip offers an excellent opportunity to look for Giant Otters as there are several family groups which live along this stretch of the Rupununi River.
Karanambu, a 110-square mile former cattle ranch located in the North Rupununi, was the home of the late Diane McTurk, conservationist and a world-renowned expert on giant otters. Known for its expansive wetlands and savannah, as well as its biological and cultural diversity, Karanambu encompasses savannah, marshy ponds, riparian forest, and a 30-mile stretch of the Rupununi River. The number of species found here is much higher than expected given its size with at least 600 species of bird, and over 200 species of mammals. The seasonally flooded savannahs and forests also draw substantial fish migrations with as many as 700 species of fish — more than anywhere on Earth.
This region is rich in history and is the homeland of the Makushi and earlier peoples dating back more than 7,000 years. Several prominent explorers and naturalists have written about their experiences here, including Robert and Richard Schomburgk, Charles Waterton, Evelyn Waugh, and Gerald Durrell. A very young David Attenborough spent time here and wrote about it in his early book, “Zoo Quest to Guiana”.
With both the river and savannahs close at hand there is a wide variety of activities to be enjoyed at Karanambu. Two guided excursions are provided each day — one early in the morning and another late in the afternoon and into the evening. As well as being the coolest times to be out, these are usually the best times to see the different birds and animals. Trips may be on the river by boat, on the savannahs by 4 by 4 or along forest trails on foot to the different ponds in the area.
Late in the afternoon we will travel by boat to look for wild Giant River Otters and as dusk falls to the ponds to see the giant Victoria amazonica waterlily, bloom at dusk. On the return trip we will spotlight for Black Caiman, birds and creatures of the night.
Accommodations are in traditionally made clay brick cabins, each with en suite and veranda with hammocks. Overnight at Karanambu Lodge. BLD
Transfer from Surama to Rock View Lodge at Annai.
Rock View Lodge is located where the savannah meets the forest-covered foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains. With its tropical gardens and flowering trees, the lodge resembles an oasis in the savannah, and attracts many species of birds, particularly nectar feeders and frugivores. Nearby patches of light forest are home to certain ant birds and flycatchers, and of course the grasslands support an avifauna of their own.
If they are in season, you can see how cashews are roasted and see how local handicrafts are made and maybe even try your hand at them yourself. The labour-intensive method of cracking open the roasted nuts along with the self-ignition of the nuts as the acid content burns off are a spectacular sight. You can then taste the freshly roasted nuts.
Eight comfortable rooms have ensuites and feature a patio and hammock for relaxing. Meals are served in the dining room under the mango trees and most of the produce is grown on the property. The pool has a lovely setting in the gardens and is a welcome respite on a hot day. Overnight at Rock View Lodge. BLD
Monday
This morning we make an early start to an area of rolling grasslands, home to a population of giant anteaters. With luck we shall locate one of these six-foot long animals excavating its breakfast from one of the termite mounds that stud the savannah. Though giant anteaters live in overlapping home ranges they are mostly solitary except during mother-offspring relationships, aggressive interactions between males, and when mating. Mother anteaters carry their offspring on their backs until weaning them.
Evening river excursion or if you are interested in bird watching you can explore woodland patches or gallery forest along the river where we’ll hope to find a variety of species. A feature bird for the area is the Agami Heron. An evening walk along the airstrip offers seven species of nightjar and among the grasslands the Double-striped Thick-knees. Overnight at Karanambu Lodge. BLD
Tuesday
In the event you did not see a giant anteater the previous morning, there is time to travel out to search the savannah again. Or explore the Rupununi River in search of wild Giant River Otters, Black Caiman and Arapaima, making a boat journey along quiet stretches of river.
Return to the lodge for breakfast before departure.
After breakfast we say our goodbyes and transfer upriver by motorized boat to the nearby Amerindian village of Yupukari and Caiman House.
At the edge of Yupukari Village in the Central Rupununi is Caiman House Field Station, a combination guest-lodge and education centre focused on research and conservation projects along the nearby Rupununi River. The Field Station is the hub of several participatory development projects, including the introduction of classroom libraries in all three village schools and an Internet-enabled public library. Visitors may have the opportunity to meet local craftspeople, including the furniture builders at Yupukari Crafters, The Wabbini craft house, and the ladies that grow and process cotton and make lampshades.
Caiman house is also very involved in a turtle conservation program. Recently in the rainy season the sand banks get covered in water as the rains have been coming earlier. Rangers go out and dig up the eggs that the turtles have laid on the sandbanks before they are covered in water and spoiled. They are taken back to the field station and reburied. When they hatch they are kept in two ponds and after a few months there is the turtle celebration and the children in the wildlife club all join in to release the turtles back into the river. By holding them for up to a year the shells harden and the survival rate is very much higher resulting in a larger population of turtles. The yellow spotted river turtles are the main beneficiaries of this program but it is the rare giant river turtle which stands to gain the most. Special attention is paid to rescuing these endangered giants. You can visit the holding ponds where the babies are kept.
Four modest but comfortable guest rooms are situated around a central lounge area in the lodge behind the research centre. Guest rooms feature comfortable beds and ensuite bathrooms with flush toilets and running water. Other rooms are available in the annex building, two with ensuite and one with a shared bathroom. Caiman House Field Station and the Guest House are powered 24 hours a day by a large solar array. The entire station is served by wireless internet access.
As a guest you have the unique opportunity to support and participate in an ongoing field study of the Black Caiman (Melanosuchus niger), the largest member of the alligator family and an endangered species. You are invited to accompany the indigenous crew as they search for and capture Black Caiman on the river. Guests will observe the capture from a separate boat, but will be offered the opportunity to assist in data collection. Caiman are weighed, measured, sexed and tagged before being released back into the river. The research has already discovered interesting information on caimans’ nests that was previously unknown. Overnight at Caiman House. BLD
Wednesday
Vehicle transfer from Caiman House to Lethem.
Scheduled flight to Eugene F. Correia International Airport.
Pickup and transfer from Eugene F. Correia International Airport to Georgetown.
This afternoon enjoy a tour of the city of Georgetown with an experienced guide who will give you the history, rumour and facts on Georgetown and its citizens. We will begin our tour at the Georgetown Seawalls before continuing into the heart of the city.
During your visit to Georgetown, there are a number of interesting sites that should not be missed such as the National Museum, which contains a broad selection of our animal life portrayed in taxidermy in beautiful old glass cases, and the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, which houses a wonderful collection of artefacts and explains history and lifestyle of our indigenous peoples.
On this mix of vehicle and walking tour, enjoy the views of other historic buildings along this promenade such as the Public Library, City Hall, the Victoria Law Courts, St. Andrews Kirk, Stabroek Market – once described as a “bizarre bazaar, and St. George’s Cathedral, which is one of the world’s tallest free-standing wooden buildings.
We will visit the Botanical Gardens, home to an extensive collection of tropical flora,and we will also pay a visit to a pond either in the gardens or the National Park, to feed the endangered West Indian Manatees.
For those who enjoyed a city tour as part of their Pre-Tour, you can exchange this tour for a birdwatching excursion in Georgetown’s Botanical Gardens.
Pickup at your hotel and transfer to a local restaurant.
Backyard Café is located in the West Ruimveldt area where our host, guide and culinary master, Chef Delven Adams will greet you as you enter.
This, as the name suggests, is a backyard that Chef Delven has turned into an exclusive little hidden gem of a restaurant. Try not to bang your head on the passion fruit hanging overhead from the arbor. If there are ripe ones you will be welcomed to try a freshly picked one. His menu is whatever is in season at the time. It is a Guyanese fusion from all over the world.
Overnight at Cara Lodge. BLD (Check in time 1400hrs, Check out time 1200hrs midday)
Thursday
Free day to relax, explore Georgetown or enjoy an optional tour.
Optional Service (not included in package rate):
Mahaica River & Hoatzin Tour
Delven makes his purchase based on clients’ suggestions and dietary requirements from the local market.
If you are interested, Chef Delven will welcome you to join him as he prepares a wonderful meal from the fruits, vegetables and meats he bought. He has a smoker and small fireside right outside and sometimes will prepare the fresh fish right there and you can certainly help him and learn his secrets. His garlic fish is out of this world! You can sit under the arbor and sip unique blends of juice or enjoy a cold Banks Beer, while taking in the sounds and smells of a delicious meal in the making in a secluded back yard in Georgetown.
Once he is ready, we will start eating our way through the courses. We will start with an appetizer, to an entrée and end up with a dessert, which we may be hard pressed to fit in, but we will give it our best shot and remember to pace yourself as you will want to try it all.
| Number of Pax: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 – 6 | 7 – 12 |
| Rate p/p US$: | 485.00 | 265.00 | 225.00 | 170.00 | 130.00 |
0430 – 0445hrs pickup by your guide and driver at Cara Lodge and travel eastward from Georgetown along the Atlantic coast to the Mahaica River.
The narrow winding road to the landing runs parallel to the river and takes us through an area that is mainly used for the cultivation of rice and other crops. Fortunately for us, the area along the river has been well preserved and provides an excellent riverfront ecosystem inhabited by flocks of egrets, herons, ibis, various marsh tyrants, and Guyana’s national bird, the Hoatzin. Howler Monkeys also frequent these riverside trees. Giant River Otters are also often seen in the river.
Upon arrival at the river landing, you may enjoy a cup of coffee or tea before heading out onto the river. The river offers a rare chance to see the range-restricted Blood-colored Woodpecker which has been badly affected by habitat loss in the ‘Guianas’ coastal region.
This river is one of the best places to spot Guyana’s national bird, the Hoatzin (Opisthocomus Hoatzin), also known as the Stinkbird, or “Canje Pheasant”. This odd bird is an unusual species of tropical bird found in swamps, riverine forest and mangrove between the Amazon and the Orinoco delta in South America. It is a pheasant-sized bird about 65 cm (25 in) long, with a long neck and small head. The Hoatzin is herbivorous; it eats leaves and fruit, and has an unusual digestive system with an enlarged crop which functions as a rumen. It also produces a horrible smell to scare away potential predators, hence one of its local names.
After our tour we will have breakfast before returning to Georgetown. On the way we may make a brief stop to look for shore birds on the mudflats beyond the seawall. Flocks of Scarlet Ibis, Herons and Egrets are common here as is the rare endemic Rufous Crab-Hawk.
Optional Service (not included in package rate):
Birding in Georgetown’s Botanical Gardens – 3 Hours Duration
| Number of Pax: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 – 6 | 7 – 12 |
| Rate p/p US$: | 155.00 | 80.00 | 70.00 | 60.00 | 50.00 |
0545hrs pickup and transfer to the extensive and beautiful Georgetown Botanical Gardens where, if we are lucky, we will have views of the Blood-colored Woodpecker. This colourful Veniliornis is found only in the Guianas and even there almost wholly limited to the narrow coastal plain. The gardens host Snail Kite, Gray Hawk, Pearl Kite, Carib Grackle, Red-bellied and Red-shouldered Macaws and the rare festive parrots. We will walk on trails in the back of the gardens and may see Yellow-chinned Spinetail, Black-crested Antshrike, Silver-beaked Tanager, Buff-breasted Wren, Golden-spangled Piculet and Ashy-headed Greenlet. You may even want to take a break from birding to feed some manatees in one of the nearby ponds.
Return to your hotel.
Optional Service (not included in package rate):
7 Curry Tour – US$
| Number of Pax: | 1 | 2 | 3 – 12 |
| Rate p/p US$: | 240.00 | 155.00 | 125.00 |
7 Curry is a traditional dish that is enjoyed by Guyanese regardless of ethnic background. It’s usually cooked on special occasions such as weddings and traditionally served in a beautiful, freshly gathered Lotus waterlily leaf. The meal features 7 different curries eaten with rice and other accompaniments such as puri and achar. And the fun part is you get to eat it with your hands. The 7 curries are all vegetarian and includes pumpkin, bagee (spinach), catahar, potato/channa (chickpeas), boulanger (eggplant), edoe and dahl. All very delicious and a true Guyanese experience with East Indian influences. This is a much-loved traditional meal but prepared but with a modern twist. The tour commences with a 15-minute briefing.
You will then gather your own lotus waterlily leaves to start the day off and then take off to Bourda market to purchase some of the vegetables to make the 7 curries. We will stop for a delicious and refreshingly cold water coconut.
After this we make our way to Tony Favorites Puri shop where you will be able to watch a demonstration of how the puris are made. You will see as Tony prepares the puri ball then throws it to his nephew who rolls it and then throws it to Tony’s son who cooks it right in front of you. We will take puris to go with the 7 curries but as they are so delicious we will, of course, have a fresh one right there and then served with a filling of your choice and local fresh fruit juice.
We will then head over to Jessica and Eon’s secret garden. 7 curry is traditionally cooked outside so you will be taken through the process of how each curry is made and learn some of the techniques from Eon John the Singing Chef. As soon as the curries are all cooked we will all sit down together under the gazebo and enjoy. Photo opportunities abound as you are pictured making the curries and then eating them from your own gathered waterlily leaf in a beautiful setting.
To finish Eon John the Singing Chef will take to the stage for your own private concert of lovingly crafted Guyanese songs
**Your itinerary includes a US$5.00 per person voluntary guest contribution to the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana’s (THAG) Tourism Development Fund, which supports industry-wide improvements through capacity building, marketing and product development to make Guyana a world-class destination. By contributing, you directly support the people, places, and experiences that makes Guyana a special place to visit. While this is included in your total, it is entirely voluntary, and you may choose to opt out.
Note: Passenger/s travelling on internal flights in Guyana are allowed a free baggage allowance of 20lbs/9.1kg. Exceeding this weight passenger/s will incur a cost of US$1.50/GY$315 per pound per pound (price subject to change). We can book excess weight on your behalf, but it is subject to being within the payload of the aircraft and at the discretion of the airline. Please note that additional baggage allowance is subject to availability and can only be confirmed if booked in advance of travel. However, if the additional weight, at the day/time of check-in by the airline, is more than what is booked, additional payment will be required and/or the airline reserves the right to refuse the additional excess weight. Contact us for more information.
Guyana Entry Requirements
All travellers to and from Guyana must complete the digital embarkation/disembarkation form for Immigration and Customs clearance procedures at all ports of entry. These forms, must be completed 1-2 days prior to travel and can be accessed using the following link https://ed.gpf.gov.gy/#/. Take a screenshot of the confirmation page, since it will be requested by immigration.
DISCLAIMERS
FLIGHTS: Price and schedule of all domestic flights are subject to change by the airline.
AIRLINE FUEL SURCHARGE NOTICE:
Please be advised that due to rising fuel costs linked to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, airlines are frequently adjusting their pricing. While we strive to maintain our quoted rates, we reserve the right to apply a fuel surcharge if airline costs increase prior to your departure. We appreciate your understanding as we navigate these external market fluctuations.
BODY WEIGHTS : Please be advised all tour operators and customers must provide us with body weights of passengers booked to travel on tour to Guyana for all internal flights. Failure to provide us with this information or the incorrect information can cause delays to flights and inconvenience to other passengers and in some cases either passengers and/or luggage being taken off the flight. To ensure a holiday that is enjoyable and hassle free, it is imperative that passengers provide us with this information. We appreciate some people are sensitive about providing their body weights, but all customers and their baggage are weighed at check-in. This is procedure by the airline so as to ensure that the weight of the load is within the payload limit for the aircraft, and neither they nor Wilderness Explorers will compromise on safety. All passengers are subject to removal of themselves or luggage from the flight if over the weight they provided and/or over the baggage allowance. Passengers are advised to provide a body weight with clothing similar to that which they would expect to travel in on the flight. Wilderness Explorers cannot be held responsible for any passenger denied boarding or luggage not transported if they are over the weight provided. Weights supplied are provided to the airline in advance to ensure the flight is within the allowable payload.
A WORD ON VISAS : The requirement for a visa can change at any time and without notice. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the necessary visa for each country. We recommend you check the visa requirements for each country included in your itinerary. We are happy to provide advice on current requirements and even assistance in obtaining a visa on arrival or tourist cards. If you are unsure of requirements please contact us for assistance.
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 be changed 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.
Things may not always go to plan in Guyana, but Wilderness Explorers are absolutely superb and will ensure that you have the best possible experience of the country. All the staff I met were friendly, helpful and thoroughly professional. And when the wildlife chooses to show itself it is spectacular.
Date of Experience: January 26, 2025
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