Manari Ranch : A Unique Guest House
Overview
Manari Ranch and Guest House is a working cattle ranch located on the Manari River in the vast Rupununi savannahs. It is nestled close to the border with Brazil and a short drive from the frontier town of Lethem. The historic ranch was established in the early 1900s by the Melville family, and it has been passed down from generation to generation.
The old-style ranch house has breezy sitting areas and ten simple, but comfortable guest rooms and serves wonderful Guyanese cuisine. It is also a place where visitors can relax and unwind in a peaceful and natural setting.
Historical Origin
The name “Manari” comes from the local indigenous name for sieve. The ranch is so named because Manari River is fed by the many natural springs of the surrounding savannah area and never dries up like the other small creeks during the height of the dry season.
Wildlife
The ranch is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including capybaras, giant anteaters, and over 300 species of birds. Manari is the perfect location for exploration in the area, in particular to search for the threatened and range restricted Hoary Throated Spinetail and the Rio Branco Antbird, along with many other more common species.
Accommodation
The Manari Ranch and Guesthouse is located in Central Rupununi, approximately fifteen minutes’ drive from Lethem. Manari Ranch is a historic oasis in the Central Rupununi Savannah. This makes it a great alternative to staying in Lethem for visitors seeking a piece of history in a rustic relaxing setting.
Interesting Facts
The ranch at one time boasted approximately 4000 head of cattle and 500 horses at its prime. Its guesthouse was the first in the region when it opened its doors in 1967 after years of hosting people in the main house.
Cowboy Culture
Manari Ranch is a key stop on the birding trail which starts in the North Rupununi and ends in the South Rupununi. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of activities, including guided horseback rides through the ranch’s savannas and forests, learn about the traditional way of life of the Rupununi people through visits to local villages and experience the day-to-day operations of a working cattle ranch.
Manari Ranch and Guesthouse is situated on the Manari River, only 10 km from Lethem and Lethem Airport. Lethem has a border crossing to Brazil, with Boa Vista only 60 minutes’ drive away. Enjoy a peaceful getaway in the tranquil and remote Manari Ranch. Featuring a historic Rupununi site, Manari has a variety of different activities to take part in including canoeing, kayaking, and swimming in freshwater.
Solar Power
Wifi
Complimentary Tea and Coffee
ACTIVITIES
Kayaking and Canoeing: This kayaking tour starts at the Manari Bridge and ends at the Manari Ranch. The price includes a guide, rental of kayaks & paddle board with life jackets and bottled water.
Vacquero Tour: Horseback riding which includes a guided tour of the surrounding area and creek. Checking cows and possible roundup activities.
Chasing Waterfalls: Take a trip to waterfalls cascading off the Kanuku Mountains at different points. Moco Moco Falls, Kumu Falls, Quarrie Falls and Nappi Falls are all available for visits.
Black Rock tour half day: This is a scenic hike up the beautiful Kanuku Mountains to the Black Rock lookout where you can see the Central Savannah Landscape. This fee includes a local indigenous guide from Moco Moco Village.
Dolphin Spotting: This tour takes you along the Takutu to the confluence with the Ireng River where you can see the Guianan Dolphins, Inia Geoffrensis, in their natural habitat. There are seasonal conditions and these species migrate between the dry and wet seasons
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Bird watching
Morning and afternoon walks around the ranch to see the wildlife, domestic animals, flowers, gardens, creeks, sunset, and Kanuku Mountain views.
Swimming at the nearby Manari Creek
Picking fruits from the orchard
Observing the cattle being herded in the morning and afternoons
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