Overview
This 1-Day Essequibo River tour starts in Georgetown, a place that looks like it came out of a history book. From there, we’ll take you across Demerara Harbor Bridge to Essequibo River where there’s a bunch more stuff to explore.
The most exciting part of this trip is going through Fort Island. It’s here where we get to learn about “colonial ambitions and the quest for fertile lands.” This was one of the only places colonised by the Dutch, so you know it’s going to be good! A little bit further into our trip, we’ll enjoy some lunch on Sloth Island. You guessed it — this is exactly what it sounds like. An island full of sloths!
Before heading back we’ll stop at Baracara Falls for a swim because why not? All in all, this tour promises unforgettable experiences that need to be seen firsthand.
Tour Highlights
- Court of Policy
- Fort Kyk over al
- Baracara Falls
- Sloth Island
- Bartica
Itinerary
Pick up in the environs of Georgetown and transfer across the Demerara Harbor Bridge and onwards to the Essequibo River and Roed-en-Rust, where you will board a boat for departure. The first stop is Fort Island the best-kept Dutch ruins in the country. As the original estates upriver became less fertile the Dutch Commander decided to follow the estates that were moving downriver for the more fertile alluvial mud near the coast and built a fort to provide security. It was also the headquarters for the court of policy a church and a slave market. Started as a wooden building in 1726 and converted to brick in 1743 it replaced the first capital upriver at Kyk-oer Al in 1739.
We will re-board our boat to continue to Sloth Island for lunch and sightseeing. We can explore the Island.
After lunch, we continue to the mining town of Bartica where we can make a brief stop on the new boardwalk to have a cold beer before continuing into the Mazuruni River to Kyk-Over-Al, the ruins of the first Dutch stronghold and capital which guarded the junction of the Mazaruni, Cuyuni and the much larger Essequibo River. Its name refers to the fact that from the fort you can see over all the rivers and could not be snuck up on by a ship from the ocean.
We then continue to visit Baracara Falls where you can do a little swimming.
Return to Roed-en-Rust to join your vehicles for transfer back to Georgetown.
Please note rate is subject to change on the Suriname section as it is anticipated that the government will implement a Value Added Tax in 2018.
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, wellbeing 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’s behaviours cause 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 vaccination certificates, and 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 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.
LOCAL CULTURE
Many of the areas to be visited are remote and the cultures of the people are most likely different to what you are accustomed to. These communities’ welcome visitors under the condition that their customs, habits and rituals are respected at all times. Wilderness Explorers will Endeavor to provide appropriate guidance to visitors as to correct behaviours whilst in these communities. The company reserves the right to cancel a visitor’s tour, at any time, should their behaviors 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 risks 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 minimize 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, as 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 quoted rate. A deposit of 20% is required to confirm any booking and the balance of payment is due 30 days prior to the 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 prior to arrival – Full refund.
Cancelled 60 to 90 days prior to arrival – 5% administration fee.
Cancelled 41 to 59 days prior to arrival – 20%
Cancelled 31 to 40 days prior to arrival – 50%.
Cancelled 2 to 30 days prior to arrival or no show – 100%.
RESPONSIBILITY
All services are organized by Wilderness Explorers. Notice is hereby given that all arrangements made on behalf of customers are made by the organizers on the sole condition that the organizers 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 travellers, 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 form 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 than 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.
Payment for a tour is taken as acknowledgement and acceptance of all of the above terms and conditions.
What to pack-up for this tour?
- Camera
- Hat/Sunglasses
- Poncho just in its rain
- Swim suite for Baracara Falls
- Sunscreen
- Towel
- Bugs Spray
- Comfortable walking or water shoes
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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Superb Tour Guide and Excellent OrganizationJamal Thomas was truly a superb tour guide, he was so knowledgeable and friendly and warm. We learned a lot from him and felt in good hands. I appreciate the organization of all the tours we went on. We met wonderful, kind tour operators and learned so much about Guyana.Date of Experience: July 10, 2024
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Wonderful Experience with Friendly and Helpful TeamOverall, it was a wonderful experience - everyone was friendly and helpful - tour guide, bus driver, and boat driver, and of course, the Wilderness Explorers reps - Shonnette, Jessica and Antoinette and all who helped to make this trip a success. Although the tour guide spoke about the Bartica history while we were travelling in the boat, the Bartica stop could have had a short tour of the place other than the esplanade - maybe a walk along the main street.Date of Experience: June 07, 2024
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