Guyana Holidays: Kanuku Exploration

The Kanuku Mountains in southwestern Guyana rise out of the grasslands and form a backdrop to the Rupununi savannahs. Their wild sculptured crowns peaking just below the level where the clouds would touch the mountain tops. The range, divided by the Rupununi River, is noted for it's high diversity of bird and animal species, with approximately 80% of the known mammal species of Guyana being recorded.
With little or no human settlement on the eastern range, the area is still pristine and is perfect for the nature and adventure traveller to experience the diversity of the tropical ecosystems.
After flying to Lethem we will take an open backed jeep across the savannah to Dadanawa Ranch for some horse back riding or working cattle with the vacqueros. The real, adventure begins by boat travelling downstream on the Rupununi River, spending the first night near the Amerindian village of Sand Creek. From here the voyage enters the Kanuku Mountains- recognised by Conservation International as being one of the few remaining pristine Amazonian habitats.
We enter the Maparri River, a tributary of the Rupununi River, to reach the Maparri Wilderness Camp set on the banks of the river looking straight on to a set of falls. The area is rich in bird life and the river water is crystal clear. Early risers will have the opportunity of searching for rarely seen Tayra or even a Black Jaguar.
Our exploration continues on foot, trekking through the forest on steep trails and exploring the seemingly endless series of small waterfalls that are fed by the steep mountain slopes. From this remote and beautiful location our journey continues on to Karanambu Ranch to search for Giant River Otters and to enjoy the best inland fishing in Guyana.

DAY 2:
A Georgetown city tour highlights the unique architecture - excellent examples of old colonial homes and buildings, constructed of tropical hardwoods. The famous Stabroek Market, once described as a bizarre bazaar, contains every conceivable item from household goods to gold jewellery. The Botanical Gardens and zoo house one of the most extensive collections of tropical flora in the Caribbean and over 100 species of Guyanese wildlife, including jaguar, river otter, birds, snakes and other reptiles (B).

DAY 3:
After flying to Lethem, we travel by open backed jeep across the savannah to the Dadanawa Ranch for some horse back riding or to work the cattle with the vaqueros (BLD).

DAY 4:
Today enjoy horse back riding on the savannah and along the banks of the Rupununi River or working cattle in the coral with the vacqueros. Overnight at Dadanawa Ranch. (BLD).

DAY 5:
The adventure begins today as you leave the ranch by boat on the Rupununi River. Cruise through small rapids or help guide the boat through rocky outcrops as you make your way to the Wapisiana Indian community at Sand Creek. Overnight in hammock camp at Sand Creek (BLD).

DAY 6:
Today continue the boat journey and travel down the Rupununi River through occasional rapids and into the Kanuku Mountains to Crabwood Creek. This area is uninhabited apart from a few traditional farmers from Sand Creek. The voyage enters the Kanuku Mountains - recognised by Conservation International as being one of the few remaining pristine Amazonian habitats. Visit an Amerindian Farm. Tonight camp in a hammock camp on the river bank. (BLD).

DAY 7:
Continue down the Rupununi River with the opportunity to see Black and Spectacled Caiman, Puma, Tapir, Giant Rivers Otters and Turtles. Turn into the Maparri River, a tributary of the Rupununi River, and travel six miles to the Maparri Wilderness Camp set on the river bank overlooking a small waterfall. The area is rich in bird life and the river water is crystal clear. Overnight at Maparri Wilderness Camp. (BLD)

DAYS 8-9:
Today explore forest trails that lead into the virgin Kanuku Mountains in search of Harpy Eagle, Guiaian Cock-of-the-rock, Cotingas, Three-toed Sloth, Tyra and many other exotic animals. Our exploration continues on foot, trekking through the forest on steep trails and exploring the seemingly endless series of small waterfalls that are fed by the steep mountain slopes. The river offers good fishing with light tackle with spinners or fly and heavy hand line at night for Catfish and Haimara (large predator fish) in clear water. Night boat trip to spot wildlife and see Electric Eels and Dwarf Caiman by torchlight, and the river is also home to Small and Giant River Otter. Overnight at Maparri Wilderness Camp. (BLD).

DAY 10:
After breakfast leave the Maparri River and re-enter the Rupununi and continue down river. Enter the North Rupununi Savannahs, pass the Amerindian community of Yurupukari and end the trip at Karanambu Ranch. Your hostess here is Diane McTurk, well known for her work in rehabilitating orphaned, giant river otters to the wild. She has been filmed by National Geographic and visited by the Calgary Zoo. Dinner with Diane will include stories on the history of her family and the Rupununi Savannahs. Overnight at Karanambu Ranch. (BLD)

DAY 11:
Diane often has resident orphaned otters and you can help her as she tends to them. Visit Simoni Pond for some of the best inland fishing (add US$15.00) in Guyana including Peacock Bass or explore the flooded forest or savannah with Diane. Explore the Rupununi River in search of wild Giant River Otters, Black Caiman and Arapaima. An evening visit to Crane Pond to see hundreds of Ibis, Anhinga, Heron and Egret roosting is a highlight. Overnight at Karanambu Ranch. (BLD)

DAY 12:
Morning free at ranch before flight back to Georgetown. Overnight at Cara Lodge. (B)

DAY 13:
After breakfast, transfer to the airport or continuation of your voyage (B)

Rated: Moderate

Tour Tariff - Private Departures
N° of Participants	2-3	4-5	6+
USD	$ 3129	$ 2501	$ 2441
EUR	€ 2597	€ 2076	€ 2026
GBP	£ 1752	£ 1401	£ 1367

(*) Price last updated on 06 April 2005. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a quotation request .

Included: All road and internal air transport, meals as mentioned, double or twin accommodation in camp or double room, complete camping equipment, local experienced guides, airport transfers.

Kanuku Exploration

"Guyana"