Guyana Holidays: Savannahh to Rainforest

As a guest in Karanambo Rock View Lodge, we explore the highlights of the Rupununi while meeting the people of the area, whose personalities are almost as big as the landscape.
The Rupununi, in the remote southwest of Guyana, is an area of extensive grass lands punctuated by bush islands and termite mounds with a backdrop of wind sculpted peaks of the Kanuku Mountains.
This land is the bastion of the vaqueros who ride their ponies barefoot and effortlessly work the cattle using their leather lassoes. Every year, from June until August, the rains flood the savannah so the bumpy jeep rides become serene boat journeys through flooded forests and plains.
The journey finishes with a few days immersion into an oppressive jungle environment and a flight to the famous Kaieteur Falls.

DAY 1:
Arrive in Guyana and transfer to our hotel in Georgetown.

DAY 2:
Transfer to airport for a flight over endless rainforest before reaching the spectacular Kaieteur Falls with its sheer drop of 741 feet and unique ecosystem. Then continue on to the Brazilian border and bathe in the natural jacuzzi formed when the Ireng River thunders over solid Jasper at Orinduik Falls (see full description below). At the end of the flight a boat trip on the Demerara, Kamuni and Pokerero Rivers, under the canopy of the forest will bring you to Timberhead Rain Forest Resort. This idyllic setting overlooking the Pokerero River and surrounded by rainforest, is the perfect base to encounter nature. Overnight at Timberhead Rain Forest Resort. BLD

DAY 3:
With well marked trails through the forest it is possible to spot some of the 271 bird species recorded at Timberhead. The creeks offer excellent canoeing and the night reveals Caiman and water lillies that only bloom with the cover of darkness. Nearby is the Amerindian village of Santa Mission, which can be reached by boat or an hour's walk through the jungle. Overnight at Timberhead Rain Forest Resort. BLD

Karanambo Ranch - Guyana

DAY 4:
Transfer by boat to the airport for a flight across the rainforest and savannah to Karanambu Ranch. Your hostess here is Diane McTurk, famous 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 5:
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$10.00) in Guyana including Peacock Bass or explore the flooded forest or savannah with Diane. Overnight at Karanambu Ranch. BLD

DAY 6:
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

RockView Lodge - Guyana

DAY 7:
After breakfast transfer by boat along the Rupununi River to Ginep Landing and then by 4x4 across the savannah to Rock View Lodge at Annai. Overnight at Rock View Lodge. BLD

DAY 8:
Today explore the foothills of the Pakariama Mountains or the nearby Amerindian villages. Overnight at Rock View Lodge. BLD

DAY 9:
After breakfast, transfer by 4x4 to Iwokrama Field Station. Afternoon free to explore the trails around the field station with an Iwokrama Ranger. After dinner, we will take you out on to the river to spot caiman and other nocturnal wildlife. Overnight at Iwokrama Field Station. BLD

Giant Otter- Amazonia - Guyana

DAY 10:
Today you will be up before dawn to hit the trail to seek the elusive Jaguar. The Iwokrama forest is rapidly gaining an international reputation for its healthy jaguar populations that seem not to be troubled by the appearance of curious humans. No promises, but many have been lucky! After breakfast, you will leave the field station for the journey to Turtle Mountain, and a leisurely stroll up the mountain to its summit at 935ft (approx. 360m). It takes an hour 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. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the forest. On the return trip, visit Kurupukari Falls to see the Amerindian petroglyphs (dependent on the water level). Then visit the small Amerindian village of Fair View before returning to the Field Station. Overnight at Iwokrama Field Station. BLD

DAY 11:
This morning before breakfast, we will take you on an early morning boat ride near the Field Station. After breakfast, take a wildlife walk with an Iwokrama Ranger close to the Field Station. After lunch we will transfer you by 4 x 4 to Annai for a flight to Georgetown. Transfer by vehicle to the Essequibo River and then by boat to Shanklands Rainforest Resort. Overnight at Shanklands Rainforest Resort. BLD

DAY 12:
Free day to enjoy the facilities at Shanklands including nature trails and your own private beach. Overnight at Shanklands Rainforest Resort. BLD

DAY 13:
A boat trip on the Essequibo and Mazaruni Rivers leads to Marshall Falls, here you can bathe in a natural jacuzzi. Hike through the forest to two smaller waterfalls, both perfect for a jungle swim. On your return visit Kyk-Over-Al, the ruins of a Dutch fort and Bartica, a mining township (see full description below). Overnight at Shanklands Rainforest Resort. BLD

DAY 14:
Transfer to airport for departing flight. B

Rated: Easy

Remark: During the wet season (June - August) transport is predominantly by boat through the flooded forest and the water birds have a nursery nearby. (BLD).

Fixed Departure dates
April 23 to May 6, 2005 - July 30 to August 12, 2005 - November 26 to 8 December, 2005

Tour Tariff
	Fixed Departure	Private Departure
N° of participants	1	2	3	4
USD	$ 2619	$ 3085	$ 3085	$ 2619
EUR	€ 2174	€ 2561	€ 2561	€ 2174
GBP	£ 1466	£ 1727	£ 1727	£ 1466

(*) 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 : Airport transfers - double or twin accommodation - shared accommodation at Iwokrama - meals as listed - local bar at Timberhead, K aranambu, Rock View and Shanklands - all road and river transport - internal flights - Kaieteur National Park fee - activities as described - guides.

Savannah to Rainforest

"Guyana"