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First seen by a European in 1870, the Kaieteur Falls occur at the spot where the Potaro River, a tributary of the Essequibo, flows over the edge of a sandstone and conglomerate tableland into a deep gorge.

The falls support a unique micro-environment with tank bromeliads, the largest in the world, in which the tiny golden frog, which is endemic to the region, spends its entire life. There are good opportunities to see the rarely observed Guianan cock-of-the-rock, which nests close by. If lucky, you may see the Kaieteur swifts, or so-called Makonaima birds, which nest under the vast shelf of rock that has been carved out by centuries of erosion, hidden behind the curtain of falling water.

After falling sheer for 226 metres (i.e. around five times the height of Niagara Falls and twice that of Victoria Falls), it flows over a series of steep cascades that, if included, bring the total drop to 251 metres. No other falls in the world have such a long sheer drop and while others may have a longer total drop, few combine such height with such volume of water, making Kaieteur one of the most powerful waterfalls in the world with an average flow rate of 663 cubic metres per second.

Upstream, the Potaro Plateau stretches as far as the distant escarpment of the Pakaraima Mountains, while downstream the Potaro empties into the Essequibo, one of South America’s biggest rivers.

The falls were discovered in 1870 by Charles Barrington Brown, one of two British geologists working as government surveyors in the former colony of British Guiana. Brown was unable to investigate the falls more closely at the time, and had to return there the following year with instruments to measure it.

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Key info

  • Ideal for viewing: Guianan cock-of-the-rock, red-and-green macaw, white-chinned swift, golden frog, band-rumped swift
  • Where: Central Essequibo district, Guyana

Wildlife trips

This wildlife location is featured in the following itineraries:

Guyana: A Land of Giants

This exceptional adventure penetrates the densely forested interior of Guyana, the ‘land of many waters’. Staying in Amerindian villages and former cattle ranches, you will travel by light aircraft, four-wheel-drive vehicle, dugout canoe, and on foot, discovering the rich and colourful birdlife and searching for jaguar. Find out more about Guyana: A Land of Giants

  • Price (inc. flights): 13 days from £6,495
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • A
    • S
    • O
    • N
    • D

Guyana: A Pristine Wilderness

Tucked away in the north of South America, Guyana is one of the planet’s last wildernesses. This small group tour has been specially designed to explore the very best that this incredible country has to offer from unbroken rainforest and spectacular waterfalls to a myriad of enthralling wildlife. Find out more about Guyana: A Pristine Wilderness

  • Price (inc. flights): 14 days from £7,195
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • A
    • S
    • O
    • N
    • D

Ultimate Guyana Nature Experience

This expertly guided group adventure takes you deep into Guyana’s pristine interior to explore its rainforests, rivers and savannahs, and see a remarkable variety of wildlife. Travelling by air, land, river and on foot, you’ll stay in Amerindian villages, research stations, ranches and jungle lodges. Find out more about Ultimate Guyana Nature Experience

  • Price (inc. flights): 14 days from £6,595
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • A
    • M
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O
    • N
    • D