An exceptional adventure penetrating the densely forested interior of Guyana, the 'land of many waters’. Staying in Amerindian villages and former cattle ranches, you visit different habitats with knowledgeable native guides.
The birdlife in particular is rich and colourful, but you will see many fascinating mammals, including – if you are lucky – jaguar. Among the many highlights are Iwokrama Canopy Walkway – for a glimpse of treetop life – a stay at Karanambu to learn about the conservation of giant otters and a chance to see giant anteater, with a final visit to the impressive Kaieteur Falls.
Read travel consultant Chris Smith's blog about his trip to Guyana.
Suggested Itinerary
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Day 1:
Fly to Georgetown
On arrival at Georgetown you will be met and transferred to your accommodation in the city.
Accommodation: Cara Lodge, 1-night
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Day 2:
Fly to Annai, then drive to Atta
Morning transfer to Ogle Airport for a scheduled flight by light aircraft over the dense forest to Annai (flying time 1.5 hours). On arrival meet your local transport – four-wheel-drive vehicle or four-wheel-drive Bedford truck – for the drive to Atta (roughly one hour away). After lunch at Atta, spend a couple of hours on Iwokrama Canopy Walkway before dusk.
Accommodation: Atta Rainforest Lodge, 1-night.
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Day 3:
Dawn visit to canopy walkway, then drive to Surama
Start the day with an early visit to Iwokrama Canopy Walkway to hear the dawn chorus, followed by a drive to Surama after breakfast, with a stop to walk the Cock-of-the-rock Trail in the hope of seeing this colourful bird. Lunch on arrival, then spend the afternoon visiting the village with a wildlife walk after dark to see nocturnal species.
Accommodation: Surama Ecolodge, 2-nights
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Day 4:
Surama
Set out before dawn for a walk on the open savannah, then climb to the low summit of nearby Surama Mountain for breakfast at the lookout point, before returning to the village for lunch. Afternoon walk across the savannah to the Burro-Burro River for a boat trip to spot river otter, tapir, tayra, spider monkey and birds. Return to the village for dinner.
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Day 5:
Pre-dawn birding then drive to Annai for boat to Rewa
Pre-dawn forest walk for birding, then drive to Annai (one hour) for the two-hour boat trip to Rewa, with plenty of opportunity to see wildlife en route. Afternoon boat trip up the Rewa River for a short walk to Grass Pond to see giant Victoria amazonica water lilies.
Accommodation: Rewa Ecolodge, 2-nights
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Day 6:
Climb Awarmie Mountain, then trip to Grass Pond
Short boat ride to Awarmie Mountain for the two to three-hour to climb to the summit, with lunch on return. Afternoon visit to Grass Pond to see arapaima, the world’s largest freshwater fish, and go birding.
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Day 7:
Transfer to Rock View Lodge
Morning transfer to Rock View Lodge, arriving in time for lunch; afternoon walk the Panorama Trail to see poison dart frogs or the Burrowing Owl Trail across the savannah, or simply relax.
Accommodation: Rock View Lodge, 1-night
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Day 8:
Transfer to Karanambu
Transfer by boat and road to Karanambu, arriving for lunch and visit the giant river otter rehabilitation programme. Afternoon boat trip to spot giant otter, black caiman and birds such as green ibis and herons, with a walk to a pond to see Victoria amazonica waterlilies. Return by boat at dusk.
Accommodation: Karanambu Ranch, 2-nights
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Day 9:
Karanambu
Morning drive out on the savannah in search of giant anteater; afternoon birdwatching walk or boat trip to see wildlife.
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Day 10:
Fly back to Georgetown
Early morning birdwatching, then transfer to Annai airstrip for mid-morning scheduled flight back to Georgetown. On arrival at Ogle Airport transfer to hotel in time for lunch (not included). Afternoon city tour of Georgetown.
Accommodation: Cara Lodge, 2-nights
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Day 11:
Morning trip by air to Kaieteur Falls
Transfer to Ogle Airport for a morning chartered flight to Kaieteur Falls with included lunch. On arrival spend a couple of hours walking trails to get the best views of the falls, plus an opportunity to see Guianan cock-of-the-rock and the endemic golden frog. There is an option (at extra cost) to return via Orinduik Falls. Return to Georgetown in the afternoon.
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Day 12:
Depart Georgetown
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Day 13:
Arrive UK