a precious environment
If you like to see creatures in their unspoiled, natural habitat, Guyana delivers. It offers one of the last four great untouched rainforests in the world – a precious environment that is home to a bewildering array of animals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects. Not to mention tribes people who will give you a profound understanding of the traditional Amerindian way of life. And then there is the landscape itself; dizzyingly high cataracts, rolling savannah and majestic mountains – all waiting to be explored.
Here are our expert consultants’ favourite reasons for visiting Guyana.
KAIETEUR FALLS
The falls are so high and flow so much water that they have developed their own micro-climate populated with a wonderful array of unusual flora and fauna. But one fact gives you an idea of their awesome appeal. Kaieteur Falls are five times higher than Niagara Falls.
IWOKRAMA FOREST
This huge forest is regarded as one of the last four untouched rainforests left on the planet. It’s a place of such outstanding bio-diversity and wonderfully unlikely adapted species that it has its own Research Centre.
KARANAMBU
Karanambu Lodge is a wonderful place to visit in its own right, but some of its guests give it that extra special edge. Black caiman, for example are often considered highly elusive, but here you’ll have a good chance of spotting them. And you’ll definitely see giant river otters – the lodge specialises in rehabilitating orphaned otters kits.
SURAMA VILLAGE
If you’re the sort of traveller who is not content to merely observe and photograph; if you want to understand a country’s lifestyle and traditions, you should visit the Macushi tribe at Surama Village. It’ll give you an indelible insight into Amerindian culture.
ANNAI
Rock View Lodge is the perfect base for beginning a mini-adventure that will take you across rolling savannah in search of dazzlingly colourful and often raucous birds, in vast numbers. You’ll also be ideally placed to hike into the foothills of the stunning Pakaraima Mountains.
TURTLE MOUNTAIN
Turtle Mountain will give you quite a few reasons to hold your breath. Firstly there are the breath-taking views over the forest canopy stretching off as far as the eye can see. Then there are those moments when you hardly dare breathe; when you see you first jaguar, for example, or an eagle in full flight, or a troupe of monkeys in the forest.
ORINDUIK FALLS
Visually this is one of Guyana’s hidden jewels. It’s also a wonderfully tucked away place to swim in a natural Jacuzzi at the foot of a sparkling waterfall, surrounded by lush rainforest. Not to be missed.
YUPUKARI VILLAGE
Walking through the jungle, at night, is an electrifying experience. Especially when you consider that the country’s most interesting creatures emerge as the sun sets. And Yupukari Village also has a Caiman Capture and Research Centre, so you’ll also see plenty of these amazing carnivores.
GEORGETOWN
Away from the wilds of the rainforest, you’ll find Georgetown is distinctly civilised, with glorious Dutch Colonial and stately Victorian architecture to delight the eye. Georgetown is also famous for its bustling Stabroek Market.
CRICKET
If you’re a fan of the click of leather on willow, you’ll know that Guyana has that rare thing in South America – a first class cricket team. No, they don’t compete against the likes of England and Australia, but they do face – and regularly beat – fearsome sides like Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. So expect fast and furious contests.
EXPERTS
Jonny
Claire
