Guyana: Best Nature Explorer (14 days)
Guyana is wild and untamed and best describe as unspoiled Amazon, Savannah and coastal forest ecosystems with a mix of traditional Amerindian heritage. Enjoy birds and wildlife.
The rich natural history of British Guiana described by early explorers Sir Walter Raleigh and Charles Waterton and later by naturalists David Attenborough and Gerald Durrell still abounds.Those interested in birds will find that Guyana offers all the avian richness of the lowland forests of adjacent Venezuela and a tourist infrastructure that makes it accessible in far greater comfort. Monkeys, tapir, peccaries and jungle cats exist in record numbers. There are just a handful of ecolodges in natural forest settings. In the savannahs of the south, several ranches offer comfortable quarters close to varied and interesting habitats, and also serve as points of departure for camping expeditions to truly remote areas of the interior.This coupled with great lodges, super guides, English speaking citizens and good transportation routes make this a fantastic country to visit.
This tour is suitable for both birders and general wildlife enthusiasts, visiting the coastal plain, the sandbelt forest, the seemingly limitless forests of the interior and the Rupununi Savannah along the Brazilian border. It includes travel by boat and small plane and includes the Demerara and the Essequibo Rivers, as well as a visit to Kaieteur Falls, surely among the worlds most imposing scenic wonders.
2013 Departure Dates and Costs
April 13 - 26
April 21 - May 3 (Special birding departure)
May 11 - 24
August 10 - 23
August 18 - 30 (Special birding departure)
August 24 - Sept. 7 (Special 3 Guianas departure)
September 7 - 20
October 12 - 25
November 9 - 22
November 23 - Dec. 7 (Special 3 Guianas departure)
December 7 - 20
TOUR COST FROM GEORGETOWN FOR 2012 DEPARTURES $ 4,225 USD.
Single supplement $ 499 USD
PRE & POST TOURS TO ASA WRIGHT IN TRINIDAD OR TO SURINAM & FRENCH GUIANA
Itinerary
DAY 1 ARRIVE GEORGETOWN (B)
Arrive in Guyana where you will be met and transferred to Georgetown (1 hour), the capital city and chief port of Guyana, which is situated on the right bank of the estuary of the Demerara River which empties into the Atlantic Ocean. Palm trees, large deciduous trees and lower buildings form a skyline. Approximately 200,000 live in the capital, Guyana's only large city. This site was originally chosen as a fort to guard the early Dutch settlements of the river. Georgetown today preserves an array of Dutch and British colonial architecture. Check into the Cara Lodge.
DAY 2: KAIETEUR FALLS/ORINDUIK FALLS (B,L,D)
After breakfast, you will be transferred by air to the Mighty Kaieteur Falls.
The flight provides good views of the extensive rainforest below. These falls are nothing short of awe inspiring. At 741 feet, its loftiness is over four times the height of the Niagara Falls and boasts the largest single drop waterfall in the world. Enjoy a guided rainforest trek in Kaieteur National Park to absorb the unique flora and fauna, which exists in abundance, as well as the Johnson's Point, which affords the best photo shoots. We will look for the Guianan Cock-of-the-rock and the golden frog whose lives its entire life in the bromeliads of Kaiteur. A visit as well to Orinduik Falls. Return to Georgetown.
DAY 3: GEORGETOWN/IWOKRAMA LODGE (B,L,D)
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Annai. Lunch at Rockview Lodge and continue to Iwokrama River Lodge. Afternoon free to explore the trails in this spectacular forest setting. 2 nights.
DAY 4: IWOKRAMA LODGE (B,L,D)
Embark on a river adventure on the Essequibo and circumnavigate Indian House Island giving us a chance to hear the dawn chorus of birds. After breakfast a hike up Turtle Mountain. This is a hike that does require travellers to be in good physical condition. Alternative arrangements can be made to travel by boat to Stanley Lake in search of Giant Rive Ottere and Black Caiman. On the return trip visit Kurupukari Falls to see the Amerindia petroglyphs (dependent on water levels). Visit the small Amerindian village of Fairview before returning to the field station.
DAY 5: IWOKRAMA/ATTA RAINFOREST LODGE (B,L,D)
Dawn guided forest walk. Afterwards travel by 4x4 in search of the elusive jaguar. This area is becoming famous for its healthy jaguar populations. The journey ends at the Iwokrama canopy walkway. From the 35m vantage point we hope to see birds and monkeys. Overnight at the Atta Rainforest Lodge.
DAY 6: SURAMA (B,L,D)
Return to the canopy walkway for the dawn birding chorus. We will also take a trail to hopefully see the Guianan cock-of-the-rock. After breakfast drive to the Amerindian village of Surama where we receive a welcome from a village counsellor after which a local guide will take you on a tour of the village. Visit the local school, medical centre and church along with some of the village houses. In the afternoon a forest walk. 2 nights Surama Eco Lodge.
DAY 7: SURAMA (B,L,D)
Those that wish can join a climb of Surama mountain. Observe birds enroute. Enjoy the view and return for lunch. In the afternoon a hike to the Burro Burro River where we embark on a paddle. There will be opportunities to observe Giant River Otters, Tapir, Tayra, Spider Monkeys and many more species.
DAY 8: ROCK VIEW LODGE (B,L,D)
Early morning departure and travel by 4 X 4 to rockview Lodge, which is located naer amerindian villages, rainforest, savannahs, mountains and rivers. Enjoy the family atmosphere, excellent regional ranch style cuisine and a swimming pool. Rock View has become a favourite location for bird watchers from North America and Europe. In the late afternoon, a guided bird excursion to the edge of the rainforest. 2 nights Rockview Lodge.
DAY 9: ROCKVIEW (B,L,D)
Enjoy a day of exploring in the regions near the lodge.
DAY 10: ROCKVIEW/KARANAMBU IN THE RUPUNUNI (B,L,D)
Transfer to Ginep Landing for a boat on the Rupununi RIver to Karanambu Ranch. Karanambu is on a remote savannah fringed by flooded forest on the Rupununi River Upon arrival check into the Karanambo Ranch, a series of clay brick and palm thatched cabanas. Karanambu was made famous by Diane McTurk and her work in rehabilitating orphaned Giant River Otters to the wild. Diane and her otters have appeared on National Geographic, Jeff Corwin Experience, Really Wild Show (BBC) and the Calgary's "Zoo World". 
Karanambu has a long history of visiting naturalists and Diane's father, Tiny McTurk, has welcomed David Attenborough and Gerald Durrell. Diane, her nephew Edward his wife Melanie host your stay at Karanambu for 2 nights. Enjoy lunch at Karanambu and familiarization of location. After somewhere in that dusk to dark, we travel by boat to watch the opening of Giant Victoria Amazonian water lilies. and other nocturnal life along the river.
DAY 11: RUPUNUNI (B,L,D)
Have a pre breakfast bird watching excursion. After breakfast enjoy a leisurely trip on the Rupununi River just observing the local bio-diversity and an opportunity to spot the Giant river otter. Diane often has resident otters on site. Later in the day walk through the forest trails with your guide. An evening walk along the airstrip offers the possibility of seven species of nightjar and among the grasslands the Double-striped Thick-knees. An evening boat ride will offer an opportunity to spot Black Caiman, tree Boas, Band-tailed Nighthawk and other nocturnal life.
DAY 12: RUPUNUNI/CAIMAN HOUSE (B,L,D)
In the morning, search for Giant Anteater and other special life on the savannah. After lunch we will again travel by boat, this time to the Amerindian village of Yupukari and Caiman House. Learn about area research projects. Enjoy the nocturnal life that is vibrant in this area.
DAY 13 TO GEORGETOWN (B,L,D)
Early morning guided nature walk. In the afternoon a flight to Georgetown. Overnight Cara Lodge.
DAY 14 GEORGETOWN DEPARTURE (B)
You will be transferred to the Cheddi Jagan International for a departure with memories that we hope will be lasting and pleasant.
3 night ASA WRIGHT EXTENSION
Pre or post tour $ 430 USD per night per room.
DAY 1 Arrive Port of Spain
On arrival in Trinidad clear customs where you will be met by Asa Wright nature Centre and transferred to the lodge. 3 nights at the world renowned Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge, a 200-acre conservation area and wildlife sanctuary in Trinidad's rainforested northern range, participants will travel to visit several unique natural areas throughout the island accompanied by experienced and knowledgeable guides.
DAY 2 ASA Wright (B,L,D)
Awaken this morning to the raucous noise of the Crested Oropendola and a host of other exotic sounds. A first-time visitor may see 20-30 life birds before breakfast. Our day will begin with a guided tour of the several trails which traverse this rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary. On our introductory walk we may see such species such as Violaceous Trogon, Channel-billed toucan, Chestnut Woodpecker, White-bearded Manakin, Bearded Bellbird. Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Turquoise and Bay-headed Tanager.
The Nature Centre is situated in a typical valley of Trinidad;s Northern Range, where traditionally coffee, cocoa and citrus plantations were located and today many of these plants are maintained at the Nature Centre. Natural secondary growth has taken over and festooned the abandoned plantation vegetation with vines and epiphytes to produce an effect of being deep in a tropical rainforest.
The afternoon will be free to allow you to relax, enjoy the trails and adjust to the tropical sun and heat. Birding from the Nature Centre's veranda is one of the World's most pleasant and exciting, ornithological experiences with the White-chested Emerald, White-necked Jacobin, Tufted Coquette, Copper-rumped, Green Honeycreeper, Purple Honeycreeper and Great Kiskadee among the many species that can be easily seen.
DAY 3 ASA WRIGHT (B,L,D)
Full day at the Centre. It is possible to visit the cave of the oilbirds.
Additional side trips can be taken to the Northern Range to the seadside village of Blanchisseuse or to Caroni swamps. These extra tours are approximately $ 45 per person.
DAY 4 Port of Spain Departure (B)
Spend the morning at the Nature Centre exploring the trails, extend your photographic opportunities, take a dip in the naturally beautiful waterfall-fed bathing pool, or just relax on the veranda. Asa Wright will transfer you to the airport for your BWIA flight to Georgetown or home.
Additional Information
Rate includes:
- Local naturalist escorts
- Services of English speaking local guides
- Airport transfers
- Double or twin accommodation
- Meals as listed
- Local bar at Rock View & Karanambu
- All road and river transport
- Internal flights/tax
- Activities as described
