Rainforest and Rupununi Experience - Private - 10D/9N

photo of the Essequibo River, courtesy of Tourism Board of GuyanaThis experience combines the pristine beauty of the rainforest with the rugged landscape of the Rupununi savannahs.

Included: Airport transfers - All road, river and internal air transport - All meals except in Georgetown - Local bar except in Georgetown - Double or twin accommodation - VAT - Local guides – Iwokrama Forest User Fee.

Not Included: Items of a personal nature - Alcoholic drinks except where mentioned above - Departure tax - International flights - Passport and Visas.

Departures: Daily.

Day by day Itinerary:

  • Day 1 - Arrive in Guyana. Pick up and transfer to Cara Lodge, 150-year-old heritage house converted into a small hotel. Overnight at Cara Lodge.
  • Day 2 - Today you will enjoy a city tour of Georgetown highlighting the extraordinary wooden architecture. The tour will include the Cathedral, the tallest wooden building in the world. We’ll conclude at the extensive and beautiful Botanic Garden. Overnight at Cara Lodge. (B)
  • Day 3 - Transfer to Ogle Airstrip for a flight to Karanambu Ranch. This is the home of Diane McTurk, widely known for 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 (Three Singles to Adventure). Today’s generation of Edward and Melanie McTurk are your hosts, leaving Diane more time developing the Karanambu Trust, work with her otters and her writings. Dinner with Diane, Edward and Melanie will include stories on the history of the family and the Rupununi Savannahs. Overnight at Karanambu Ranch. (B, L, D)
  • Day 4 - Diane sometimes has resident orphaned otters and you can help her as she tends to them. You can visit Simoni Pond for some of the best inland fishing (add US$15.00) in Guyana including Peacock Bass or explore the flooded forest or savannah. Visits can be made to nearby ponds for bird watching and to view the Victoria Amazonica, the world’s largest water lily and Guyana’s national flower. 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. (B, L, D)
  • Day 5 - After breakfast transfer by boat on the Rupununi River to Ginep Landing and then by 4×4 to the Amerindian village of Surama for a side trip. A local guide will escort you on a tour of the village. Visit the local school, medical centre and church along with some of the village houses. Take a walk across the savannah and then the gentle climb up Surama Mountain for incredible views across the village and savannah to the Pakaraima Mountains. Afternoon transfer back to Annai, Rock View Lodge. Overnight at Rock View Lodge. (B, L, D)

    • photo of a room of the Shanklands Rainforest Resort, courtesy of the Tourism Board in Guyana

  • Day 6 - Transfer before dawn to the new canopy walkway in the Iwokrama Forest; this allows you to experience the rainforest from 35M up in the tree tops. After dinner we return to the walkway to experience the canopy at night. Overnight in Iwokrama Atta Rainforest Lodge. (B, L, D)
  • Day 7 - This morning welcome the dawn chorus from the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway. After breakfast transfer by 4×4 Annai. After lunch take a scheduled flight to Georgetown and transfer by boat to the Essequibo to Shanklands Rain Forest Resort. Shanklands Rainforest Resort which is carved from the tropical rainforest on a majestic cliff overlooking the silver water of Guyana’s largest river, the Essequibo. White colonial style gingerbread cottages are set amidst twenty-five acres of rolling lawns with views of the Essequibo and Mazaruni Rivers and the gold mining town of Bartica. Afternoon free to enjoy activities at Shanklands. Overnight at Shanklands Rainforest Resort. (B, L, D)
  • Day 8 - Today enjoy the nature trail which leads into the thick forest where you may encounter Tapir, Labba or other wildlife. The bird life at Shanklands is excellent with nearly 200 species recorded. The Essequibo River provides an excellent arena for water sports. Enjoy sunfish sailing, kayaking, water skiing and tubing. Less strenuous activities such as croquet, mini golf and volleyball can be played on the lawns and beaches. Overnight at Shanklands Rainforest Resort. (B, L, D)
  • Day 9 - Morning to enjoy the facilities at Shanklands. This afternoon return to Georgetown. Overnight at Cara Lodge. (B, L)
  • Day 10 - Transfer to Cheddi Jagan International Airport for departing flight. (B)

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Also tagged with: Adventure Expeditions, Escorted Journeys, South America, Guyana, Trekking, Active Travel, Educational, Cultural, Nature / Ecology, Bird Watching, Special Interest, Hosted Tours, Private Tour, Private Escorted Journey


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