Rupununi Explorer-Savannahs of Guyana | Trip Itinerary

Note:  This tour is a recommended, custom itinerary that is very flexible. We can make changes in hotels, excursions and destinations to suit your travel dates, style and budget.

Day 1/Sun
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/Mon 
0915hrs transfer to Ogle Airstrip for a flight to Lethem. Travel by 4x4 from Lethem to Dadanawa ranch, a 60 mile journey through the savannahs along the foothills of the Kanuku Mountain range.  On the way we pass through the Amerindian village of Shulinab.  Overnight at Dadanawa Ranch.  BLD

Day 3/Tue
This morning you will see the vaqueros working cattle in the corral, lassoing and branding in the traditional way.  Afternoon trip by horse back or vehicle to the nearby mountain Towa Tawan, which is an easy climb and from which there is a spectacular view of the savannahs.  Here you can see rock orchids and cacti and many other plants peculiar to these rock mountains, you can also see numerous species of savannah birds, and if lucky the giant Anteater, white tailed deer and other savannah animals.  Overnight at Dadanawa Ranch.  BLD

Day 4/Wed
Travel along the Rupununi River by boat or vehicle to small rapids, near which there is an outcrop of rocks on which are ancient petroglyphs. You can bathe and relax here at the rapids before returning to the ranch, later we go to a nearby Amerindian community and visit the school and villagers. Overnight at Dadanawa Ranch.  BLD

Day 5/Thu
Depart Dadanawa after breakfast and travel by 4x4 to Lethem, the regions largest town and then to Moco Moco Falls hydro-electric scheme at the foothills of the Kanuku Mountains. Overnight at Savannah Inn.  BLD

Day 6/Fri 
Morning at Savannah Inn. After breakfast transfer by 4x4 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.  BLD 
 
Day 7/Sat
Diane sometimes has resident orphaned otters and you can help her as she tends to them. Visit Crane and Simoni Pond for some of the best birdwatching and inland fishing (add US$15.00) in Guyana including Peacock Bass or explore the flooded forest or savannah. Overnight at Karanambu Ranch.  BLD

Day 8/Sun
After breakfast transfer by boat on the Rupununi River to Ginep Landing and then by 4x4 to Surama Eco Lodge.   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 into the rainforest to the Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve. Enjoy the forest from a different perspective on the new canopy walkway, which allows great birding and wildlife sightings along its 140 metres length and 30 metres up in the tree tops. Overnight in Iwokrama Atta Rainforest Lodge.  BLD 

Day 9/Mon
Morning at Canopy walkway, then transfer by 4x4 to Iwokrama Field Station. Travel down river by boat and then walk through the rainforest to Turtle Mountain, which offers fantastic views over the canopy of the rainforest.  Enjoy a picnic lunch in the forest. On the return trip, visit Kurupukari Falls to see the Amerindian petroglyphs (dependent on the water level).  Then visit the small Amerindian village of Fair View before returning to the field station.  Overnight at Iwokrama River Lodge.  BLD

Day 10/Tue
Morning to view wildlife and forest trekking. After lunch take a 4x4 to Rock View Lodge at Annai.  Rock View Lodge is located where the savannah meets the forest covered foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains. With its tropical gardens and flowering trees, our lodge resembles an oasis in the savannah, and attracts many species of birds, particularly nectar feeders and frugivores.  Nearby patches of light forest are home to certain antbirds and flycatchers, and of course the grassland support an avifauna of their own. You may simply relax in the refreshing waters of the Rupununi’s only pool. Overnight at Rock View Lodge. BLD

Day 11/Wed
Morning explore the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains.  After lunch on schedule flight to Ogle airport. Pick up and transfer to Georgetown. Overnight at Cara Lodge.  BL   

Day 12/ Thu
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 13/Fri
Transfer to Cheddi Jagan International Airport for departing flight. B

Additional night in Goergetown can be added for a full day Kaieteur Falls/Orinduik visit at the beginning (recommended) or end of this itinerary.

B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner