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| | Guyana & Venezuela
Itineraries!
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Wilderness Explorers has developed multi-destination packages
combining Guyana and Venezuela. Experience the pristine rainforest and abundant wildlife of Guyana before trekking to the top of Mount Roraima in Venezuela. |
Introduction to the Gran Sabana and Mount Roraima
The Gran Sabana
The Gran Sabana is a grassy savannah-like plateau with an elevation of 900-1200 metres. Millions of years of erosion have made this location one of the world's richest areas for gold and diamond mining. Abounding in natural wonders such as waterfalls, rapids and tropical rainforest; the plentiful wildlife makes the Sabana a naturalist and birdwatcher's paradise. Recently tourism, and especially eco-tourism, has made La Gran Sabana the first choice for travellers seeking adventure in the remote areas of its unique geography.
Above the Sabana loom the tepuys, or "Table Mountains" of which Mount Roraima is the most famous. The tepuys are estimated to be over 1,700 million years old. On the tepuys' lunar-like surface are many plants and animals found no where else on earth. The Auyantepuy, located in Canaima National Park, features the Angel Falls, the world's tallest waterfall.
Mount Roraima
  
Mount Roraima is one of the most acclaimed sights in South America. For hundreds of years the mile high flat topped mountain has been inspiring the tales and rumours concerning what actually exists on its summit above the clouds. In the late sixteenth century, Sir Walter Raleigh first visited the area around Roraima, searching for a civilisation that would make England as rich as the Aztecs had made Spain. He never found one, but he did return home with what were deemed by his peers as wild and outlandish stories about a Crystal Mountain. In his treaties "The Discoveries of the large Rich and Beautiful Empire of Guiana", Raleigh likened the mountains to "a high church tower. "A large river leaps down from above without touching the mountain's wall in its descent, as it goes out toward the air and reaches the bottom with a roar and clamour that would be produced by one thousand giant bells striking one another. I believe there does not exist a bigger and more marvellous waterfall in the world."
Raleigh's claims were confirmed in the early nineteenth century by Sir Robert Schomburgh, who viewed the mountain while on an expedition to explore the interior of British Guyana. Although Schomburgh was able to get close enough to collect specimens from the south-eastern zone at the base of Roraima, he declared the apex to be unreachable. It was not until 1884 that Roraima was proven to be accessible when explorers Everard Im Thurm and Harry I. Perkins made it to the top.
Roraima has also made an impression on western literature and thought, influencing such men as Charles Darwin and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. After the publication of Darwin's 'Origin of Species' there was great public interest in 'missing links' and 'relic species' preserved by isolation. Roraima's mysterious summit was an excellent possibility for an area at evolutionary standstill and the last place on earth where dinosaurs could exist. Conan Doyle, fascinated by the descriptions of explorers such as Im Thurm, wrote in 1912 what is considered to be one of the best science fiction novels ever written "The Lost World."
Waterfall and Mountain Explorer
Monday
Arrive in Guyana and transfer to Georgetown. Overnight at
Cara Lodge.
Tuesday
This morning enjoy a city tour of Georgetown, highlighting the unique
architecture, markets, zoo and much more. Afternoon to prepare equipment for
interior expedition and relax at leisure. Overnight at Cara Lodge. B
Wednesday
This morning depart Georgetown at 0630hrs traveling for 8 hours, passing
through the bauxite town of Linden, then through miles and miles of lush
rainforest and rolling hills, stopping briefly at ‘58’ where you enjoy a lovely
vegetarian lunch or fried local fish or chicken. Rejuvenated, you continue your
journey to the bustling gold-mining town of Mahdia, then to Pamela Landing where
you travel by boat for 2 ½ hours to Amatuk. Here, on this beautiful island of
white sand with the 170 ft drop Amatuk falls just a few yards away, you camp for
the night. A refreshing bath in the river and a sumptuous meal prepared by
Melford and Ina are all you need before climbing into your hammock. The fresh,
clean air will soon render you fast asleep. Overnight at camp Amatuk. BLD
Thursday ( 8 hours )
The next day you leave by foot, trekking
through the jungle, swimming across creeks and walking across jungle bridges
(tree trunks), a short boat-ride through the rapids and you arrive at Waratuk
where you camp for the night. BLD
Friday ( 8 hours )
 The
next morning, after a good night’s sleep and a delicious breakfast, you set off
on foot for Tukiet with the enigmatic Ibini mountain range in a distance as your
constant companion. Another short boat ride and you reach just in time for lunch
at Tukiet, the bottom of Kaieteur Falls. A cool dip in the river with the ‘Old
Man’s Beard’, a beautiful falls, flowing gently down a steep drop from high up
the mountain just across the river, and a healthy meal will put you in top gear
to begin your climb up the ‘O my God’ mountain. Did you say that you liked
challenges? This climb will challenge you both physically and mentally. With
your backpack strapped securely unto your back and your water bottle within easy
reach you begin your ascend quite smartly. After four and a half exhilarating
hours of climbing, enough time to come to terms with yourself and find out who
you really are, you eventually reach the top. The feeling of achievement is
indescribable as you proudly view the grandeur of the mighty Kaieteur Falls, the
highest single-drop waterfalls in the world. A peaceful and contented night’s
rest at the Kaieteur Guest House will refresh you for the next day’s activities.
Overnight at Kaieteur Guest House. BLD.
Saturday ( 4 hours )
A tour around the Kaieteur Park will prove to be a truly fascinating experience.
You will get the chance to view the Kaieteur Falls from several vantage points
that offer excellent photo opportunities. The knowledgeable tour guide is a
vault of information that is simply incredible. With stealth and a little
patience you can get a close- up view of the beautiful, but poisonous ‘golden
frog’ and, if you’re lucky you’ll catch a glimpse of the brilliantly coloured,
orange ‘Cock-of-the-rock’. You will also make the acquaintance of several pretty
carnivores plants, some of which feed on insects. There are lots of beautiful,
wild flowers too including the decorative Heliconia. Overnight at Kaieteur Guest
House. BLD.
Sunday
Another day at the top of the Kaieteur, listening to tales of ‘Old Kiae’-
who is said to have saved his people from the warlike Caribs by throwing himself
down the Kaieteur Falls – and hearing the gentle tongue of the Patamona dialect
being spoken will surely be remembered for a long time. On the plane to
Georgetown you get a final, spectacular aerial view of Kaieteur Falls and the
gorge and the awe-inspiring expanse of rainforest and rivers that will hold the
secrets of your adventure forever. Transfer and overnight at Cara Lodge. BL.
Monday
This morning take a flight to Lethem and then cross border to Bon Fim in
Brazil to catch the bus to Boa Vista. Then take a bus from Boa Vista to
Santa Elena. Reception at Brazilian border town (La Linea) by your tour leader.
Transfer to Santa Elena de Uairen (Venezuelan border town with Brazil). Santa
Elena is a gold mining town founded in 1922 by Sr. Pena – a gold prospector who
named the town after his first daughter. It’s an approx. 20 minutes ride from
the Brazilian border. Overnight at Camp Yakoo. D
Tuesday ( 4 hours / 8 KMS )
Drive to Canaima National Park, which is
inhabited by indigenous people of the Pemon Linguistic Group. The Canaima
National Park is 30,000 sq. km. and is the seventh largest National Park in the
world. Visit the Jasper waterfalls, where you will be able to appreciate the
different tones of colour of this semi-precious rock. Drive to Paritepuy de
Roraima, a small indigenous community of the Pemon Indians, where we’ll meet our
camp porters for the trek. We begin our trek across rolling grassland of the
savannah. Crossing several streams we then ford the Tek River and later on the
Kukunan River. We camp at the Kukunan campsite, having a fantastic view of the
stark face of Roraima ahead and Kukunana Tepuy to its left. Kukunan Falls, the
second tallest in the world (640 metres), should be clearly visible. From here
we can also see the pinnacle of rock next to Roraima, like the one by which
Conan Doyle’s heroes climbed to the top. BLD
Wednesday ( 5 hours / 12 KMS )
We trek across rising savannah to the base of the mountain to camp in a
meadow alive with multi-coloured birds and fireflies at night and is considered
in guidebooks as being one of the best campsites in the world! The Roraima wall
is extremely impressive here rising 3,000 feet directly in front of the camp,
with the quartz in the rock glittering in the late afternoon sun. BLD
Thursday ( 5 hours / 3 KMS )
In the morning we set off up the route that leads diagonally across the
face of the Roraima wall. The narrow trail winds through the montane rainforests
and crosses the small streams where hummingbirds, orchids and brightly coloured
flowers are abundant. Higher up, the vegetation changes to pre-historic tree
ferns and the trail leads under a waterfall descending from the cliff edge
hundreds of feet above. After 4 -5 hours we arrive at the entrance to the
summit, guarded by massive grey rocks and emerge at the top – looking back for
an incredible view. We visit the Valley of Crystals, the river-v alley
of the Arobopo River shaped like an amphitheatre around which are grouped large
dark rounded stone columns. The river itself runs over a bed of crystals and
crystal fragments. We visit the northern point of Mount Roraima for stunning
views from various points on the edge. BLD
Friday ( 9 hours )
We explore Roraima’s summit trekking a long circular route
 to
the triple border point, where Venezuela, Guyana and Brazil meet. We walk
through strange rock formations, surprisingly lush valleys and places where the
ground is covered with sparkling quartz crystals. There are rock pools
everywhere and in them you may be lucky enough to see the strange black toads,
unique to Mount Roraima. The plant life is bizarre, as over half the species are
unique to Tepuys or to Roraima alone, including several species of orchids and
carnivorous plants. We also visit the Oil Bird cave (Guacharo bird). BLD
Saturday ( 8 hours / 14 KMS )
In the morning there is still time to explore some more before we
descend to the base
and continue to Tek River where we overnight. BLD
Sunday ( 4 hours / 8 KMS )
We complete the return to Paratepuy to be met by our driver with fresh
supplies of beer, soft drinks and a large lunch. We say good-bye to our camp
porters and set off to Santa Elena de Uairen where we again stay at Camp Yakoo.
BLD
Monday
You will transfer to the Brazilian border town La Linea where you will
continue your return trip to Lethem, Guyana. Overnight at Savannah Inn. BD
Tuesday
Fly from Lethem to Georgetown. Transfer to airport for departing
international flight. B
Rates 2008: US$ 5,135.00 per person,
minimum of 2 persons.
US$ 3,853.00 per person, minimum of 4 persons.
US$ 3,796.00 per person, minimum of 6 persons to 8 persons
US$ 3,698.00 per person, minimum of 10 persons.
Single Supplement : US$ 341.00
Rate Includes : Airport transfers - double or twin
accommodation - all road, river and internal flights - meals as indicated -
camping equipment - guides – activities as described - VAT.
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Wildlife and Roraima Adventure
Day 1 Arrive in Guyana and transfer to Georgetown.
Overnight at Cara Lodge.
Day 2 This morning enjoy a city tour of Georgetown,
highlighting the unique architecture, markets, zoo and much more. Afternoon to
prepare equipment for interior expedition and relax at leisure. Overnight at a
Cara Lodge. B
Day 3 0915hrs transfer for
flight from Ogle Airstrip to Rock View Lodge at Annai. After lunch at Rock View
Lodge transfer to Surama. Take a walking tour of the village, meet the village
counsellors, visit the school and the Amazon Project. The Amazon Project is
designed to give employment to the women of the community by growing cassava and
then manufacturing food items. From Surama transfer by 4x4 to
Iwokrama Field Station. Afternoon free to explore the
trails around the field station with a ranger. BLD
Day 4 This morning take an early morning boat ride on the
Essequibo River for wildlife watching with an Iwokrama Ranger. After breakfast
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 water level). Then visit the small
Amerindian village of Fair View before returning to the Field Station. Overnight
at Iwokrama Field Station. BLD
Day 5 Before dawn take a 4x4 along the road in search of
jaguar, which are often spotted crossing the road. The Iwokrama forest is
rapidly gaining an international reputation for its healthy jaguar populations
that seem not to be troubled by the appearance of curious humans. No promises,
but many have been lucky! Journey finishes at the new Iwokrama Canopy Walkway
which allows you to experience the rainforest from 35M up in the tree tops.
After dinner we’ll return to the walkway to experience the canopy at night.
Overnight in Atta Rainforest
Lodge. BLD
Day 6 This morning welcome the dawn chorus from the
Iwokrama Canopy Walkway. After breakfast transfer by 4x4 to Rock View Lodge at
Annai. After lunch you can enjoy exploring the farm and surrounding Amerindian
villages or hike out to the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains. Overnight at
Rock View Lodge. BLD
Day 7 Transfer after breakfast by 4x4 across the savannah
to Ginep Landing on the Rupununi River. Transfer to a boat for trip 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 8 Today join Diane as she tends to the resident
orphaned otters. Explore the Rupununi River in search of wild Giant River
Otters, Black Caiman and Arapaima. Visit Simoni Pond for some of the best inland
fishing in Guyana including Peacock Bass or explore the flooded forest or
savannah with Diane. An evening visit to Crane Pond to see hundreds of Ibis,
Anhinga, Heron and Egret roosting is a highlight. Overnight at Karanambu Ranch.
BLD
Day 9 After breakfast take a 4x4 to Lethem. This morning
cross border to Bon Fim in Brazil to catch the 10.00 am bus to Boa Vista.
Then take a bus from Boa Vista to Santa Elena. Reception at Brazilian border
town (La Linea) by your tour leader. Transfer to Santa Elena de Uairen
(Venezuelan border town with Brazil). Santa Elena is a gold mining town founded
in 1922 by Sr. Pena – a gold prospector who named the town after his first
daughter. It’s approx. 20 minutes ride from the Brazilian border. Overnight at
Camp Yakoo. LD
Day 10 ( 4 hours / 8 KMS ) Drive to Canaima
National Park, which is inhabited by indigenous people of the Pemon Linguistic
Group. The Canaima National Park is 30,000 sq. km. and is the seventh largest
National Park in the world. Visit the Japer waterfalls, where you will be able
to appreciate the different tones of colour of this semi-precious rock. Drive to
Paritepuy de Roraima, a small indigenous community of the Pemon Indians, where
we’ll meet our camp porters for the trek. We begin our trek across rolling
grassland of the savannah. Crossing several streams we ford the Tek River and
later on the Kukunan River. We camp at the Kukunan campsite, having a fantastic
view of the stark face of Roraima ahead and Kukunana Tepuy to its left. Kukunan
Falls, the second tallest in the world (640 metres), should be clearly visible.
From here we can also see the pinnacle of rock next to Roraima, like the one by
which Conan Doyle’s heroes climbed to the top. BLD
Day 11 ( 5 hours / 12 KMS ) We trek across rising
savannah to the base of the mountain to camp in a meadow alive with multi-coloured
birds and fireflies at night and is considered in guidebooks as being one of the
best campsites in the world! The Roraima wall is extremely impressive here
rising 3,000 feet directly in front of the camp, with the quartz in the rock
glittering in the late afternoon sun. BLD
Day 12 ( 5 hours / 3 KMS ) In the morning we set
off up the route that leads diagonally across the face of the Roraima wall. The
narrow trail winds through the montane rainforests and crosses the small streams
where hummingbirds, orchids and brightly coloured flowers are abundant. Higher
up, the vegetation changes to pre-historic tree ferns and the trail leads under
a waterfall descending from the cliff edge hundreds of feet above. After 4 -5
hours we arrive at the entrance to the summit, guarded by massive grey rocks and
emerge at the top – looking back for an incredible view. We visit the Valley of
Crystals, the river-valley of the Arobopo River shaped like an amphitheatre
around which are grouped large dark rounded stone columns. The river itself runs
over a bed of crystals and crystal fragments. We visit the northern point of
Mount Roraima for stunning views from various points on the edge. BLD
Day 13 ( 9 hours ) We explore Roraima’s summit
trekking a long circular route to the triple border point, where Venezuela,
Guyana and Brazil meet. We walk through strange rock formations, surprisingly
lush valleys and places where the ground is covered with sparkling quartz
crystals. There are rock pools everywhere and in them you may be lucky enough to
see the strange black toads, unique to Mount Roraima. The plant life is bizarre,
as over half the species are unique to Tepuys or to Roraima alone, including
several species of orchids and carnivorous plants. We also visit the Oil Bird
cave (Guacharo bird). BLD
Day 14 ( 8 hours / 14 KMS )
In the morning there is still time to explore some more
before we descend to the base and continue to Tek River where we overnight. BLD
Day 15 ( 4 hours / 8 KMS ) We complete the return
to Paratepuy to be met by our driver with fresh supplies of beer, soft drinks
and a large lunch. We say good-bye to our camp porters and set of to Santa Elena
de Uairen where we stay again at Camp Yakoo. BLD
Day 16 You will transfer to Brazilian border town La
Linea where you will continue your return trip to Lethem, Guyana. Overnight at
Savannah Inn. BD
Day 17 Fly from Lethem to Georgetown. Transfer by vehicle
to airport for departing international flight. B
Rates 2008: US$ 5,259.00 per person,
minimum of 2 persons.
US$ 4,080.00 per person, minimum of 4 persons.
US$ 3,991.00 per person, minimum of 6 persons.
US$ 3,933.00 per person, minimum of 8 to10 persons.
Single Supplement : US$ 329.00
Rate Includes : Airport transfers - double or twin
accommodation - all road, river and internal flights - meals as indicated -
camping equipment - guides – Iwokrama Forest User fee – Iwokrama Canopy Walkway
fee - VAT.
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