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Short Excursions and Day Trips
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I lie at a point where
the Caribbean meets South America on its North Atlantic seaboard, an
almost unknown, but incredibly wonderful land of unspoilt beauty. Where
the virgin rainforest leads to the Amazon Basin. Where the Jungle is still
unexplored, rivers uncharted and mountains yet to be climbed. I am called
Guyana: Land of Many Waters. |
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Here the Jaguar still roams
my forest, and in my rivers - the Giant River Otter, the Black Caiman and the
Arapaima, the largest fresh water fish in the world still swim. I am refuge to
the Harpy Eagle and the Hoatzin. I offer 90 miles of Shell Beach to the Oliver
Ridley, Leatherback, Green and Hawksbill turtles to nest so that their species
may survive. My birdlife is spectacular, there are over 800 species which
include the protected Scarlet Macaw, the Red-billed and Toco Toucans and the
magnificent Guianan Cock-of-the-rock.
To discover my beauty, travel
with me to my famous waterfalls - the majestic and breathtaking Kaieteur, five
times the height of Niagra. In honour of its majesty I have placed a rainbow to
arch eternally over the mist-covered boulders of the gorge. Here, mystical
folklore tell legendary tales of the old chief Kai sacrificing himself over the
falls to save his tribe.
Come further with me across
the tree tops, over cloud-covered mountains and onto rolling savannah where
Orinduik Falls cascades down gigantic steps of Jasper along the Brazilian
border.
Come to this land travelled
by Evelyn Waugh, David Attenborough, Gerald Durrell, Michael Swan, where the
Macusi and Wapishana tribes traded curare poison and arrow canes for flint with
the Wai Wai. Where Sir Walter Raleigh came in search of El Dorado and Sir Arthur
Conan Doyle was inspired to write his classic "The Lost World".
Come, to where I am rolling
savannah, sliced by creeks, broken by hills rising suddenly from the plain, my
skyline etched by the mythic mountain of Shiriri. Cattle country, horse
country... manes and tails streaming as they surge across the flatlands. Where
tall termite cities rise from the grass to be dwarfed by the blue Kanukus. Far
horizons of sun scorched plains, broken by shrub, bush, swamp and palm, a
scattering of ranches and Amerindian villages. Vacqueros riding barefoot in the
stirrup, whistling lassos through the hot air and showing off at rodeo.
Come to me, I am a timeless
paradise. The heartbeat of the forest can be felt in me as you explore my many
faces. I am the adventure of a lifetime, within me there is a diversity of
wildlife, an immense variety of landscapes, an unspoilt wonder. Feel the
incredible harmony of nature whisper across your heart. Come, I am an experience
you will never forget. I am Guyana.
Georgetown City Tour
Georgetown the chief port, capital and largest city of Guyana is situated on
the right Bank of the Demerara River Estuary. It was chosen as a site for a fort
to guard the early Dutch settlements of the Demerara River. The city of
Georgetown was designed largely by the Dutch and is laid out in a rectangular
pattern with wide tree lined avenues and irrigation canals that criss cross the
city.
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Most of the buildings in the city are wooden with unique architecture dating
back to the 18th and 19th centuries. For the most part the buildings have
Demerara shutters and designed fretwork which trim eaves and windows. Main
Street Georgetown provides several excellent examples of old colonial homes, a
prime example of which is the State House, built in 1852. The State House is set
in large gardens and is painted green and white and has hosted many visiting
dignitaries. |
| During your visit to Georgetown there are a number of interesting sights that
should not be missed: the most famous being St. George's Cathedral. The
Cathedral is one of the world's tallest free standing wooden buildings and was
consecrated on 1892. The foundation stone was laid on November 23, 1890 and the
building was designed by Sir Arthur Bloomfield. The story of the cathedral is
told on the interior on tablets and memorials of a historical and sentimental
nature: it is the tale of the history of Guyana in general and of the Diocese in
particular. |
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At the beginning of the Avenue of the Republic stands the Public Library
housed in the Carnigie Building. Other historic buildings along this promenade
are the Town Hall, a splendid example of Gothic architecture, and further along
are the Victoria Law Courts and St. Andrews Kirk. St. Andrew's is the oldest
surviving structure of any church in Guyana.
The Famous Stabroek Market, once described as a "bizarre bazaar",
contains every conceivable item from house hold goods and gold jewellery to
fresh meat and vegetables brought to town on the river daily. The clock tower
can be seen for miles around and is a famous landmark.
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| No trip to Georgetown would be complete without a visit to the Botanical
Gardens and zoo. The Botanical Gardens houses one of the most extensive
collection of tropical flora in the Caribbean and are laid out with ponds,
canals, kissing bridges and bandstand. Over 100 species of Guyanese wildlife can
be observed at the Zoo including a wide variety of tropical fishes and birds. |
The National Museum which contains a broad selection of our animal life and
heritage should not be missed, nor the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, which
explains Amerindian history and life style. The Demerar Harbour Bridge is the
longest floating bridge in the world and connects the east and west banks of the
Demerara River.
Georgetown City Tour : Rate : US$35.00 per person.
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Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls
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The Kaieteur Falls which was first seen by a European on April 29, 1870 is
situated in the heart of Guyana on the Potaro River, a tributary of the
Essequibo. The water of Kaieteur, one of the worlds natural wonders, flows over
a sandstone conglomerate tableland into a deep gorge - a drop of 822 feet or 5
times the height of Niagara Falls.
There are no other falls in the world with the magnitude of the sheer drop
existing at Kaieteur. Amerindian legend of the Patamona tribe has it that Kai,
one of the tribe's chiefs (after who the falls is named), committed self
sacrifice by canoeing himself over the falls. It was believed this would
encourage the great spirit Makonaima to save the tribe from being destroyed by
the savage Caribishi.
Kaieteur supports a unique micro environment with Tank Bromeliads, the
largest in the world, in which the tiny Golden frog spends its entire life and
the rarely seen Guiana Cock- of-the-rock nesting close by. The lucky visitor may
also see the famous flights of the Kaieteur Swifts or Makonaima Birds which nest
under the vast shelf of rock carved by the centuries of water, hidden behind the
eternal curtain of falling water.
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The Orinduik Falls is where the Ireng River thunders over steps and terraces
of solid jasper, a semi precious stone. With a backdrop of the rolling grass
covered hills of the Pakaraima Mountains, this is truly one of the most
beautiful locations in Guyana's hinterland. |
It's name is derived from the Amerindian (Patamona) word, Orin, which is the
name of an aquatic plant found in theses falls. The Ireng river forms the border
between Brazil and Guyana. In contrast to Kaieteur , Orinduik is ideally suited
for swimming and you will find natural Jacuzzi's as the falls tumble down the
steps of Jasper.
Guyana's most popular day trip takes in both of these spectacular falls. The
trip departs from Ogle Airstrip and lasts 7 to 8 hours with two hours spent on
the ground at each water fall.
Rate: U.S.$260.00 per person.
Rate Includes: Airport transfers, flight, in-flight snacks, lunch, drinks,
guide and National Park registration.
Note : Flights to Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls are operated on chartered
aircraft and all flights have a minimum passenger restriction. Therefore, any
booking to Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls is subject to a minimum of 5 passengers
being available to travel. In most cases we are able to fill flights, especially
if scheduled for a weekend. However, in the rare case that we cannot meet the
required numbers you will be offered the option of rescheduling the trip to
another day during your stay, a full refund for that portion of the trip, or an
alternative trip. In many cases we can offer a trip to Kaieteur Falls and
Baganara Island Resort as an alternative, which means you see the major falls of
Kaieteur, but miss Orinduik.
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Essequibo and Mazaruni Adventure
 A one day adventure on two of Guyana major rivers. Travel across the Demerara
River on the longest floating bridge in the world and through the rice fields on
the way to the Essequibo River, where you will board a boat. First stop on the
Essequibo is Fort Island and the best kept Dutch ruins in the country. Then bath
on the white sand beach in the silver waters of the Essequibo River at Saxacali
Beach.
Continue on the Essequibo to Bartica, the hub of the mining community in the
north west of Guyana, the town is a hive of activity as the miners pass through
on the way to their claims further in the interior. The township is located at
the junction of the Essequibo and Mazaruni Rivers and most travel is done by
boat. The stelling (wharf) and market are two colourful and exciting
locations. At Bartica the pioneer atmosphere is still strong and it is often
compared to a wild west town.
Close by is Kyk-Over-Al ("See Over All") which was once the Dutch seat of
government in the county of Essequibo. Now all that remains on this island are
the ruins of the former stronghold which guarded the junction of the Mazaruni
and Cuyuni Rivers.
Further on up the Mazaruni River we reach the wild Marshall Falls, with its
own natural Jacuzzi. From here a short hike into old growth rainforest brings us
to two small falls, both spectacular in their natural state, and perfect for
swimming.
Rate US$90.00 per person, minimum of 8 persons.
Rate Includes : Transfers, boat, snacks, tropical picnic lunch, drinks and
guide.
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Kamuni Creek and Santa Mission
 Your trip will leave the hotel by bus for a 45 minute ride along the Demerara
River to Timehri, where you will join a boat to take you along the Kamuni River
where overhanging vegetation has stained the water a deep black colour and the
chill air is relieved by intermittent bursts of sunlight. The boat will wind
through thick rainforest and then savannah before entering the Pokerero Creek
and the Amerindian reserve of Santa. The river system is the only means of
travel here, and you may see families transporting their farm produce to market
or canoeing to the village church. The area is also rich in bird and wild life,
and the lucky visitor may catch a glimpse of monkeys in the trees or a toucan
gliding overhead.
 Santa Mission is an Amerindian village of the Arawak and Carib tribes, the
residents welcome visitors and often will stop to talk or even invite you into
their homes. You will be able to experience village life and see and purchase
local handicraft made from materials of the rainforest. See the church where
Queen Elizabeth the Second and Prince Phillip attended a service which has a
crashed aircraft frame as a bell tower.
A tropical lunch of cold meats, salad and exotic fruits will be served at the
village benab after which you could swim in the black water creek, fish or take
a guided walk along a forest trail.
Rate US$70.00 per person, minimum of 6 persons.
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