Simoni Fishing and Camping Trip
The Simoni River is a tributary of the Rupununi River, and finds its source high in the Kanuku Mountains. Once the river winds down the forest clad mountains it slows down as it enters the vast savannah lands and opens up into five shallow river bays known as the Simoni Lakes. This area and lakes are incredibly rich in biodiversity and are traditional breeding grounds for several species of game fish including Butterfly Peacock Bass, Arawana, Arapaima, Payara, Piranha and Catfish. The lakes are famous amongst local Guyanese fishers past and present and have always had a reputation for providing big fish and bigger fish stories.
Besides the excellent fishing, there is always a chance for great wildlife sightings including the Squirrel, Howler, Capuchin and Bearded-Saki monkeys. More impressive are the large Black Caiman that patrol the banks (they grow up to 18 feet), along with Giant River Otters and Capybaras. Riverine birdlife is extremely diverse and includes Jabiru Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, Woodstorks, Blackskimmers, Boat-billed Herons, and Muscovy Ducks.
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Peacock Bass are famous in angling circles for their aggressive takes on lures and fly's.
In Guyana, this fish is called a "Lukunani" (Chichla ocelaris).
Although they are not the giant Temensis species that are caught in Brazil, the Lukanani in Guyana are plentiful and average about 3 pounds. They put up a fantastic struggle and do their best to shake the hook!
Apart from its fighting qualities and great beauty, Lukanani taste great, and are served regularly on river trips, barbecued "local style" over a camp fire. |
Day 1
Arrive in Guyana and transfer to Georgetown. Overnight at Cara
Lodge.
Day 2
0915 transfer to Ogle Airstrip for a flight over rainforest and savannah to Karanambu
Ranch. This is one of the oldest cattle ranches in Guyana, and is run by Diane McTurk and family. The cattle and the old ranch house are still there, but the ranch is now more renowned for Diane and her work rehabilitating orphaned Giant River Otters back to the wild. Have family style lunch with Diane (and sometimes the otters) and then head to the Rupununi River. 20 minutes later, you will reach the Simoni River and the famous Simoni Lakes. Spend the afternoon fishing. Camp overnight in a hammock camp in the banks of the Simoni Lakes. BLD
Day 3 & 4
Fish the famous lakes at dawn before returning to camp for breakfast. You can again fish after breakfast or escape the sun by relaxing in a hammock or by having a swim in the lake. Fish the lake's hotspots after lunch as the afternoon turns golden. Return to camp at dusk for local style barbeque fish dinner around the camp fire. Camp overnight in a hammock camp in the banks of the Simoni Lakes. BLD
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According to one guest, catching
a Himara (Hoplius sp.) is "like fighting Mike Tyson in a phone booth".
These aggressive, toothy fish are fearless and brutally strong, and this description fits perfectly!
All in all, this is one fish you want to experience catching as they weigh in at an average of 10lbs, but
can reach weights of over 30lbs. |
Day 5
One last memorable morning on the lakes before travelling by boat back to Karanambu Ranch. Enjoy traditional ranch hospitality and explore one of the most historically fascinating and picturesque ranches in Guyana. Bird and wildlife watching here is incredible. An afternoon can be spent fishing from the sandbanks of Karanambu along the Rupununi River for Catfish, Peacock Bass and giant Black Piranhas. Watch out for Black Caiman basking on the sandbanks. Tonight you sleep in a traditional Amerindian clay brick house at Karanambu Ranch. BLD
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Giant River Otter at
Karanambu Ranch |
Day 6
Breakfast at dawn under the mango trees, then head out to the river to fish or to the Rupununi savannahs in search of a Giant Anteater. After an early lunch fly back to Georgetown for an afternoon city tour. Overnight at Cara Lodge. BL
Day 7
Transfer to the airport for you departing flight. B
Your Guide is Ashley Holland. Read more about Ashley by clicking
here.
View more wildlife shots by clicking here.
Trip is available on Monday or Wednesday from October through to April. Best months for fishing are October, November and December.
Rate :
US$ 3,586.00 for one person
US$ 4,288.00 for two persons
Single Supplement : US$ 214.00
Rate Includes :
- airport transfers
- twin or double accommodation
- camping equipment
- all road and river transport
- internal flights
- meals as indicated
- local guides
- government room tax
Not Included :
- items of a personal nature
- alcoholic drinks
- departure tax
GENERAL NOTES:
Spin or fly fish during the day. Bait fishing for Catfish at night is also available.
Fishing tackle/rods and lures will not be available and guests must bring their own. For lure fishing, a light to medium action rod is best. Tackle for spinners should include Rapala Rattling Raps, Rat L Traps, Silver Minnows and similar plugs, spoons and spinner baits. Wire leaders are strongly recommended to avoid those big piranhas making off with your lures. Soft plastics are effective, but succumb quickly to piranha. A 6/7 weight rod with Bright Streamers and Deceivers on size 4 hooks are a must for fly fishers. Locally tied flies, including the "Simoni Angel", will be available for sale at US$5.00 each. Guests also need to bring the normal items like sun block, hat, torch, long sleeve clothing etc.
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Special Notes : This tour is an adventure in
remote areas of Guyana. For some people the conditions may be arduous.
Accommodation is in hammocks, bathing in the river and the toilet is a
pit toilet. If you are unsure if these conditions are suitable of
you, then contact us for more information. |
