Wai Wai Expedition

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Wai Wai Expedition

This trip takes us to Wai Wai country, Guyana's most remote and traditional hunter gatherers. An exchange of cultures with a gentle people and a trip along the rivers to explore and experience nature in all its glory.

In the extreme south of Guyana, on the divide that separates the Essequibo and Amazon watershed, live the Wai Wai Indians. In this remote location the nearest settlement is over 100 miles away. Protected by distance, the Wai Wai have maintained their culture and ancient lifestyle. Craft skills handed down from generation to generation produce the most beautiful basketry, head dresses, bows and arrows, flutes, drums, aprons and armbands... hunting with bow and arrows and blow pipes.

We meet the Tuchau (village chief) and observe traditional introductions. We visit a farm still maintaining their forefathers' agricultural practices. Demonstrations and trading for the superb Wai Wai handicraft is an enjoyable experience.

We leave the village and travel the river with Duane DeFreitas and his experienced crew to search for wildlife - Jaguar, Tapirs, Sloths, Giant River Otters, Poison Arrow Frogs, Harpy Eagles, Morpho Butterflies and bird eating spiders.

The guides will interpret the ecosystems. Living with nature and becoming part of the environment, as inhabitants of the rainforest, their insightful observations provide an excellent source of information on the area.

Accommodation is in hammock camps along the way, and meals will be supplemented with local Wai Wai fare and fresh fish. We will observe a natural and simple lifestyle suitable to the environment and be as unobtrusive as possible.

To minimise the impact on their culture, only very limited trips are offered to Wai Wai country and participants are interviewed for suitability.

FOLLOWING IS A SAMPLE EXPEDITION TO
WAI WAI COUNTRY

This is probably Guyana’s most adventurous and remote expedition. Visit Guyana’s largest cattle ranch, four wheel drive across the savannah and through rainforest, boat on remote and uninhabited rivers, view Amerindian petroglyphs and visit the Wai Wai.

Very few people will ever realise an opportunity for a true adventure like this. Don't be one to miss out.

Day 1 Arrive in Guyana and transfer to Georgetown.
Overnight at Cara Lodge.

Day 2       Transfer to Ogle Airstrip for a two hour flight over
                   rainforest and savannah to Lethem. Transfer by
                   4x4 across the savannah and around the Kanuku
                   Mountains to Dadanawa Ranch. Overnight at
                   Dadanawa Ranch. BLD

Day 3         Dadanawa Ranch is Guyana’s largest ranch and
                    today you will be able to join the vaqueros in their
                    ranch duties including working the cattle in the
                    corral. Or take a horse ride across the savannah
                    or bird watch along the Rupununi River. Overnight
                    at Dadanawa Ranch. BLD

Day 4         Head out by 4x4 land rover across the savannah
                    and through rainforest to reach the Kuyuwini River.
                    Overnight in a hammock camp here or near the
                    Wai Wai village of Erformo. BLD

Day 5 - Day 10   Travel by boat along the Kuyuwini River
                     observing hundreds of species on birds, jaguars,
                     tapirs, otters, monkeys, snakes and much more.
                     Enjoy night drifts to spot caiman and other wildlife.
                     You can also night fish for Haimara and Cat Fish.
                     Pass Amerindian Petroglyphs as you cruise down
                     river. Explore secluded river bays and catch
                     Peacock Bass on a fly or spoon. Overnight camps
                     will be in hammock on the river banks. BLD

Day 11       Today is rest day from travelling when you can
                     fish, hike through the forest swim in the river or just
                     laze in your hammock. Overnight camp will be in
                     hammock on the river bank. BLD

Day 12 - Day 13   Enter the Essequibo River, Guyana's
                     largest river, with its head waters in Brazil. More
                     great wildlife opportunities and the chance to see
                     Amerindian petroglyphs. Night fish for Haimara,
                     Basha and Cat Fish Overnight camps will be in
                     hammock on the river banks. BLD

Day 14        Today we will encounter some rapids which may
                     have to be portaged depending on water level,
                     before our journey ends at the Wai Wai
                     community. Meet the village Captain and
                     counselors. Camp in hammocks. BLD

Day 15        This morning visit again with the Wai Wai
                     community. Tour the village and surrounding area
                     with Wai Wai guides to learn about their way of
                     life. Trade for unique and interesting handi-craft.
                     Camp in hammocks. BLD

Day 16        Today take a flight from Gunn's Strip to
                     Georgetown. Overnight at Cara Lodge. BL

Day 17        Transfer to airport for departing flight.

Contact our office for rates.

WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS

With any trip involving wildlife it is impossible to guarantee a sighting, but each trip is designed around know habitats. Wilderness Explorers will make every effort to ensure a sighting, but cannot be held responsible if no sighting is made due to the wildlife itself, weather, or any other elements beyond our control.