Iwokrama River Lodge and Savannah Adventure - 8 days
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Day 01
Arrival at Cheddi Jagan International Airport and transfer to the Cara Lodge. Cara Lodge was built in the 1840's and originally consisted of two houses. It has a long and romantic history and was the home of the first Lord Mayor of Georgetown. Over the years, the property has been visited by many dignitaries including King Edward VIll who stayed at the house in 1923. Other dignitaries have included President Jimmy Carter, HRH Prince Charles, HRH Prince Andrew and Mick Jagger. This magnificent wooden colonial home turned hotel offers the tradition and nostalgia of a bygone era, complete with service and comfort in a congenial family atmosphere. Overnight at Cara Lodge. (Check in time 1400hrs, Check out time 12midday) Day 02 Optional Services (not included in main price): Georgetown City Tour - US$72 per person with 2 people, US$113 per person with 3, US$86 per person with 4, US$72 per person with 5. Today enjoy a tour of the city of Georgetown with an experienced guide who will give you the history, rumor and facts on Georgetown and its citizens. We will begin our tour at the Georgetown Seawalls before continuing into the heart of the city. During your visit there are a number of interesting sights that should not be missed such as Stabroek Market - once described as a “bizarre bazaar, and St. George’s Cathedral which is one of the world’s tallest free standing wooden buildings. Other historic buildings along this promenade are the Public Library, City Hall, the Victoria Law Courts and St. Andrews Kirk. Visit the National Museum, which contains a broad selection of our animal life portrayed in taxidermy in beautiful old glass cases, and the Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, which houses a wonderful collection of artefacts and explains Amerindian history and life style. We will visit the Botanical Gardens, home to an extensive collection of tropical flora, and the Zoo which has become a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre that houses over one hundred different species of tropical wildlife. We will also pay a visit to a pond either in the gardens or the National Park, to feed the endangered West Indian Manatees. Optional Services (not included in main price): Kaieteur Falls Day Trip USD, incl. return transfers = $297 per person Kaieteur Falls day trip Flights are Operational Tuesdays to Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays Pickup and transfer from Georgetown to Eugene F. Correia International Airport. From there, take a scheduled flight over the Demerara and Essequibo Rivers and hundreds of miles of unbroken tropical rainforest to land at Kaieteur Falls, the world’s highest free-falling waterfall. Kaieteur 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 flows over a sandstone conglomerate tableland into a deep gorge - a drop of 741 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 whom 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 over millions of years by the black water of the Potaro River. Reboard your plane for the return flight to Georgetown. Condition of Sale : Flights to Kaieteur 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 12 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 we will reschedule the trip to another day during your stay, if this is possible. Wilderness Explorers retains the right to reschedule a flight as a first option. If we cannot reschedule the flight Wilderness Explorers will guarantee a flight, with a minimum of 2 passengers, to Kaieteur Falls only. If a flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond our control, such as weather, we will endeavour to reschedule the flight during your itinerary. If this is not possible then a full refund on the flight will be made. Pickup and transfer from Eugene F. Correia International Airport to Georgetown. Overnight at Cara Lodge. B Day 03 Pickup and transfer to Eugene F. Correia International Airport. Board a scheduled flight for journey over hundreds of miles of tropical rainforest to land at Fair View Airstrip. (Check in time 0700hrs, Departure 0830hrs). Pick up from Fair View Airstrip and transfer to Iwokrama River Lodge. The Iwokrama Rainforest is a vast wilderness of one million acres. This protected area was established in 1996 as the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development. The Iwokrama Forest is in the heart of one of four last untouched tropical forests of the world - The Guiana Shield of North-Eastern South America. Iwokrama was established as a living laboratory for tropical forest management. The unsustainable utilisation of these forests will result in the extinction of half the world's plant and animal species and bring unknown changes to global climate. This is a protected area with a difference because it joins with locals in every aspect of its work and its success relies on the combined skills of specialists and communities. From research to business, Iwokrama ensures local economic and social benefits from forest use and conservation. The forest is in the homeland of the Makushi people, who have lived here and used the forest for thousands of years. The Iwokrama River Lodge is set overlooking the Essequibo River. Accommodation is offered in eight spacious timber cabins with en suite and verandas overlooking the river. Electricity is provided by a combination of solar and diesel generator systems, and wireless internet access is provided for free in the main building. Meals are served buffet-style in the Fred Allicock dining hall. Explore the trails around the lodge with an Iwokrama Ranger. Iwokrama is home to many bird species including Capuchin bird, Black Nunbird, Chestnut-rumped Woodcreeper, Amazonian Antshrike, Brown-bellied Antwren, Spot-tailed Antwren, Todd’s Antwren, Spotted Puffbird, Green Aracari, Guianan Toucanet, Guianan Red Cotinga, Pompadour Cotinga, Rufous-crowned Elaenia, Bronzy Jacamar, Chestnut & Waved Woodpecker, Gray Antbird, and Strong-billed Woodcreeper. Three other Neotropical species in the Iwokrama forest of high interest are White-winged Potoo, Rufous Potoo, and Rufous-winged Ground-cuckoo. The forest is also home to many mammals and you may see Red-rumped Agouti and various species of monkey including Red Howler, Black Spider and Wedge-capped and Brown Capuchins. After dark we’ll set out on the river, in hope of finding one or another of its four species of caiman, and listen for night birds such as Spectacled Owl, White-winged Potoo, Rufous Potoo, Long-tailed Potoo, Zigzag Heron or Blackish Nightjar. Using our flashlights we will look for the eyeshine of snakes including Cox boa, tree frogs and if lucky maybe some mammals. Overnight at Iwokrama River Lodge. BLD Day 04 Making an early start, we’ll embark on the Essequibo and circumnavigate nearby Indian House Island, before returning to the River Lodge for breakfast. Leave the lodge by boat, birdwatching along the way, for the hike to Turtle Mountain. A well maintained trail winds through the forest before an exhilarating climb up the mountain to its summit at 935ft (approx. 360m). It takes 1 3/4hrs to walk up the mountain, but the effort is more than worth it for the breathtaking views over the forest canopy when you get there and chances of Green Aracari, White Bellbird or a fly-by of one of five types of eagles. This trail is also a great location for seeing Black Spider Monkey and Red Howler Monkey. This pristine forest offers huge buttress trees and the endemic Greenheart, a highly sought after hardwood. If you think this hike may be too strenuous you can take an alternative boat trip to Stanley Lake to search for Giant River Otters and Black Caiman. As the afternoon cools you set out on a boat trip to visit Kurupukari Falls to see the Amerindian petroglyphs (dependent on the water level). Overnight at Iwokrama River Lodge. BLD Day 05 Transfer by 4 x 4 along the trail that is one of the best places to see the elusive Jaguar. No promises, but many have been lucky! Along the road, we will watch for the myriad of bird species that frequent the forest edge, including Crimson and Purple-necked Fruit-crow, Crimson Topaz, Green Oropendula, Spotted and Guianan Puffbird, Scarlet and Red-and-Green Macaw, Blue-cheeked and Orange-winged Parrot and Gray-winged Trumpeter. This road is the only north – south access in Guyana and links the country to Brazil. Even so traffic is only very occasional and wildlife is often seen along the road, such as Agouti, Tayra, Puma, Tapir and Black Curassow. Continue transfer to Corkwood. At Corkwood there is a comparatively short trail to hopefully see the amazingly brilliant Guianan Cock-of-the-rock. This trail is through pristine rainforest and the guides can explain how the plants are used for medicines and other uses. Continue transfer where eventually the road leaves the rainforest and enters the vast North Rupununi savannah which is vast open grassland and wetlands. The road travels through the savannah and the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains with an excellent opportunity for savannah birding. Jabiru Stork are often seen along this stretch of road. The journey ends at Ginep Landing. From Ginep Landing we take a boat trip on the Rupununi River to Karanambu Lodge. Depending on the river level, this trip offers an excellent opportunity to look for Giant Otters as there are several family groups which live along this stretch of the Rupununi River. Karanambu, a 110-square mile former cattle ranch located in the North Rupununi, was the home of the late Diane McTurk, conservationist and a world-renowned expert on giant otters. Karanambu encompasses savannah, marshy ponds, riparian forest, and a 30-mile stretch of the Rupununi River. Karanambu is located roughly in the middle of this beautiful and fascinating biological hotspot where species like the Giant Otter, Black Caiman, Jaguar, Giant Anteater, and Arapaima can be found. The number of species found here is much higher than expected given its size with at least 600 species of bird, and over 200 species of mammals. The seasonally flooded savannahs and forests also draw substantial fish migrations with as many as 700 species of fish — more than anywhere on Earth. This region is rich in history and is the homeland of the Makushi and earlier peoples dating back more than 7,000 years. Several prominent explorers and naturalists have written about their experiences here, including Robert and Richard Schomburgk, Charles Waterton, Evelyn Waugh, Gerald Durrell, and David Attenborough. Lake Amuku, not far from Karanambu, was once considered by Sir Walter Raleigh, and later by Alexander von Humboldt, and others to be the location of Lake Parime on whose banks the golden city of “El Dorado” was said to be located. With both the river and the savannahs close at hand there is a wide variety of activities to be enjoyed at Karanambu. You are free to determine what you want to do based on your interests, the time of year and whether the guides have found anything especially unique and interesting to see. Two guided excursions are provided each day — one early in the morning and another late in the afternoon and into the evening. As well as being the coolest times to be out, these are usually the best times to see the different birds and animals. Trips may be on the river by boat, on the savannahs by 4 by 4 or along forest trails on foot to the different ponds in the area. Late in the afternoon we will travel by boat to look for wild Giant River Otters and as dusk falls to the ponds to see the giant Victoria amazonica waterlily, bloom at dusk. On the return trip we will spotlight for Black Caiman and birds and creatures of the night. Accommodations are in traditionally made clay brick cabins, with en-suite and Veranda with hammocks. Overnight at Karanambu Lodge. BLD Day 06 This morning we make an early start to an area of rolling grasslands, home to a population of giant anteaters. With luck we shall locate one of these six-foot long animals excavating its breakfast from one of the termite mounds that stud the savannah. Though giant anteaters live in overlapping home ranges they are mostly solitary except during mother-offspring relationships, aggressive interactions between males, and when mating. Mother anteaters carry their offspring on their backs until weaning them. Evening river excursion or if you are interested in bird watching you can explore woodland patches or gallery forest along the river where we’ll hope to find a variety of species. A feature bird for the area is the Agami Heron. An evening walk along the airstrip offers seven species of nightjar and among the grasslands the Double-striped Thick-knees. Overnight at Karanambu Lodge. BLD Day 07 In the event you did not see a giant anteater the previous morning, there is time to travel out to search the savannah again. Return to the lodge for breakfast before departure. Transfer by 4x4 from Karanambu Lodge across the savannah to Lethem. Transfer to the airstrip for our scheduled flight to Eugene F. Correia International Airport. Pickup and transfer to Georgetown. Overnight at Cara Lodge. B (Check in time 1400hrs, Check out time 1200hrs midday) Day 08 Pickup in Georgetown and transfer to Cheddi Jagan International Airport for departing flight. B |
Note: If you are not keen on doing the hike up Turtle Mountain, maybe you would prefer to go to Atta Lodge, instead of Iwokrama Lodge, located in the same reserve:
Atta Rainforest Lodge home of the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway. The Iwokrama Canopy Walkway is situated near the southern boundary of the Iwokrama Reserve in central Guyana. The walkway has four suspension bridges leading to three platforms, the highest of which is over 30 metres above the ground, and these will allow great looks at a range of canopy species, many of which you would struggle to see well from the forest floor. Another area where we will want to spend some time is the clearing around the lodge, as this is one of the best places to see another of Guyana’s “must see” birds, the Crimson Fruitcrow. This species is seen here on a reasonably regular basis, as it often comes to feed in some of the nearby trees. The clearing is also a reliable site for Black Curassow as there is a family party which has become habituated to people and regularly passes through the clearing. Apart from the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway itself you can enjoy wildlife and birdwatching walks on the trails around the area. For those interested in botany many of the trails have the key tree species marked. Many bird species, stunning insects, noisy amphibians, and playful primates make the surrounding forest their home. Deer, Tapir and agouti are also regular visitors to the lodge. Serious birders will want to search the undergrowth for the rarely seen Rufous-winged Ground-cuckoo. Atta Rainforest Lodge is 500 metres from the base of the Canopy Walkway, offering comfortable private-room accommodation with ensuite bathrooms, delicious home-cooked meals, and traditional Amerindian hospitality. The main building is open sided with views across the gardens to the towering forest on all sides and houses the bar, dining area and kitchen. The gardens have a wonderful collection of Heliconias which attracts many Humming Birds. So, the main difference is that you could spend time at the canopy walkway, rather than hiking up Turtle Mountain 2020 RATE (Per Person) in US$: with 2 people = $3225. with 3 = $2829, with 4 = $2675. * This price applies in Double or Twin Room Single supplement = $500 Price can be reduced if clients do not want the day for optional tours in Georgetown (thus making it a 7 day tour) Note: Passenger/s traveling on internal flights in Guyana are allowed a free baggage allowance of 20lbs/9.1KG exceeding this weight passenger/s will incur a cost of GY$195.00 (price subject to change) equivalent to US$ 1.00 per pound. Please note that additional baggage allowance is subject to availability and cannot be confirmed until day/time of check-in by the airline. We can book excess weight on your behalf but it is subject to being within the payload of the aircraft and at the discretion of the airline. Contact us for more information.
Rate Includes: - airport transfers - double or twin accommodation - meals as listed - limited local bar at Karanambu Lodge - all road and river transfers - internal flights in Guyana - activities as described - local guides - VAT - Iwokrama Canopy Walkway fee Not Included : - items of a personal nature - alcoholic drinks except where mentioned above - departure tax - international flights - visa - visit to Iwokrama Canopy Walkway We are currently accepting bookings with no deposit to hold a long term reservation and 30% deposit just 30 days prior, and final payment 7 days before arrival. Free cancellation or date change up to 30 days prior to arrival. If you can’t travel due to covid we will offer a free change of date, travel voucher to the full amount or as a last resort a refund less any bank fees (generally US$50).
DISCLAIMERS
BODY WEIGHTS : Please be advised all customers must provide us with body weights of passengers booked to travel on tour to Guyana for all internal flights. Failure to provide us with this information or the incorrect information can cause delays to flights and inconvenience to other passengers and in some cases either passengers and/or luggage being taken off the flight. To ensure a holiday that is enjoyable and hassle free, it is imperative that passengers provide us with this information. We appreciate some people are sensitive about providing their body weights, but all customers and their baggage are weighed at check-in. This is procedure by the airline so as to ensure that the weight of the load is within the payload limit for the aircraft, and neither they nor we will compromise on safety. All passengers are subject to removal of themselves or luggage from the flight if over the weight they provided and/or over the baggage allowance. Passengers are advised to provide a body weight with clothing similar to that which they would expect to travel in on the flight. We cannot be held responsible for any passenger denied boarding or luggage not transported if they are over the weight provided. Weights supplied are provided to the airline in advance to ensure the flight is within the allowable payload. A WORD ON VISAS : The requirement for a visa can change at any time and without notice. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the necessary visa for each country. We recommend you check the visa requirements for each country included in your itinerary. We are happy to provide advice on current requirements and even assistance in obtaining a visa on arrival or tourist cards. If you are unsure of requirements please contact us for assistance. CONDITION RESTRAINTS : You have selected a tour that is partly, in remote areas. This adds to the adventure and opportunity to enjoy a true nature experience. However, due to the nature of the terrain, weather, road conditions, and other elements beyond our control, some elements of tours may have to be altered. Times of some activities may need to be changed or even cancelled due to the conditions. If an activity is cancelled it will be replaced with an alternative activity that is more appropriate for the conditions. Advance notice will be given for any changes where possible, although at times changes may be made whilst the tour is in progress. WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS : With any trip involving wildlife it is impossible to guarantee a sighting, but each trip is designed around known habitats. We 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. TERMS AND CONDITIONS AUTHORITY ON TOUR - At all times the decision of the company or its representative will be final on all matters likely to endanger the safety, well-being and enjoyment of the tour. Clients must at all times strictly comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited. Should the client fail to comply with the above or commit any illegal act when on tour or, if in the company’s opinion, the client's behavior causes or is likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others we may terminate that client’s travel arrangements without any liability on the company’s part. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS - The Client must be in possession of a valid passport (valid 6 months past the return date), visa (where necessary), permits and certificates including vaccinations certificates, insurance policies required for the journey – the client accepts responsibility of obtaining these. Any information or advice given by the company on visas, vaccinations, clothing, special equipment, baggage, climate, etc. is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company. LOCAL CULTURE - Many of the areas to be visited are remote and cultures of the people most likely different to what you are accustomed to. These communities welcome visitors under the conditions that their customs, habits and rituals are respected at all times. We will endeavor to provide appropriate guidance to visitors as to correct behavior whilst in these communities. The company reserves the right to cancel a visitor’s tour, at any time, should their behavior be inappropriate and offensive to the local communities. ACCEPTANCE OF RISK & RESPONSIBILITY Nature and adventure travel is by character, an activity that requires travelling in areas that are often remote and the terrain difficult. Whilst every precaution is taken to ensure the comfort and safety of our customers, these trips do have elements of risk. By taking part in this tour you acknowledge that there are inherent risks and that you are fully aware of the conditions of travel, accommodation and activities offered. You accept that Wilderness Explorers, its staff and sub-contractors cannot be held liable for any accident, illness or similar occurrence. You hereby accept all such risk and release the company from all claims and causes of action arising from any injuries or damages resulting from these inherent risks. FORCE MAJEURE - The company will do its best to minimize the effects of matters outside its control but cannot accept liability of these matters which include political disputes, industrial action, refusal of visas, border closures, unforeseeable climate, delayed or cancelled flights etc. TRAVEL INSURANCE - It is the client’s responsibility to obtain adequate personal travel insurance. This insurance should, as a minimum, cover personal accident, medical expenses and repatriation expenses. It is recommended that the coverage extends to include loss of effects, curtailment, cancellation and all other expenses which might arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience occurring to the client. PAYMENT - All rates are quoted in US dollars, unless otherwise stated. Rates are correct at the time of publishing, but are subject to change without notice. Due to fluctuating world fuel prices internal airfares cannot be guaranteed and rate is therefore subject to change. Every effort will be made to maintain quoted rate. A deposit of 20% is required to confirm any booking and balance of payment is due 30 days prior to commencement of trip. CANCELLATION BY THE CLIENT - Any cancellation by the client must be in writing and acknowledged by operator. The date on which the correspondence is received will determine the loss of any monies applicable.
RESPONSIBILITY - All services are organised by operator. Notice is hereby given that all arrangements made on behalf of customers are made by the organizers on the sole condition that the organizers shall not be held responsible for any injury, death, accident, delay, loss, damage or irregularity which may be occasioned through acts of any company and /or persons engaged in carrying out the arrangements and operator acts as an agent for transport companies, hotels and other contractors and shall not be liable for any injury, damage, loss, delay or irregularity that may occur, including, but not limited to, any defect in a vehicle or any other form of conveying travellers, acts of God, detention, delays or expenses arising from quarantine, strike, riots, theft, force majeure, civil disturbance, government restrictions or regulation, accident by aircraft, boat, bicycle, motor vehicle or any other form of transport or in any hotel, resort, ranch, guest house, camp or other form of accommodation. SEVERABILITY - In the event that any term or condition contained herein is unenforceable or void by operation of law or as being against public policy or for any other reason then such term or condition shall be deemed to be severed from this Agreement or amend accordingly only to such extent necessary to allow all remaining terms and conditions to survive and continue as binding. Payment for a tour is taken as acknowledgement and acceptance of all of the above terms and conditions. |
