WILDERNESS EXPLORERS
Nature and Adventure Travel Specialists
Day 1 Arrive in Trinidad. Transfer to at Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge. The Nature Centre is situated in a typical valley of Trinidad’s Northern Range, where traditionally coffee, cocoa and citrus plantations were located and today many of these plants are maintained at the Nature Centre. Natural secondary growth has taken over and festooned the abandoned plantation vegetation with vines and epiphytes to produce an effect of being deep in a tropical rainforest. Overnight at Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge in a cottage. BLD
Day 2 Awaken this morning to the raucous noise of the Crested Oropendola and a host of other exotic sounds. A first-time visitor may see 20-30 life birds before breakfast. Our day will begin with a guided tour of the several trails which traverse this rich and diverse wildlife sanctuary. On our introductory walk we may see such species such as Violaceous Trogon, Channel-billed toucan, Chestnut Woodpecker, White-bearded Manakin, Bearded Bellbird. Rufous-browed Peppershrike, Turquoise and Bay-headed Tanager. The afternoon will be free to allow you to relax and enjoy the trails. Birding from the Nature Centre’s veranda is one of the World’s most pleasant and exciting, ornithological experiences with the White-chested Emerald, White-necked Jacobin, Tufted Coquette, Copper-rumped, Green Honeycreeper, Purple Honeycreeper and Great Kiskadee among the many species that can be easily seen. Overnight at Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge. BLD
Day 3 This morning we will visit Dunston Cave, home of the most accessible colony of Oilbirds in the World. Oilbirds are the only nocturnal, fruit-eating birds in the World. After lunch we will depart for the famous Caroni Marsh and its spectacular highlights. Neotropic Cormorant, Anhinga, Osprey, Striated Heron, White-cheeked Pintail, Yellow-crowned Night Geron, Bicolored Conebill and Red-capped Cardinal could be among the new species seen here. The Caroni Swamp is a specialised mangrove forest that contains several genera and species of mangroves, showing classic examples of plant adaptation in this unique brackish water environment. Our day will end with the spectacular flight of Scarlet Ibises returning to their mangrove roosts at dusk, truly one of the World’s most dramatic natural moments. Returning to the boat dock we will search the mangrove-lined channels for the mysterious sounding Common Potoo. Overnight at Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge. BLD
Day 4 This day sees us on an all-day excursion over the Northern Range to the seadside village of Blanchisseuse. En route we will look for Swallow-tailed Kite, Common Black Hawk, Ornate Hawk-eagle, Bat Falcon, Collared Trogon, White-tailed Trogon and Rufous-tailed Jacamar, among many others, Along with the rich birdlife, we will also have an opportunity to examine the fascinating world of leaf-cutter ants, army ants and also to photograph orchids and other tropical flora. At the seashore we will look for Magnificent Frigatebird, Brown Pelican and Green Kingfisher. Be sure to bring along your bathing suit and sunscreen for a very pleasant day on this Caribbean beach, where depending on the tide we might also be able to explore and discover a host of tidepool organisms. Overnight at Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge. BLD
Day 5 Transfer to the airport for Caribbean Star flight arriving in Barbados. Transfer to Caribbean Star arriving in Dominica. Transfer across the mountains to the capital Roseau. Overnight at Fort Young Hotel in an Ocean View Room overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Day 6 This morning free to relax This afternoon travel south by boat to snorkel in famous Scotts Head / Soufriere Marine Reserve, one of the best marine dive locations in the Caribbean with a wide range of coral reef, deepwater fish and invertebrates, and a spectacular undersea crater, with a unique underwater hot spring at Champagne. Snorkel amongst the bubbles formed from volcanic gases just offshore. There is excellent snorkeling over the shallow reefs around Pointe Guignard and Champagne. Then dive at "Solomon" named after an evil judge from the 1800's who was crossing the area when a landslide came down and killed him and his party. There is even a local folk-song about this incident. This site which is not in the marine reserve, it is a fantastic site re-discovered by ALDive's "D-Unit". On this tour two different snorkel sites are visited with scenic coastal views and brief history of villages and geography. Captain and guides will be on the lookout especially for sea birds, turtles and dolphins that frequent the bay. Local fruit juices will be served. Tour departs from the hotel at 2pm with a 20 minute boat ride to the1st location. Enjoy 1 hour of snorkeling at each location. Then 10 minute boat ride back to the hotel, arriving at approximately 5:00pm. Tour includes all snorkeling equipment, including a snorkel vest, a boat equipped with safety gear, fresh drinking water, local fruit juice, a captain and an in-water snorkel tour guide. Overnight at Fort Young Hotel. B
Day
7 This 6-7 hour arduous
hike starts in the village of Laudat. For the first hour the trail passes
through lush rain/montane forests, then moving up into the elfin forests, higher
ground and more difficult terrain. The Boiling Lake of Dominica is said to be
the largest of its kind in the world. It is about 200 feet in diameter and is
inside a crater; the lake is fed by two freshwater streams. The water is heated
my magma below the surface, which causes it to boil constantly at the centre
where it is over 100 degrees Celsius. The trail also passes through the Valley
of Desolation an area where there are lots of volcanic related activities like
hot fumaroles and Sulphur pits. Because of the mixture of different chemicals
and minerals in the area the streams have interesting colours like gray, bluish
gray, white and even black. It is a very strenuous hike; one should be in very
good physical condition before attempting to undertake it. It is recommended
that you take some liquid and snacks. These things should be carried in a
knapsack in order to have your hands free. The Boiling hike should not be
attempted by anyone with heart conditions or suffering from old injuries, which
are likely to be aggravated by stress.
People with physical problems should discuss them with the guides before doing
the hike.
Return to Roseau.
Overnight
at Fort Young Hotel. B
Day 8 Morning free to explore Roseau. This afternoon take a boat trip to look for whales. Dominica is blessed with an abundance of both resident and visiting cetaceans, pods of Spinner and Spotted Dolphins, Pilot Whales, Sperm Wales, False Orcas, and at least a dozen other species. Whales and Dolphins are sighted so frequently in these waters that Dominica is widely considered to be one of the best areas in the Caribbean for encounters with these fascinating creatures. Watch as they break the surface of the water and listen to the rhythmic sounds of their clicking communication as you relax on the fast, hydrophone-equipped catamarans. Your whale and Dolphin Safari starts with an educational, boat safety briefing. Remember that these animals are living in their natural habitat, and that their welfare is our primary concern. The 3.5 hour tour starts along the West Coast; with hydrophones being dropped into the water every 15 minutes, or 3 miles to listen for clicks, pings, whistles or singing. The trips have a 90% success rate of seeing a whale. The boat is a 45 foot, twin diesel power catamaran, which is Hydrophone & GPS equipped. It is shaded, with “marine head”, glass bottom port, U.S. coast guard safety equipped. Fish, seabirds, and a magnificent view of the island's rugged beauty makes this trip an excellent way to spend an afternoon. Transfer to the Tamarind Tree Hotel, overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the Bay of Salisbury and Morne Diablotin. Overnight at Tamarind Tree Hotel. B
Day 9 Today leave the hotel very early to travel into the rainforest to look for the Imperial Parrott and Red Necked Parrott, both endemics to Dominica. Overnight at Tamarind Tree Hotel. B
http://www.tamarindtreedominica.com
Day 10 This morning you can snorkel in the area. Afternoon transfer to Roseau. Overnight at Fort Young Hotel. B
Day 11 Transfer to the airport for Caribbean Star arriving in Barbados. Transfer to Caribbean Star flight arriving in Guyana at 1220. Transfer to Georgetown. Overnight at Cara Lodge.
http://www.wilderness-explorers.com/cara_lodge.htm
Day 12 Georgetown city tour (see description below) including seeing manatees. Overnight at Cara Lodge. B
Day 13 Today search along the coast for Anableps Anableps of Anableps Microlepensis (4 eyed fish). Overnight at Cara Lodge. B
Day 14 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. Arrowpoint Nature Resort is situated within this Amerindian reserve, overlooking savannah and the Pokerero Creek, and ringed by rainforest. This afternoon take boat trip with a local fisherman to catch tropical fish. Overnight at Arrowpoint Nature Resort. BLD
Day 15 Today take a boat trip with a local fisherman to catch tropical fish. Overnight at Arrowpoint Nature Resort. BLD
Day 16 Boat back to Timehri and then to Ogle Airstrip for a flight 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
http://www.wilderness-explorers.com/karanambu.htm
Day 17 Diane sometimes has resident orphaned otters and you can help her as she tends to them. You can visit Simoni Pond for some of the best inland fishing (add US$15.00) in Guyana including Peacock Bass or explore the flooded forest or savannah. Visits can be made to nearby ponds for birdwatching and to view the Victoria Amazonica, the world’s largest water lily and Guyana’s national flower. Overnight at Karanambu Ranch. BLD
Day 18 Explore the Rupununi River in search of wild Giant River Otters, Black Caiman and Arapaima. 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 19 After breakfast travel by boat to Ginep Landing and then by 4x4 to Rock View Lodge at Annai. Rock View Lodge is located where the savannah meets the forest-covered foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains. With its tropical gardens and flowering trees, the lodge resembles an oasis in the savannah, and attracts many species of birds, particularly nectar feeders and frugivores. Nearby patches of light forest are home to certain ant birds and flycatchers, and of course the grasslands support an avifauna of their own. Overnight at Rock View Lodge. BLD
http://www.wilderness-explorers.com/rock_view_lodge.htm
Day 20 Today you can join the vaqueros on horse back* as they take cattle out to graze on the savannah, hike in the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains or visit nearby Amerindian villages. Overnight at Rock View Lodge. BLD
Day 21 After breakfast transfer by 4x4 to the Amerindian village of Surama. On arrival in Surama receive a welcome from a village counsellor and settle into your accommodation. A local guide will escort you for a short walk on trails to observe the forest and bird life. As the afternoon cools your guide will take you on a tour of the village. Visit the local school, medical centre and church along with some of the village houses. Tonight enjoy an educational walk to observe wildlife and experience the mystique of the forest after dark. Overnight at Surama Guest House. BLD
http://www.wilderness-explorers.com/surama_village.htm
Day 22 Rise before dawn for a walk across the savannah and then the gentle climb up Surama Mountain in the cool morning air. This is the best time to observe bird life along the trail. Breakfast will be served at a look out point which affords incredible views across the village and savannah to the Pakaraima Mountains. Return to village for lunch and then take a three mile walk across the savannah and through the rainforest to the Burro Burro River. Your guides will then paddle you on the Burro Burro River for opportunities to observe Giant River Otters, Tapir, Tira, Spider Monkeys and many more species. Return to village for sunset and to overnight at Surama Guest House. BLD
Day 23 After breakfast we will transfer you by 4 x 4 along the trail that is one of the best places to see the elusive Jaguar. 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! The journey ends at the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway which allows you to view the forest from 35 M up in the canopy. Overnight at Atta Rainforest Lodge. BLD
Day 24 This morning welcome the dawn chorus from the tree-tops on the canopy walkway. After breakfast transfer by 4x4 for a trip through the rainforest to the Iwokrama Field Station. Afternoon free to explore the trails around the field station with an Iwokrama Ranger. After dinner, we will take you out on to the river to spot caiman and other nocturnal wildlife. Overnight at Iwokrama Field Station. BLD
http://www.wilderness-explorers.com/iwokrama.htm
Day 25 This morning we will take you on an early morning boat ride near the Field Station. After breakfast, you will leave the field station for the journey to Turtle Mountain, and a leisurely stroll up the mountain to its summit at 935ft (approx. 360m). It takes an hour 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. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the forest (for those who may find the Turtle Mountain trek too strenuous they can take an alternative boat trip to Stanley Lake to search for Giant River Otters and Black Caiman or go birding along the trails near the Field Station). On the return trip, visit Kurupukari Falls to see the Amerindian petroglyphs (dependent on the water level). Then visit the small Amerindian village of Fair View before returning to the Field Station. Overnight at Iwokrama Field Station. BLD
Day 26 At dawn take a wildlife walk with an Iwokrama Ranger close to the Field Station. After breakfast transfer by 4x4 through the rainforest to Georgetown. Overnight at Cara Lodge. BL
Day 27 Transfer by road to Parika and then by boat on the Essequibo River to Shanklands Rainforest Resort. Shanklands is carved from the tropical rainforest on a majestic cliff overlooking the silver water of Guyana’s largest river, the Essequibo. White colonial style gingerbread cottages are set amidst twenty-five acres of rolling lawns with views of the Essequibo and Mazaruni Rivers and the gold mining town of Bartica. Overnight at Shanklands Rainforest Resort. BLD
http://www.wilderness-explorers.com/shanklands.htm
Day 28 Today enjoy the nature trail which leads into the thick forest where you may encounter Tapir, Labba or other wildlife. The bird life at Shanklands is excellent with nearly 200 species recorded. The Essequibo River provides an excellent arena for water sports. Enjoy sunfish sailing, kayaking, water skiing and tubing. Less strenuous activities such as croquet, mini golf and volleyball can be played on the lawns and beaches. Overnight at Shanklands Rainforest Resort. BLD
Day 29 Transfer to Baganara Island to join a flight to Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls (see description below). Flight returns to Georgetown. Overnight at Cara Lodge. BL
Day 30 Transfer to the airport for your departing flight back to Amsterdam via Miami and Paris.
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.
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.
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.
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 Demerara Harbour Bridge is the longest floating bridge in the world and connects the east and west banks of the Demerara River.
The tour will include walking along the Avenues with an experienced guide who will give you the history, rumour and facts on Georgetown and its citizens. The group will be accompanied at all times by a vehicle, which will be used for travel between areas of interest. Along the way visitors will sample local exotic fruits, snacks and refreshments. During the tour there is always the opportunity to purchase that unusual gift or unique Guyanese handicrafts, or for the daring the chance to delve into the gold and diamond market.
Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls
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 world’s 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.
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.