12th Pakaraima Mountain Safari a tremendous success
The Safari convoy at one of the checkpoints along the route (GINA photos)
The Safari convoy at one of the checkpoints along the route (GINA photos)

– annual event continues to grow, attract more participants
THE Pakaraima Mountain Safari is one of the most thrilling, adventurous and highly anticipated annual events in Guyana.

The convoy along the route
The convoy along the route

It is an adventure that attracts some of the most daring men and women from around the country and even further afield, allowing the safarians to experience some of the country’s most diverse terrain, through an unforgettable adventure into the wild, and ruggedly beautiful areas of Guyana.
This is the 12th year that this event was being hosted under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), in collaboration with the private sector, particularly Rainforest Tours whose owner, Frank Singh, has been integrally involved from the beginning.

This event continues to grow each year, attracting larger participation from neighbouring countries. This year, a convoy of 20 vehicles with over 70 adventure seekers, loaded with fuel, food stuff and other supplies departed Georgetown at 1:00am on April 12.

Safarians being welcomed by the Toshao and residents of Tiperu
Safarians being welcomed by the Toshao and residents of Tiperu

As is customary, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, accompanied by the Safari’s pioneer, Harripersaud Nokta, met with the participants at the newly rehabilitated Guyoil Gas Station on Regent Street before the convoy took off for their nine-day journey.

The convoy usually winds its way through Karasabai, Tiperu, Rukomoto, Morabaiko, Yurong Paru, Monkey Mountain, Paramakatoi, Kato, Kurukubaru, and Itabac, culminating at the base of the Pakaraima Mountain Range, where the Orinduik Falls is located.
However, as a result of inclement weather conditions, the convoy was forced to extend its stay in Kato (Region 8) rather than proceeding to the next planned destination, Orinduik. In Kato, members of the visiting team undertook to interact with residents and even assisted in fixing a water supply system, which provided potable water to the community.

Residents from one of the villages receiving school supplies from members of the Safari team
Residents from one of the villages receiving school supplies from members of the Safari team

From Kato, the convoy journeyed back to Karasabai before heading to Lethem (Region 9) to be a part of the annual Rupununi Rodeo, which is another signature, one-of-a-kind event in Guyana that is well-attended.

This adventurous journey covered over 1,000 miles from Georgetown to Kato, to Lethem and back. This year, there were participants from countries such as: Suriname, Jamaica, Holland, and New York.
Guyoil/Castrol and Mekdeci Mining remain the major sponsors of this annual event. However, the GTA has managed to attract a number of other entities including: Marketing and Distribution (M&D), Rover World and the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T). The administration of Regions 8 and 9 also plays an important role in making the event a success.

GTA’s Director, Indranauth Haralsingh said this is the first year that a Surinamese delegation was part of the Safari. He anticipates that next year, that neighbouring country’s delegation will increase to about six to eight vehicles. GTA is also hoping to attract participants from Brazil, Venezuela and the wider Caribbean.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Safari pioneer, Harripersaud Nokta (centre) with participants of the 12th Pakaraima Mountain Safari at the starting point
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Safari pioneer, Harripersaud Nokta (centre) with participants of the 12th Pakaraima Mountain Safari at the starting point

In previous years, there were participants from the United States of America and Canada. Haralsingh explained that the Safari is the only overland adventure that takes participants 529 miles, through several indigenous villages from the low coastal plain to over 3,800 feet through the Pakaraima mountain range.

“It is the only trip in the country that takes you from the East Coast to the West Coast, traversing the entire width of Guyana, ending at Orinduik Falls…it’s the kind of outdoor adventure that allows you to sleep under the stars, camp out, sleep in a hammock, cook for yourself and interact with indigenous brothers and sisters,” Haralsingh said.

Participants taking a photo opportunity at Karasabai in Region Nine
Participants taking a photo opportunity at Karasabai in Region Nine

In the past, the Pakaraima Mountain Safari saw women driving the entire distance, and the participation of children as young as eight years old and people as old as 70 years old, from all walks of life.

Residents from hinterland communities that are along safari route look forward to this annual event. Haralsingh said that almost every vehicle was stocked with gifts for residents of the various villages, particularly the children such as kites, sweets and other goodies, as well as books and school supplies.

The GTA is in the process of crafting a hinterland tourism development plan and these communities play a critical part of informing it.

The safari along with the other events hosted by the tourism sector is part of the larger ‘Drive Guyana’ campaign, which is aimed at encouraging locals, the Diaspora and foreigners to visit, explore and enjoy Guyana, where the hinterland is the most beautiful.

Carefully manoeuvering the rough terrain
Carefully manoeuvering the rough terrain

As a result of the overwhelming success of the Pakaraima Mountain Safari, another safari was introduced, this time going south of the country, to the Rupununi. This is scheduled to be held in November, the month designated as Tourism Awareness Month.

Additionally, a Safari Club has been established, which comprises pioneers of the very first safari, and is open to anyone. The club will be collaborating with similar clubs in South America, the Caribbean and further afield to coordinate similar activities.

The GTA has also been working closely with stakeholders in the tourism sector in Suriname and this has resulted in the participation of a Surinamese delegation for the first time being a part of the trip.

A pit stop along the way
A pit stop along the way

This, according to Haralsingh, will open up and strengthen the ties between Guyana and Suriname as the two countries look to further improve multi-destination and cross-border tourism. This kind of collaboration will be ideal; particularly since14 percent of all visitors to Guyana come from Suriname.

The first Safari was launched by Former Local Government Minister Haripersaud Nokta on March 22, 2003 after whom the Nokta peak, the highest point of the mountain in Kurukubaru, between the villages of Karasabai and Orinduik, was named. (GINA)

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