Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad Thursday declared the Pakaraima Mountain Safari open in the presence of sponsors at the Guyoil Service Station, Regent Street. Safarians can depart for their eight-day journey at midnight on March 26, with vehicles comprising 4 Runners, All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and motor cycles, part of a convoy from Georgetown to their destination at Orinduik Falls, Region Eight.
The first safari convoy comprised four vehicles and two tractors that travelled from Karasabai to Orinduik Falls.
The groups will traverse the hinterland regions, making stops in Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica), Eight (Potaro/Siparuni), Nine (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) and Ten (Upper Demerara/ Upper Berbice).
This adventure trip plays a great role in developing Guyana’s nature and adventure brand destination as it gives more recognition to the country’s potential in these areas.
Guyana has been gaining recognition in its unique brand of nature tourism with international agencies such as the ‘Guide to Latin America 2008’ ranking Guyana among the Top 10 Wild Adventures in Latin America, ‘the Independent’ in UK (February 2008) that rated Guyana among the Five Best Wildlife Retreats in the World, and the UK   ‘Times Online’ (February 2008) which labelled Guyana among the Best Adventure Trips for 2008.
This will be the eighth safari to be held since its inception. The first was the initiative of former Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Harripersaud Nokta.
The Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce is now also using the safari as a means of educating locals about the benefits of tourism and how it can be advantageous to them.
The annual event is made possible through the Ministries of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and Local Government, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), the Guyana Oil Company, and Guyana Telephone and Telegraph, Rainforest Tours, Adventure Guyana and Air Services Limited.(GINA)