A GINA Feature
It was past 1:00 am, March 27. Thirty four vehicles packed with foodstuff, water, clothing and other necessities and carrying persons whose excitement level was very high moved off from Georgetown. They had just minutes before received the blessings of the Head of State. They were going on an eight-day experience that they would be imprinted in their memories forever, into terrain that is rough, where the beauty of the areas they were traversing is indescribable, where flora and fauna demand attention and where not many have dared to travel. A safari into the wilderness of Guyana is not a journey for the faint-hearted.

For the 2010 group of safarians, comprising Guyanese and visitors from England, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Antigua, it was indeed a once in a lifetime occurrence.   This trip plays a pertinent role in developing Guyana’s nature and adventure brand destination as it gives more recognition to the country’s potential in these aspects.

The convoy of mostly four- runners and two All Terrain Vehicles journeyed from Georgetown to Linden, crossing at Kurupukari, then moving on to several areas in Region Nine: Annai, Karasabai, Tipuru and Yurong Paru, then to Region Eight where they travelled through Paramakatoi, Kato and Monkey Mountain, finally ending at Orinduik. These two administrative regions are considered the most difficult to traverse due to the rough terrain.

This 529-mile journey took safarians, young and old, men and women, on an adventurous trip, through winding trails in the pristine rainforest, which seemed to swallow the vehicles as they manoeuvred onwards, along rocky pathways and through scenic spots along the route, and indigenous communities where they got first hand experience of the culture and way of life of the indigenous people.

No five-star hotels

At the end of each day, safarians pitched their tents in flat open areas or put up hammocks and proceeded to cook in the outdoors. This was a unique experience for many, having to sleep, cook, eat, and bathe in the open. They were also able to sample indigenous foods and beverages.

Arising in the morning, the sunrise and the beauty of the areas astounded the participants of the eighth Pakaraima Mountain safari.

“Safari is not a five-star hotel, it is outdoor, camping and coming to grips with nature; of seeing the flora, the fauna and our wildlife,” Tourism Minister Manniram Prashad said. He joined the safari on the 5th day.

Thrills

Journeying along the trails which in some areas are rocky and steep, there were heart stopping moments for the adventurers when vehicles got stuck due to rough terrain and had to be helped out as there was rainfall for two days in the Region Nine areas.

This didn’t deter the adventurers, many of whom were first timers, as they bravely forded rivers and creeks, travelled on flat lands in some areas and climbed mountain trails as they ventured forth, eagerly anticipating the natural wonder they would be exposed to at the end of their rigorous, daring journey.

Welcoming parties

Cute little Amerindian children at Tipuru Nursery school sang, ‘Welcome, welcome, we welcome all of you’, evoking smiles and applause from the safarians.

At the many other communities, villagers gathered to see the visitors and their vehicles as they are not accustomed to seeing many vehicles passing through regularly.

A Tuseneng man impressed the visitors with his wisecracks and dancing skills, as he demonstrated how he dances and how it is done by other ethnic groups.

At all the villages they stopped, the group presented gifts to the children.

Breathtaking

In Region Eight, the convoy traversed some very high areas, including Paramakatoi, which stands 2,000 feet high. There they witnessed Amerindians settlements nestled in the undulating Pakaraima Mountains.

From there they moved onto to Kato. It is the high areas that lend themselves to the formation of certain types of natural wonders. The adventurers got their glimpse of one, a waterfall; and though not of the caliber of the Kaieteur Falls, it was indeed a lovely sight. Not far off, they were confronted by another fall and the safarians could not miss the opportunity for the photographic moments that would remind them of their adventure. They then journeyed to Monkey Mountain and onto the point of culmination where it was a nirvana! The beautiful, Orinduik falls! It derived its name from a Patamona word, ‘orin’, meaning aquatic plant that was prevalent at the falls. It’s located on the Ireng River that borders Guyana and Brazil…Against the backdrop of the rolling grasslands, and hills; it was irresistible!

Safarians eagerly donned their swim gear and didn’t waste a moment in savouring one of Guyana’s wondrous sights. They basked in the water thundering over the steps of the semi precious stone, jasper, falling on their bodies.

It was there, in Region Eight, where the visitors were afforded a panoramic view of the Pakaraimas across rolling savannahs that the Eighth safari ended and the convoy headed back to the Georgetown.

Marvellous experience

The elated adventurers as they packed their stuff to return home, shared their experiences of the expedition.

Roger, England

The scenes are beautiful, spectacular. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before. It is the first time I’ve been in the inland part, apart from Kaieteur Falls. Enjoyed the little bit of discomfort but it was worth it. It’s the challenge and adventure.

Kennard Sahadeo, Guyana

Driving from Georgetown to Karasabai was good fun. I haven’t been to this part of Guyana and I love what I have seen. This is my first Safari and I took the opportunity to come since I had the right vehicle and I said this is it!

Lorrie Whittaker, Scotland
It was an amazing adventure. The drive was bumpy but we passed some amazing falls, beautiful scenery, before we got to Orinduik. It was an amazing experience!

Paul Griffith,
GuyanaThe experience was exciting, challenging, frightening, and dangerous, it’s everything but it is overall wonderful. I never thought I would have seen something like this in my lifetime, it’s great. At one time we drove on boulders, the next time we drove on rocks, it was tremendous, you have got to see it.

Errol Le Blanc, Antigua

I have seen a lot of beautiful views … the vast expansive land that Guyana has that needs to be developed. It has been an interesting experience and I hope to return next year to take a next trip.

The trip was really exciting, it was enjoyable. It really gives you an adrenaline rush to see how vehicles travel…there were times when vehicles were in a compromising position but everyone ended up being okay.

The other thing I have enjoyed about the trip is the Orinduik falls. I have been to the falls …but I would like to go there and spend two weeks, it is really exciting, it’s marvellous.

Manniram Prashad, Minister of Tourism Industry and Commerce

The Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce will continue to support the safari. This trip ..some of the vehicles got stuck because of the rains … but every year the trail gets better and better and of course what is an adventure without seeing a few jaguars, big anaconda, … nature on the whole… the safari is not a five-star hotel, it is outdoor camping and coming to grips with nature.. of the flora and the fauna .

We are promoting eco, nature and adventure tourism. It was a very successful safari. The safari is getting bigger and better and Guyanese overseas are talking about coming back… they are interested in it.

The initial safari was the brainchild of former Local Government and Regional Development Minister Harripersaud Nokta who wanted to link the interior by roadway since the only means of getting in then was by air.

The first convoy had four vehicles and two tractors that travelled from Karasabai to Orinduik Falls.

The eighth safari was a collaborative effort of the Ministries of Tourism, and Local Government, the Guyana Tourism Authority, the Guyana Oil Company, the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph company, Rainforest Tours, Air Services Ltd and Ainlim.