THE annual Pakaraimas Safari, the major adventure tourism activity of the year, is scheduled for March 26th to April 2nd.

The safari is being organized by the Ministry of Tourism Industry and Commerce, the Guyana Tourism Authority and Rainforest Tours.

This will be the ninth safari and participants in 4×4 vehicles, motorcycles and All Terrain Vehicles have all begun gearing for the 529 mile trip from Georgetown to Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) and then into the Pakaraima Mountains in Region 8 (Potaro/Siparuni), up to the Orinduik falls and back.

Managing Director of Rainforest Tours, Mr. Frank Singh, who has participated in all the safaris to date, said that there will be a formal launching of the event in the boardroom of the ministry late next week.

He urged interested persons to get registered at Rainforest Tours at 5 Avenue of the Republic and Robb Street (telephone # 231-5661) now.

Singh said indications are that the 2011 event will be bigger than the one last year.

He  has over the past weeks been receiving requests for participation from  locals  as well as foreigners, including two vehicles from Jamaica, two motorcycles from Canada, five 4×4 vehicles and four motorcycles from Suriname.

Sponsors to date include Airline Services Limited (ASL), Guyoil, and Mekdeci Mining Company.

Singh promised more details as the date for the annual big outdoor adventure draws nearer.

Prior to 2000, there were no roads linking villages in Region Eight, nor was there any route linking the Region with Region Nine.

The villages of the Pakaraimas were only accessible by air.

Recognizing the need, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, headed by Harripersaud Nokta, developed the project that cut a roadway to connect the regions.

First it was a rough pathway traversed only by tractors and trailers; but, in December 2000, funding was made available to complete the last portion from Morabaiko Creek in Region Nine to its last village, Young Peru, resulting in the first safari being able to travel from Karasabai in Region Nine to Orinduik Falls in Region Eight in 2003.

A reliable source disclosed that the former Minister, who had also participated in the first and subsequent safaris, is writing a book on his adventures in the Pakaraimas .