RESPONSE to the invitation to participate in the annual Pakaraima Mountain Safari has been so enthusiastic that the organisers have decided to hold two such safaris each year instead of one. Making the disclosure yesterday, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad said: “The interest, locally and internationally, is so great that I have to, now, announce that, for the first time, there will be a second safari this year. From now on it will be two safaris every year.”
He made the announcement during the formal kick-off of the ninth Annual Pakaraima Mountain Safari, in the boardroom of his ministry, on South Road, Georgetown.
With at least 30 four-wheel drive and all terrain vehicles (ATVs) as well as motorcycles participating, the safari is scheduled to start from Georgetown on  March 26 and reach Orinduik, in Region Eight (Potaro/Siparuni) via Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Upper Berbice) and Region Nine (Upper Essequibo/Upper Takutu) , then return to the city on April 2.

535 miles
The expedition will cover 535 miles, over steep hills and mountains and deep precipices that will make even the stoutest hearts quiver with fear, but yesterday drivers taking part were agog with anticipation and excitement.
ATV rider Senor Bell captured the spirit of the adventurers when he said:“Good roads, it is nice to have a good road to drive on but the truth is we Safarians don’t need them. Smooth roads, lack of danger would put us to sleep, make for a very boring trip. We don’t want luxuries, the rougher it gets the better, the more dangerous it gets the better.”
The event on the yearly calendar of the ministry is organised in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Rainforest Tours and the Regional Democratic Councils of Regions Eight and Nine.
At the formal ceremony yesterday were some of the sponsors, Air Services Limited (ASL), GUYOIL, Castrol, Geddes Grant and Marketing and Distribution of the Neil and Massey Group of Companies.
Mekdeci Mining Company (MMC) is also a sponsor but was not represented at the function.
In his other remarks, Minister Prashad disclosed that this year’s safari,  comprising six nights of adventure, will be bigger than last year’s, with more international participation.
“Apart from our local adventurers, there will be drivers from Jamaica and motorcyclists from Suriname and Canada,” he informed, adding that he was very happy and excited to see how the event has evolved since the inception in 2003.
He recalled that, during the first and second safaris, in the early days, the ministry and its collaborators had to approach companies for sponsorship.
“Now, we are not wanting in sponsors. Most of the companies want to participate, to give sponsorship. Business people want to get involved. They call us and ask us what is happening,” Prashad said.
He said President Jagdeo also enquired about progress with the preparations and the minister said he would not be surprised to see the Head of State get directly involved some time before or after the expedition is under way.
Prashad said, because of the eagerness to sponsor the essentially eco-tourism adventure, there were no obstacles to holding it twice a year, commencing in 2011 and he gave the tentative date for the second as in August.
The minister also expressed his pleasure that the communities along the route have benefitted, economically, from all the safaris to date.
He said: “The development of the area along the route has been tremendous. We, normally, take things to the villages and we urge the Safarians to buy also and the whole idea is that the local communities can benefit from the event.”
The lead organiser, Mr. Frank Singh said, for reasons of safety, he has limited the number of participating vehicles to 30, all of which will be required to pass an off-road worthy fitness test and those that fail would not be allowed to participate.

Rugged terrain
He emphasised that the route encompasses rugged terrain and the rules and regulations for participants, particularly with respect to safety, are very stringent.
The final inspection of vehicles making the trip will be at the GUYOIL Service Station, on Regent Street, Thursday, March 24,  beginning 14:00h.
Singh indicated, too, that a medical team, of doctors, medexes and nurses, will be available to treat any injuries.
An aircraft from ASL will also be on standby to respond to any medical  emergency that cannot be treated on the spot and he urged interested persons, even those who do not have vehicles, to make enquiries at Rainforest Tours, Lot 5 Avenue of the Republic and Robb Street (telephone number 231-5661) for arrangements to be made for hire.
The safari departs Georgetown one hour after midnight on March 26, to arrive at Karasabai in Region Nine at 14:00h on March 27 for an overnight stay. The journey resumes at 09:00h, stopping briefly at Tiperu and Rukumoto before arriving at Morabaiko for overnighting.
Day three will see brief stops at Youngperu, also in Region Nine, then into Region Eight at Echilibar and Monkey Mountain to remain for the night.
On day four, the travellers will stop at Tuseneng, Bamboo Creek and Paramakatoi en route to Kato, from where they drive on to Kurukubaru and Kamana and arrive at destination Orinduik.
The return journey, to last three days, begins on Thursday, March 31.