…the Pakaraima Mountain safari, a breath-taking trip through the heart of the country
THE Pakaraima Mountain Safari, dubbed ‘The Adventure of a Lifetime’, which has been growing in popularity, was officially launched yesterday. The annual event is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the Guyana Tourism Authority, along with the Local Government Ministry, Regions 8 and 9, Rainforest Tours, the Guyana Oil Company, Digicel Guyana, MMC, and Neal and Massy Limited.
The 10th Pakaraima Mountain Safari is scheduled for March 30 to April 6, 2012, covering 529 miles in an eight-day journey through the heart of Guyana. The convoy will start from Georgetown, through Region 10 (Upper Demerara/ Upper Berbice), Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo), and up to Orinduik in the heart of the Pakaraima mountains in Region 8 (Potaro/Siparuni), passing through 14 Amerindian communities, with five overnights on the way to Orinduik where it culminates.
The safari will pass through Karabasabai, where a memorial service in honour of the late former President Dr. Cheddi Jagan will be held, Morabaiko, Monkey Mountain, Kato and finally, Orinduik.
Vehicle inspections will be done on March 28, at 13:00hrs at the Guyoil Service Station, Regent Street, Georgetown, and participating vehicles are to assemble there on the evening of March 29, for departure at 01:00 hr on March 30.
Participants will be given the ideal opportunity to experience the outdoors and go through rough terrain, discovering the scenic natural beauty of Guyana’s mountainous regions, enjoying spectacular waterfalls, and experiencing the rich indigenous culture, while getting a glimpse of the country’s wide range of flora and fauna, and making new friends on the journey, altogether an unforgettable experience.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (ag), Irfaan Ali, speaking at the launching at his office on Brickdam, Georgetown, said the safari is one of the major events on the tourism calendar for Guyana.
He recalled that the safari started ten years ago, concentrating mainly on Guyanese living here.
“Because, as you are aware, many of our people along the coast never had the opportunity or never sought to make use of the opportunity to visit the beautiful interior of Guyana.”
However, Minister Ali pointed out that the safari has grown considerably, attracting regional and international participants “wanting to be part of this experience that is breath-taking.”
The minister said, this year, the organisers have a very difficult time in prioritising the number of interests, because, based on the logistics, they cater for approximately 25 vehicles looking at safety, logistics, time and so on.
“The organisers have more than 35 interests at the moment; however, the first 25, I think, would be what can be accommodated,” the minister said.
“But this is good news, because it now gives us the opportunity to revisit the organisation of this event and to see how we can plan to cater for the excess interest that is shown,” he noted.
He said the safari would explore 14 Amerindian communities where safarians would get a taste of the distinct rich flavored indigenous culture and indigenous people, and the experience would “take them back in time to the rich cultures, the rich religion and the rich features of our indigenous communities”; and also offer them an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful scenic view of the interior, get a glimpse of the black caiman and giant ant-eater, enjoy bird watching along the way, take in and enjoy the freshness of nature’s beauty, enjoy the crossing of rivers, hills, mountains, and the beautiful geological features of the Pakaraima mountain range.
The minister also congratulated the sponsors who have been onboard the safari, and reminded that the first one was the initiative of former Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Harripersaud Nokta, who is ‘the father figure’ of this event.
Managing Director of Rainforest Tours, Mr. Frank Singh, said participants are required to have two empty drums and vehicles must be inspected to ensure that they are ‘off road worthy’, and fitted with fire extinguishers, medical kits, tow ropes and off-road tyres.
The convoy will also include a medical team from the Ministry of Health, and Air Services Limited will provide a back-up medivac in case of any emergency, along with radio and the satellite phones.
Singh said, for persons who wish to join the safari, but cannot start the journey from its inception, there are arrangements with Air Services, Roraima Airways, and Trans Guyana for them to join the safari at some point along the way.
The Managing Director said they are asking each vehicle to make a contribution to a village so that “the Amerindian people will benefit from the safari too.”
Castrol Brand Manager, Leonard Khan, in brief remarks, said he is happy to be associated each year with the safari, which they view as a key marketing activity for them, budgeting at least over $1M each year for this tourism calendar event.
“We always look forward to this event, and we are certainly happy to be playing a part in exploring our beautiful country of Guyana,” he said.
For registration and more information, interested persons can contact Indranauth Haralsingh on 616-8934 and 219-0092, 219-0094, 219-0095, or Frank Singh on 624-3298 and 231-5661.