THE vehicles which will be used on the 11th Pakaraima Mountain Safari were inspected and stickered yesterday by the various sponsors and the Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh, who noted that the vehicles needed to be checked to ensure they are off-road worthy. This activity took place at the office of the GTA at the Sophia Exhibition Centre in Greater Georgetown. Haralsingh said yesterday’s activity was basically a test of each vehicle’s durability, model and make; to ensure each vehicle was hinterland ready for adverse weather conditions, among other things, because if any vehicle breaks down, it could delay the trip for days. He therefore stressed that vehicles in excellent condition were an absolute necessity for embarking on the safari.

Haralsingh said that a total of 28 vehicles and counting — a record number – has signalled interest in participating in the safari. Registration is still ongoing, as other persons show their interest in participating in the safari.

Tyre checks and a thorough inspection of each vehicle’s exterior and interior were done yesterday.

According to Singh, the safari will depart GUYOIL Gas Station at Diamond, East Bank Demerara at 01:00hrs on March 23, and travel through 14 Amerindian villages, including Karasabai, Monkey Mountain, Kato, and Orinduik, before concluding at Lethem in Region 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo). He added that the Safari is the initiative of the Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with Rainforest Tours, and noted that the major sponsors are Neal and Massy Company (NM) Mekdeci Group of Companies (MMC), GUYOIL, and China Trading.

Sponsors were also privileged to put their company’s stickers on the vehicles.

Haralsingh disclosed that there are fresh persons who will be on this year’s safari, and even persons from Trinidad and Tobago and representatives from the U.S. Embassy will participate in the Safari as well. He said it is a historic year for the safari, as it paves the way for a massive 2014 safari.

According to him, the GTA has already received confirmation from the Jamaica Safari Club regarding participation of 10 vehicles in the 2014 safari, and other countries have also expressed interest.

He noted that over several persons from Suriname are participating in the event this year, and more have expressed interest in participating in next year’s safari as well.

Haralsingh said the safari is going to become a centre-piece for Guyana’s tourism product, as the Tourism Ministry views it as critical for the development of the tourism sector.

He indicated that stories being told about the safari by visitors upon their return home are causing many to come to Guyana, not necessarily for the safari, but to experience the various tourism products.

According to him, there will be support from Region 8 (Potaro/Siparuni) and 9 (Upper Takutu/Upper Essequibo) in terms of providing fuel sites along the safari route.

This year’s Pakaraima Mountain Safari is on track to be the biggest ever, having been extended to last 10 days, beginning March 23, with approximately 30 vehicles covering 600 miles of Guyana’s rugged hinterland terrain.

Coordinator of the Safari, Frank Singh, was also present to assist Haralsingh with the inspection of the vehicles.
     Haralsingh also informed that persons in the vehicles are required to equip themselves with their own cooking utensils and outdoor camping equipment.
Representatives from the companies who sponsored the Safari all expressed their delight at participating in this year’s safari.

In addition, NM has promised to donate a number of dental kits to the hinterland villages which the safari would pass on its way.