DUBBED “An adventure of a life time,” the 13th Pakaraima Mountain Safari is set to give participants the thrill and scenic views experienced nowhere else but in Guyana.This year’s safari is dubbed “an adventure of a lifetime” and is part of the ministry’s “Drive Guyana initiative,” which is one of the most adventurous journeys across Guyana. The aim is to have a convoy of vehicles, inclusive of motorbikes and ATVs, and participation will include persons from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Germany and the United States.
Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh, explained that this year’s safari will commence on March 28th and culminate in Lethem on April 5th. The event is also set to coincide with the Rodeo celebration in Lethem, Region 9, affording participants both the option of returning to Georgetown for Easter Monday or remaining in Lethem for the Rodeo. He noted that vehicle inspections will be done on March 24th to make sure that vehicles carry the right equipment, and that they are prepared, in terms of working condition, for the type of terrain that will be encountered.
The director explained too that “already 15 vehicles and some 20 motorbikes have registered and March 24 will be the final say for inspections of vehicles which will cover between 529 and 600 miles during this year’s safari and there are quite a few requirements to which the vehicles have to adhere.” There are also plans to increase the participation of locals and promote Amerindian villages and community-based tourism. He emphasised that during the safari the participants will also be able purchase all their necessaries from the communities where they will be assisting in community- based tourism.
Enlightening media operatives on his personal experience, he explained: “One year the group had to assist another participant by cutting logs and placing it across a river since his vehicle was too big for the bridge.” Haralsingh noted too that the safari will provide the opportunity for participants to visit 11 indigenous communities, three waterfalls and be able to interact with wildlife.
“This is a raw trip, it is an opportunity of a life time,” he said, as he urged persons to come out and participate. There are also plans in place for persons who may want to join the safari after it has set out on its journey with scheduled flights by Air Services Limited (ASL) and charter flights.
Guyoil Castrol Brand is one of the major sponsors and has yet again indicated they will be providing fuel as well as oil and other products to assist in making this year’s Safari a success. Guyoil’s representative explained that “every year the company looks forward to supporting the safari, because we are afforded the opportunity to give back to our drivers since they would have been utilising our products over the years and we also get an opportunity to support the Ministry of Tourism in its drive to build our tourism package for our country and lastly to have proof that the Castrol brand is the life of the engine.”
Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) Public Relations Officer, Allison Parker explained that they are honoured to be yet again associated with this year’s safari. She said that this year the company will be providing participants with t-shirts, cooler bags, opener key rings and caps.
First-time sponsor, Amazon Warrior Energy drink, explained that their company will be providing energy drinks for all participants.
Also sponsoring the event this year is the Massy Distribution, Rainforest Tours and Mekdeci Machinery and Construction (MMC).