A Hidden Gem

THE community of Yarrowkabra is among the largest villages nestled along the Linden Soesdyke Highway. Like its neighbouring counterparts, Yarrowkabra was founded on farming. This perception has become embedded in the village’s reputation. Its natural beauty, however, has not been explored until Shane D’Andrade. Shane came to the village in search of crafting a simpler existence for himself and fell in love with the overflowing intrinsic beauty of Yarrowkabra. Now, almost a decade after, Shane has made his dream a reality with the founding of Savannah Tours. It started as a vision of showing the rest of the world what Yarrowkabra has to offer. His vision transformed it into a haven of intrinsic beauty.

Shane came to Yarrowkabra and was captivated by the beauty that surrounded him. Coined the ‘Off-road king’, Shane would spend his days riding through the backlands and undiscovered trails Yarrowkabra had to offer. The village of Yarrowkabra fueled his passion and drive to help others achieve this experience. “I saw a lot of potential here 10 years ago. My first daughter’s name is Savannah. It was all a dream. Everything you see now is a dream,” said Shane. Today, that dream has come to life. Shane now offers guided tours through the Savannah and private stays at his Yarrowkabra resort. Shane was born and raised in Georgetown and came to Yarrowkabra chasing a dream of seeing Guyana for all it has to offer and is now giving others that opportunity.

Growing up in Georgetown, Shane’s childhood in the bustling city couldn’t diminish his love for nature. As a young man, he found himself exploring the backlands of South Ruimveldt. He shared that, “I was born and raised in South Ruimveldt Gardens. My childhood days there were really good. We used to play in the rice fields, ride horses and donkeys and whatever we could think about.” Shane’s appreciation for the natural world was further highlighted during his travels to other countries. In his youth, he had the opportunity to travel throughout the Caribbean, seeing other places and the emphasis that was placed on tourism and natural diversity. Shane thought of his homeland and its beauty, with far more than a few sandy beaches and waterfalls; Shane came back home with the goal of showcasing Guyana. He shared that, “I had the opportunity to travel around the islands and work. While being there I realised that these countries only have beaches, just white sand and blue water, beautiful and nice scenery. I have been riding to the Savannah since I was 16 and just see the beauty in it.”

Shane returned to Guyana and established Savannah Tours officially seven years ago. Founding his business in Yarrowkabra was not a difficult decision for Shane. In the decade he has lived in the village, he has seen it develop and blossom while retaining and staying true to its untouched beauty. Over the past decade, Yarrowkabra underwent transformative changes, evolving into a community poised for tourism and development.  “This is one of the communities that is poised for tourism and development,” said Shane. The community has undergone drastic changes, says Shane. The community now has more people than ever during its history, with more people flocking into the village. “This is really a wonderful community with wonderful people. We have seen a lot of development in the last couple of years, ” said Shane.

He cited the changes and new additions the village of Yarrowkabra has seen. The change that Yarrowkabra has experienced is significant and is something Shane hopes will continue. Yarrowkabra, to him, is far more than a place where he set up shop, but is rather his home and where he has a life he never thought possible. He shared that, “We have a brand-new high school with all the modern-day facilities. We have new roads that are very vital for transportation. The sand was a very big challenge. Yarrowkabra is the place where I built my dream.”

Shane and Savannah Tours promise visitors more than a trip or sightseeing across a few fields. An off-road ride through the intricate trails of Yarrowkabra and the surrounding villages offers a uniquely Guyanese experience.  Every element is a testament to Shane’s vision, making a stay with Savannah Tours a truly unique and authentically Guyanese experience. Every aspect of a stay at Savannah Tours is authentic, even the cabins and lodges Shane has made himself, stating that, “Everything you see around you is something that I have built,” he said. “This is unique to me because it is something that I built personally, without getting ideas from anywhere else. I created everything from my vision.” Yarrowkabra and the experiences it has to offer are truly one of a kind. Yarrowkabra is a village unexplored and adventures crafted from a dream.