Guyana and Suriname Tailormade - Journey into the Wild Guianas

Welcome to Guyana! On arrival at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Georgetown, Guyana’s colourful capital. Set on the Atlantic coast and crossed by canals, Georgetown is characterised by its historic wooden architecture, bustling markets and relaxed Caribbean atmosphere.

The remainder of the day is free to settle into your surroundings and perhaps enjoy your first impressions of this fascinating country.

Note – The transfer from the international airport can take over an hour

Today brings one of the great highlights of your time in Guyana – a flight to spectacular Kaieteur Falls.

From Georgetown, take a scenic flight over vast areas of pristine rainforest before arriving at Kaieteur, where the Potaro River plunges dramatically over a sandstone escarpment. With a single drop of approximately 226 metres, the falls are one of the world's great natural spectacles.

After landing, guided walks take you to several viewpoints overlooking the falls and surrounding rainforest, with opportunities to appreciate the remarkable scale and isolation of this extraordinary place. Later, fly back to Georgetown and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Note – Kaieteur Excursions are carried out on a shared basis.

Kaieteur Falls

Hidden deep within the pristine rainforest of central Guyana, Kaieteur Falls is one of South America’s most spectacular natural wonders. The mighty Potaro River plunges approximately 226 metres over a vast sandstone escarpment, creating an immense wall of water surrounded by untouched rainforest. Reached by scenic flight from Georgetown, the falls offer an extraordinary sense of isolation, with walking trails leading to several viewpoints overlooking the dramatic gorge and cascading waters. The combination of sheer scale, wild surroundings and remoteness makes a visit to Kaieteur a truly unforgettable highlight of any journey through Guyana.

This morning, fly south from Georgetown to Lethem on a scheduled service, the gateway to Guyana's vast Rupununi region. From Lethem, travel across the open savannah towards Karanambu Lodge.

The journey itself becomes part of the experience as the landscape changes from town and cultivated areas to immense grasslands, woodland and wetlands. Karanambu lies beside the Rupununi River within a vast wilderness area encompassing savannah, forest and riverine habitats.

Arrive at the lodge and settle into your comfortable accommodation before enjoying your first opportunity for wildlife spotting.

Note – Excursions at Karanambu Lodge will be shared with other staying guests. Also note that flights into the interior have a luggage allowance of 9kg per person. You can leave additional luggage with our team in Georgetown.

Karanambu Lodge

Set deep within the remote Rupununi wilderness, Karanambu Lodge offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience Guyana’s extraordinary wildlife and landscapes. Surrounded by open savannah, gallery forest and the meandering Rupununi River, the lodge provides a comfortable base for exploring this pristine region by boat, 4x4 and on foot. Guided excursions offer the chance to encounter giant anteaters, giant river otters, caiman, monkeys and an impressive variety of birdlife, while evenings bring the evocative sounds of the wilderness. Staying at Karanambu is as much about embracing the tranquillity and remoteness of the Rupununi as it is about its remarkable wildlife, providing a genuine taste of Guyana’s untamed interior.

Wake to the sounds of the Rupununi wilderness. Today begins a series of guided excursions designed to explore the diverse habitats surrounding Karanambu.

Depending on local conditions and wildlife activity, excursions may take you along the Rupununi River by boat, across the savannah or into areas of gallery forest. Keep watch for giant river otters, black caiman, monkeys and an extraordinary variety of birdlife. Sightings of course can never be guaranteed.

Later, enjoy the tranquillity of the lodge, with time to relax and appreciate its beautiful riverside setting.

The Rupununi

Stretching across the vast interior of southern Guyana, the Rupununi is a remarkable landscape of sweeping savannahs, tropical forests, wetlands and winding rivers, framed in places by distant mountains. This remote wilderness is one of Guyana’s great wildlife regions, supporting an impressive array of species including giant anteaters, giant river otters, monkeys, caiman and abundant birdlife. The region is also home to Indigenous communities whose traditional knowledge and close relationship with the land form an important part of its character. Exploring the Rupununi by 4x4, boat and on foot offers a genuine sense of adventure and an opportunity to experience one of South America’s last great wildernesses.

Today offers another opportunity to explore the remarkable wildlife of the Rupununi. An early excursion heads out across the savannah in search of giant anteaters, one of the region's most fascinating mammals.

The open grasslands and woodland patches provide an excellent environment for wildlife watching, while your guides will explain the ecology of the Rupununi and the animals that inhabit this remote corner of Guyana.

Later, there may be an opportunity for a river excursion or further exploration around the lodge. Evening activities can provide the chance to experience the sounds and wildlife of the savannah after dark.

A further day to immerse yourself in the wilderness surrounding Karanambu. Depending on conditions, your activities may include a boat trip along the Rupununi, forest walks and wildlife excursions. The river provides an excellent vantage point for spotting aquatic wildlife and birds, while trails through the surrounding vegetation reveal the extraordinary diversity of the region.

There will also be time to relax at the lodge and enjoy the peaceful surroundings – an important part of the Karanambu experience.

After breakfast, leave Karanambu and travel across the Rupununi savannah towards Waikin Ranch.

This is another opportunity to appreciate the extraordinary scale of the region at a working ranch, with long stretches of open grassland punctuated by rocky outcrops, woodland and distant mountains under dramatic huge skies.

Arrive at Waikin Ranch and settle into your accommodation. Depending on arrival time, enjoy an afternoon activity, visit the natural swimming pool. or simply relax and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this remote ranch.

Enjoy breakfast at the ranch before travelling back towards Lethem.

From Lethem, take a scheduled flight north to Georgetown. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

After several days in the Rupununi wilderness, this provides a welcome opportunity to relax, perhaps enjoy the hotel facilities or explore some of Georgetown independently.

This morning, discover more of Georgetown on a guided city tour.

Explore the historic centre and see some of the city's distinctive wooden architecture, colourful markets and important civic buildings. The tour provides an insight into Georgetown's fascinating mixture of Caribbean, British, Dutch and South Asian influences.

Later, transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Paramaribo, capital of neighbouring Suriname.

On arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle into your new surroundings.

Georgetown

Guyana’s lively capital, Georgetown, sits on the Atlantic coast and is known for its distinctive blend of Caribbean character and colonial heritage. Built around a network of canals, the city is characterised by colourful wooden buildings, historic churches, bustling markets and tree-lined streets, with landmarks such as St George’s Cathedral and the lively Stabroek Market providing a glimpse into its past and present. Georgetown’s multicultural character reflects the diverse influences that have shaped Guyana, making it a fascinating introduction to the country before venturing into its remote interior and rainforest wilderness.

This morning, leave Paramaribo and travel towards the interior of Suriname.

The journey gradually leaves the capital behind as you travel towards the upper Suriname River. From the riverside settlement of Atjoni, continue by boat into the forested interior, travelling along waterways that have long been the lifelines of the communities of this region.

Arrive at Danpaati River Lodge, situated on an island close to the Maroon village of Dan. The lodge offers comfortable cabins overlooking the river and provides an excellent base from which to experience the surrounding rainforest and local culture.

Settle into your riverside cabin and enjoy your first taste of the peaceful atmosphere of the Surinamese rainforest.

Note – Transfers to and from the lodge by road and river are shared by other guests travelling to Danpaati and excursions whist at the lodge are also shared.

Danpaati River Lodge

Situated on an island in the heart of Suriname’s forested interior, Danpaati River Lodge offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the country’s pristine rainforest and rich cultural heritage. Reached by boat along the Suriname River, the lodge provides a peaceful riverside setting surrounded by dense jungle and traditional Saramaka Maroon communities. Guided forest walks, river excursions and visits to nearby villages offer an insight into both the remarkable natural environment and the traditions of the local people. With its tranquil atmosphere, comfortable accommodation and immersive location, Danpaati provides a memorable introduction to the wild and culturally rich interior of Suriname.

Today is devoted to exploring the rainforest and learning more about the traditional culture of the Saramaka Maroon communities.

Enjoy a guided forest walk, discovering the plants and wildlife of the surrounding rainforest, before visiting a nearby village to learn more about local traditions and everyday life.

Later, there may be an opportunity for a boat excursion or to simply relax beside the river. Danpaati's standard package includes village and forest walks together with an evening boat excursion, with additional activities available locally.

This evening, enjoy the sounds of the forest as darkness falls.

Enjoy a final full day in the Surinamese interior. There is time to take part in further excursions or simply relax and absorb the atmosphere of this remarkable riverside setting. You might choose another forest walk, explore the waterways by boat or enjoy time at the lodge, perhaps cooling off in the pool or relaxing in a hammock overlooking the river.

The day provides a chance to appreciate the very different character of Suriname's rainforest environment before returning to the capital.

A final morning to enjoy the idyllic surrounds of Danpaati and an early lunch before beginning the return journey from Danpaati to Paramaribo, travelling by boat and road.

Arrive in the capital and check into your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or take a final stroll through Paramaribo's historic centre.

Paramaribo provides a fascinating contrast to the wilderness experienced over the preceding days, with its distinctive Dutch colonial architecture and multicultural character.

Paramaribo

Suriname’s atmospheric capital, Paramaribo, is a fascinating city where Dutch colonial heritage meets a vibrant blend of Caribbean, Asian, African and Indigenous influences. Its historic centre, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is characterised by elegant wooden buildings, peaceful squares and tree-lined streets, while lively markets and diverse restaurants reflect the city’s multicultural character. With its relaxed pace and distinctive architecture, Paramaribo provides a fascinating contrast to the rainforest wilderness of the Surinamese interior and offers an ideal introduction to this little-visited corner of South America.

Take your final morning to explorer the fascinating centre of Paramaribo independently before your late afternoon or evening flight.

End of services.

Note - Contact us if you would be interested in extending your Guianas journey into French Guiana.