5 days, 4 nights
Kanuku Mountains Photo Gallery
The Kanaku mountain range lies in the southern half of Guyana and runs east to west and divide the north and south Rupununi. The Rupununi River rises in the deep south of Guyana and bisects these mountains into eastern and western ranges. These mountains are internationally recognized as being extremely rich in biodiversity, and the Guyanese government is working towards making this range a National Protected Area.
Over 50% of the species of birds in Guyana can be found in the Kanakus; some highlights here include: Harpy Eagle, White Bell Bird, Oil Bird, Pompador Cotinga, Golden Crowned Manakins, Scarlet, Blue and Gold Macaws, as well as many parrot and toucan species. Guianian Red Cotinga, Zig Zag and Fasciated Tiger Heron are also found here.
Not to be outdone by the birds, mammals rank high in the Kanakus as over 75% of Guyana’s species have been recorded here. Black Spider, Howler, Squirrel, Brown Capuchin and Bearded Saki Monkeys are common, as are Giant River and Neotropical Otters. Nocturnal species such as Paca, Opossum, Ocelots, and many species of rats and bats can be seen on night drifts.
Day
1
This 5 day adventure begins at either Karanambu Ranch or Caiman House*
in the neighbouring Amerindian village of Yupukari (12 miles away).
You will depart from either of these rustic and beautiful lodges and
travel South, up the Rupununi River, passing traditional Amerindian
farmlands, though savannah and into primary rain forest. As the white
water river winds though high banks, giant Black Caiman bask on the
sand, Black Skimmers and Large Billed Terns peruse the river surface
whilst Jabiru storks watch on unconcerned.
A picnic lunch is served overlooking Awawa falls, and once the crew pulls the boat up the rapids, you board once more to travel to the mouth of the Mapari creek. This black water creek runs cold and clear from eastern flank of the Kanaku Mountains and holds a 5 mile adventure of dodging under and over giant tree falls over the creek.
At the end of the day, a comfortable hammock camp is made in on a leafy and sandy island overlooking Mapari Falls.
Day
2
Early morning drift down the creek, birding and looking for monkeys
and other wildlife. Return to camp for breakfast. Afterwards, a forest
walk or mountain hike in search of ant birds, snakes and other reptiles,
and return to camp for lunch. During the afternoon, you have the choice
of a river drift or another walk on the many trails. After dinner, we
will go night spotting along the creek. This is an amazing experience
as the sounds of the night are completely different than those of the
day, and are somewhat mysterious. We will show you Amazon Tree Boas,
and we will look for other snakes, Oil Birds, Dwarf Caiman, Paca and
other rodents. Frogs and toads can be found by listening for them and
tracking them, but in past, the highlight of this trip has been watching
the occasional ocelot hunting along the creek edge.
Day
3
Awaken to the dawn chorus of Howler Monkeys. Early birding on the river
or the trails, depending on interests. After breakfast, you have the
options to visit a Harpy Eagle nest, or take a forest walk and learn
about the various forest trees and plants and their uses in both commercial
and traditional applications. Post lunch activities can include bathing
in the creek, fishing, napping in your hammock or exploring more trails.
After dinner a short river drift leads to a night walk on a forest trail
with spotlights in search of the Giant Bird Eating Tarantula (Theraphosa
le blondi, the world’s largest spider!).
Day
4
Last full day to experience Mapari. Early birding on forest trail or
a drift down the creek looking for wildlife and or fishing. Or if one
prefers relax in a hammock and swim in the cool clear water, and just
relax
Day
5
Whilst the crew breaks camp, you will bird along forest trails then
return to camp for breakfast. After this, a last drift down the creek,
before starting up the engine and heading back to Karanambu Lodge for
overnight and flight out the next day.
During this trip, a parabolic microphone and playback system can be used to facilitate better viewing of birds.
This trip is available all year including both rainy and dry seasons.
Price:
Please contact Ashley at ashley_p_holland@yahoo.com for the latest rates and for further details.
