NEW! Guyana

Located on the northern coast of South America, Guyana is an up and coming destination for birders and has some real jewels. A feature of the country is the vast tracts of primary rainforest which covers 80% of the landmass.

Guyana forms part of the Guianan Shield (which also includes French Guyana, Surinam and portions of Brazil and Venezuela) and there are a number of species which are endemic to this region. Over the course of the trip these species will be our main targets including Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock, Buff-necked Ibis, Guianan Toucanet, Crimson Fruitcrow, Marail Guan and Blood-coloured Woodpecker.

We visit several habitats from rainforest to savanna, river to wetland. A visit to the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway will be a highlight and we will take boat trips on several of the impressive rivers in the country - Rupununi, Essequibo, Demerara and Mahaica.

Other wildlife is plentiful too and we hope to see Giant River Otter, Giant Anteater, Red Howler Monkey, Black Caiman, Red-rumped Agouti and maybe even the elusive Jaguar!

Accomodation away from the coast is basic but clean and functional with en-suite facilities. All locations have WIFI although generally only in the common areas.

Guyana boasts a vibrant food scene, overflowing with fresh ingredients. Grass-fed beef, succulent seafood, and colourful fruits and vegetables form the base of delicious dishes. 

KEY MOMENTS - which will be yours?

• Target species including Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock, Hoatzin, Blood-coloured Woodpecker and Buff-necked Ibis
• A Giant Anteater digging in a termite mound for its breakfast
• Breathtaking views of Kaeiteur Falls at dusk and dawn
• Boat trips along rivers in search of Giant River Otter

Enjoy your complimentary pre-flight overnight hotel before your holiday begins. Full details from our office! Read more about our Pre-flight Service here!

Day 1: Monday
After relaxing in our complimentary VIP airport lounge, we fly from London to Georgetown. On arrival you will be warmly welcomed and escorted to our comfortable hotel. 

Cara Lodge was built in the 1840s. It has a long and romantic history and was the home of the first Lord Mayor of Georgetown. Over the years, the property has been visited by many dignitaries including King Edward VIll who stayed at the house in 1923. Other dignitaries have included President Jimmy Carter and HRH King Charles III. This magnificent wooden colonial home turned hotel offers the tradition and nostalgia of a bygone era.

Overnight at Cara Lodge for two nights.

Day 2: Tuesday
After an early breakfast we visit the extensive and beautiful Georgetown Botanical Gardens where, if we are lucky, we will have views of the Blood-coloured Woodpecker. This colourful Veniliornis is found only in the Guianas and even there almost wholly limited to the narrow coastal plain. The gardens host Snail Kite, Gray Hawk, Pearl Kite, Carib Grackle, Red-bellied and Red-shouldered Macaws and the rare Festive Parrot. We will walk on trails in the back of the gardens and may see Yellow-chinned Spinetail, Black-crested Antshrike, Silver-beaked Tanager, Buff-breasted Wren, Golden-spangled Piculet and Ashy-headed Greenlet. 

We have lunch at a local restaurant before taking a drive through the heart of the city to the Stabroek Market area. Here we will join the afternoon commuters using the old ferry stelling to board the river taxis which are used to cross the Demerara River. The river taxis are a faster alternative route to using the Demerara Harbour Bridge.

We will slowly cruise along and across the Demerara River while your guide will give a brief history of the famous buildings along the waterfront. We then continue our trip to see the Demerara Harbour Bridge, once the longest floating bridge in the world at a total length of 1,851m long. We will cross under the bridge and tie up our boat near a mangrove that is the nightly roost for a variety of birds. As the sun sets over the river we will have a cold drink and some snacks (or cutters as they are called in Guyana) as we enjoy flocks of brilliant Scarlet Ibis, Snail Kites, Herons, and three kinds of Egrets as they fly across the sky and settle into the mangroves for the evening.

Soon after the sun sets we return to the ferry stelling while enjoying the city and ship lights from the river.

Day 3: Wednesday
Leaving the coast behind we board our scheduled flight for the journey over the Demerara and Essequibo Rivers and hundreds of miles of unbroken tropical rainforest to land at Kaieteur Falls, the world’s highest free-falling waterfall.

Kaieteur thunders over a precipice, plummeting 224 m (741 feet), making it the longest single drop waterfall in the world. This is Guyana's trademark and one of the most impressive and beautiful sights in Guyana, a solid column of water in a perpendicular drop into cascading foam and spray over the great boulders at the foot of the cliff, producing breath-taking rainbows across the gorge (hopefully the weather will be clear!).

The area supports a unique micro environment with Tank Bromeliads, (the largest in the world) in which the tiny Golden frog spends its entire life. A tour around the Kaieteur Park will prove to be a truly fascinating experience. You will get the chance to view the Kaieteur Falls from several vantage points that offer excellent photo opportunities. Target species here will include Rufous-crested Elaenia, Cliff Flycatcher, Green-backed Trogon, Fulvous-crested Tanager and we have chances of hummingbirds such as Blue-tailed Emerald and White-chinned Sapphire. We visit a lek site for the brilliantly coloured, orange ‘Cock-of-the-rock’ and will also make the acquaintance of several pretty carnivorous plants. There are lots of beautiful wildflowers too, including the decorative Heliconia.

Kaieteur Guesthouse is ideally situated just 200 metres from the falls.  The simple building has functional, clean but basic rooms with en-suite facilities. For the more adventurous it also allows you to sling a hammock to sleep under the stars! The simple facilities are compensated by the magnificent setting of being beside the mighty waterfall. In the evening you can sit near the edge of the falls as hundreds of White-tipped and White-collared Swifts dive past into the torrent of the fall to roost on the wall behind, often with an Orange-breasted Falcon in tow, hoping for an easy meal.

Overnight at Kaieteur Guesthouse for one night. 

Day 4: Thursday
We visit the falls again at dawn to see the sun rise and the swifts emerge from their roost. After breakfast we transfer a short distance to the airstrip to board your flight from Kaieteur Falls to the Fair View airstrip.

On arrival we transfer to Iwokrama River Lodge, our home for the next two nights.

The Iwokrama Rainforest is a vast wilderness of one million acres. This protected area was established in 1996 as the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development. The Iwokrama Forest is in the heart of one of four last untouched tropical forests of the world - The Guiana Shield of North-Eastern South America. Iwokrama was established as a living laboratory for tropical forest management. From research to business, Iwokrama ensures local economic and social benefits from forest use and conservation. The forest is in the homeland of the Makushi people, who have lived here and used the forest for thousands of years.

The lodge is set overlooking the Essequibo River and accommodation is offered in spacious timber cabins with en-suite facilities and verandas overlooking the river. 

We explore the trails around the lodge with an Iwokrama Ranger in the hope of catching up with some of the many bird species which call this area home including Capuchin bird, Black Nunbird, Chestnut-rumped Woodcreeper, Amazonian Antshrike, Brown-bellied Antwren, Spot-tailed Antwren, Todd’s Antwren, Spotted Puffbird, Green Aracari, Guianan Toucanet, Guianan Red Cotinga, Pompadour Cotinga, Rufous-crowned Elaenia, Bronzy Jacamar, Chestnut & Waved Woodpecker, Gray Antbird, and Strong-billed Woodcreeper. Three other Neotropical species in the Iwokrama forest of high interest are White-winged Potoo, Rufous Potoo, and Rufous-winged Ground-cuckoo.

The forest is also home to many mammals and you may see Red-rumped Agouti and various species of monkey including Red Howler, Black Spider and Wedge-capped.

After dark we’ll set out on the river, in hope of finding one or another of its four species of caiman, and listen for night birds such as Spectacled Owl, White-winged Potoo, Rufous Potoo, Long-tailed Potoo, Zigzag Heron or Blackish Nightjar. Using our flashlights we will look for the eyeshine of snakes including Cox Boa, tree frogs and if lucky maybe some mammals.

Overnight at Iwokrama River Lodge for three nights.

Day 5: Friday 
Making an early start, we’ll embark on the Essequibo and circumnavigate nearby Indian House Island, before returning to the River Lodge for breakfast. Several species of kingfisher can be seen here including Ringed, Amazon and Green plus Black Skimmer, Large-billed Tern, Yellow-billed Tern and Cocoi Heron.

After breakfast we leave the lodge by boat, birdwatching along the way, for the walk to Turtle Mountain. A well maintained trail winds through the forest before an exhilarating climb up the mountain to its summit at 935ft (approx. 360m). It takes 1 3/4hrs to walk up the mountain, but the effort is more than worth it for the breath-taking views over the forest canopy when you get there and chances of Green Aracari, White Bellbird or a fly-by of one of five types of eagles. This trail is also a great location for seeing Black Spider and Red Howler monkeys. 

As the afternoon cools you set out on a boat trip to visit Kurupukari Falls to see the Amerindian petroglyphs (dependent on the water level).

Day 6: Saturday
Before breakfast we visit a special area of habitat known as Mori scrub, characterized by an unusual low, sandy forest which supports an unusual assemblage of birds and other mammals. This is a good place to search for Rufous-winged Ground-Cuckoo, Rufous-crowned Elaenia, Black Manakin and Red-shouldered Tanager.

We spend the rest of the morning exploring the trails around the lodge with an Iwokrama Ranger in search of Crimson Topaz, Yellow-throated Woodpecker, Black-capped Becard, Guianan Streaked Antwren and Cinereous Antshrike. 

Late this afternoon take drive through the forest in an area known for Jaguar sightings. This elusive cat is on the top of everyone’s wildlife list and whilst not guaranteed there is a reasonable chance you could be fortunate and have a sighting. Apart from Jaguar there are other wildlife opportunities along this corridor such as White-faced Saki, Red-rumped Agouti and Tayra.

Day 7: Sunday
At dawn we take the short boat trip across the Essequibo River and head for a large area of the unique white-sand forest where a wonderful assortment of specialist species await us. Possibilities include Black Manakin, Rufous-crowned Elaenia, Bronzy Jacamar, Guianan Schiffornis, Red-fan Parrot and perhaps Guianan Red Cotinga and the stunning Crimson Topaz! We’ll return to the lodge for breakfast before departure. 

We transfer to our next lodge along a trail that is one of the best places to see the elusive Jaguar - there are no promises, but many have been lucky! Along the road, we will watch for the myriad of bird species that frequent the forest edge. This road is the only north–south access in Guyana and links the country to Brazil. Even so traffic is only very occasional and wildlife is often seen along the road, such as Agouti, Tayra, Tapir and Black Curassow. The journey concludes at the Atta Rainforest Lodge, home of the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway.

The Iwokrama Canopy Walkway is situated near the southern boundary of the Iwokrama Reserve in central Guyana. The walkway has suspension bridges leading to platforms, the highest of which is over 30 metres above the ground. 

Another area where we will want to spend some time is the clearing around the lodge, as this is one of the best places to see another of Guyana’s “must see” birds, the Crimson Fruitcrow. The clearing is also a reliable site for Black Curassow as there is a large and growing family party which has become habituated to people and regularly passes through the clearing. 

Atta Rainforest Lodge is 500 metres from the base of the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, offering comfortable private-room accommodation with ensuite bathrooms, delicious home-cooked meals, and traditional Amerindian hospitality. The communal building houses the bar, dining area and kitchen and is open sided with views across the gardens to the towering forest, which completely surrounds the lodge. Hammocks and outdoor benches enhance the lovely gardens which include varieties of heliconias that attract over ten different hummingbirds, close enough for the perfect photo.

Overnight at Atta Rainforest Lodge for two nights.  

Day 8: Monday
Before dawn we will return to the canopy where we can birdwatch easily and may see Rufous-throated Sapphire, Green Aracari, Pygmy Antwren and Guianan Streaked-Antwren. With some luck Guianan Toucanet, Pompadour Cotinga, Buff-cheeked Greenlet and a host of crown specialists may come within our view. From this tree top vantage, you can sometimes see Red Howler and Black Spider Monkey.

Apart from the Iwokrama Canopy Walkway itself we will enjoy wildlife and birdwatching walks on the trails around the area. Many bird species, stunning insects, noisy amphibians, and playful primates make the surrounding forest their home. Deer, Tapir and agouti are also regular visitors to the lodge and we will search the undergrowth for the rarely seen Rufous-winged Ground-cuckoo.

As darkness falls on the canopy walkway, you may see the White-winged Potoo. Night walks are also possible and something interesting or new always seems to pop on to the scene including one of the six different cats to be found along the transnational road near the lodge.

Day 9: Tuesday
We have a final early morning visit to the canopy walkway and then return to the lodge for breakfast before departure.

We drive through the rainforest to the Corkwood in the Iwokrama Forest for a second chance at one of the regional endemics. Here there is a comparatively short trail to hopefully see the amazingly brilliant Guianan Cock-of-the-rock. This trail is through interesting and pristine rainforest and the local guides can explain how the plants are used for medicine and other purposes.

We stop at Pakaraima Mountain Inn which sits in the Aranaputa Valley, just outside the village of Yakarinta. Here we enjoy a home-cooked lunch on the veranda.

A short distance from the inn is Ginep Landing where we complete our transfer by boat on the Rupununi River to Karanambu Lodge. Depending on the river level, this trip offers an excellent opportunity to look for Giant Otters as there are several family groups which live along this stretch of the Rupununi River.

Karanambu, a 110-square mile former cattle ranch located in the North Rupununi, was the home of the late Diane McTurk, conservationist and a world-renowned expert on giant otters. Known for its expansive wetlands and savannah, as well as its biological and cultural diversity, Karanambu encompasses savannah, marshy ponds, riparian forest, and a 30-mile stretch of the Rupununi River. The number of species found here is much higher than expected given its size with at least 600 species of bird, and over 200 species of mammals. The seasonally flooded savannahs and forests also draw substantial fish migrations with as many as 700 species of fish - more than anywhere on Earth.

This region is rich in history and is the homeland of the Makushi and earlier peoples dating back more than 7,000 years. Several prominent explorers and naturalists have written about their experiences here, including Robert and Richard Schomburgk, Charles Waterton, Evelyn Waugh, and Gerald Durrell. A very young David Attenborough spent time here and wrote about it in his early book, “Zoo Quest to Guiana”.

With both the river and savannahs close at hand there is a wide variety of activities to be enjoyed at Karanambu. Two guided excursions are provided each day - one early in the morning and another in the afternoon and into the evening. As well as being the coolest times to be out, these are usually the best times to see the different birds and animals. Trips may be on the river by boat, on the savannahs by 4 by 4 or along forest trails on foot to the different ponds in the area.

Late in the afternoon we will travel by boat to look for wild Giant River Otters and as dusk falls to the ponds to see the giant Victoria amazonica waterlily, bloom at dusk. On the return trip we will spotlight for Black Caiman and birds and creatures of the night.

Accommodations are in traditionally made clay brick cabins, each with en suite and veranda with hammocks.

Overnight at Karanambu Lodge for three nights.

Day 10: Wednesday
This morning we make an early start to an area of rolling grasslands, home to a population of Giant Anteaters. With luck we shall locate one of these six-foot long animals excavating its breakfast from one of the termite mounds that stud the savannah. Though Giant Anteaters live in overlapping home ranges they are mostly solitary except during mother-offspring relationships, aggressive interactions between males, and when mating. 

In the afternoon we take a river excursion or explore the patches of woodland or gallery forest along the river where we’ll hope to find a variety of species, maybe including Agami Heron, Undulated Tinamou, Pale-legged Hornero and Swallow-winged Puffbird. An evening walk along the airstrip offers seven species of nightjar and among the grasslands, Double-striped Thick-knees.

Day 11: Thursday
In the event we did not see a Giant Anteater the previous morning, we have time to travel out to search the savannah again or explore the Rupununi River in search of Giant River Otters, Black Caiman and birds such as Capped Heron, Jabiru and Wattled Jacana. We may take a boat journey along quiet stretches of river, explore seasonally flooded wetlands and lakes, and walk trails through a variety of woodland habitats. We can explore the maze of lagoons along the Rupununi River, in search of Giant River Otters, scanning the treetops for family parties of Red Howler Monkeys and the exposed riverbanks for Capybara and Black Caiman. These quiet backwaters are also home to the legendary Arapaima, the largest of all scaled freshwater fish. Species such as White-tailed Hawk, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Pearl Kite and Red-capped Cardinal can be found on the savannah and around the lodge.  

Day 12: Friday
This morning we choose from a boat trip onto the river or nearby ponds, trail walks from the lodge or Land Rover trip out into the savannah or to explore a bush island, returning to the lodge for breakfast before departure.

We transfer across the savannah to Waikin Ranch, located in the Rupununi Savannahs of Guyana and only a half an hour drive from Lethem. Here we enjoy a delicious lunch on a working ranch before taking a walk to the nearby wetlands to search for Black-capped Donacobius, White-headed Marsh Tyrant, Pied Water Tyrant and Buff-necked Ibis. A colony of Red-bellied Macaw make their home in the nearby palm trees and we have chances of Capybara here too.

We journey to a nearby "Termite City" where the size and abundance of the mounds is stunning before checking in to our accommodation near Lethem.

Overnight at Manari Ranch for one night.​

Day 13: Saturday
Today, we will be turning our attention to two birds which have seemingly always had restricted ranges, the Hoary-throated Spinetail and Rio Branco Antbird. Both are only found in gallery forest along the Rio Branco and its main tributaries (all of which ultimately flow into the Amazon) and recent agricultural changes have seriously reduced the amount of available habitat for both birds. As a result, the Spinetail is now classified as endangered, with the Antbird treated as near-threatened. To reach suitable habitat, we will travel by 4x4.

During the trip we are likely to encounter species such as Capped Heron, Muscovy Duck, Pale-legged Hornero and various hirundines whilst travelling. Whilst the habitat needs of the Antbird and Spinetail are seemingly slightly different (the Antbird prefers taller trees with vine tangles, whilst the Spinetail is possibly a little more tolerant of some human disturbance), they can both be found along a comparatively short stretch of the Ireng River.

In the afternoon we head into Lethem for our scheduled flight back to Georgetown.

Overnight at Cara Lodge for two nights

Day 14: Sunday
Before dawn we will depart your hotel and travel eastward from Georgetown along the Atlantic coast to the Mahaica River. The narrow winding road to the landing runs parallel to the river and takes us through an area that has been mainly used for the cultivation of rice and other crops. This gives us a glimpse into the everyday lives of the farming community scattered along this road. Fortunately for us, the area along the river has been well preserved and provides an excellent riverfront ecosystem inhabited by flocks of egrets, herons, ibis, various marsh tyrants, and Hoatzin.

Upon arrival at the river landing we enjoy a cup of coffee or tea before heading out onto the river. This is the life line of the community and is one of the main sources of transportation, food, recreation and fresh water to irrigate the fields.

The river offers another chance to see the range-restricted Blood-coloured Woodpecker which has been badly affected by habitat loss in the ‘Guianas' coastal region. Our main target, however, is Guyana's national bird, the Hoatzin, also known as the Stinkbird, or “Canje Pheasant". This odd bird is an unusual species of tropical bird found in swamps, riverine forest and mangrove between the Amazon and the Orinoco delta in South America. The Hoatzin is herbivorous; it eats leaves and fruit, and has an unusual digestive system with an enlarged crop which functions as a rumen. It also produces a horrible smell to scare away potential predators.

After our tour we will return to the quay where we will have breakfast before returning to Georgetown.

In the afternoon we will meet Chef Delven Adams who will guide us around Bourda Market, the largest of the four markets in Georgetown. We will start our tour at the Guyana Shop which has all the local products produced and packaged in Guyana, before heading over to the market where we will meet some of the vendors who Chef buys from daily.

We will visit the fish market, the meat section and the haberdashery section - where one can find anything you can think of from thread to bolts of all kinds of fabric. Dry goods like rice and of course demerara sugar are abundant. A stop at the bush medicine stalls is always educational! Heading outside you can see, touch and taste a variety of local fruits and vegetables unique in this part of the world. The chef will make his purchases with your suggestions of what you would like to try and will then head home to start preparing while we continue on a tour of the city of Georgetown with an experienced guide who will give you the history, rumour and facts on Georgetown and its citizens.

In the evening we visit Backyard Café, located in the West Ruimveldt area where Chef Delven Adams will greet you as you enter.

This, as the name suggests, is a backyard that Chef Delven has turned into an exclusive little hidden gem of a restaurant. Try not to bang your head on the passion fruit hanging overhead from the arbor! If there are ripe ones you will be welcomed to try a freshly picked one. His menu is whatever is in season at the time. It is a Guyanese fusion from all over the world.

Delven makes his purchase based on clients’ suggestions and dietary requirements from the local market. If you are interested, Chef Delven will welcome you to join him as he prepares a wonderful meal from the fruits, vegetables and meats he bought. He has a smoker and small fireside right outside and sometimes will prepare the fresh fish right there and you can certainly help him and learn his secrets. His garlic fish is out of this world! You can sit under the arbor and sip unique blends of juice or enjoy a cold Banks Beer, while taking in the sounds and smells of a delicious meal in the making in a secluded back yard in Georgetown.

Once he is ready, we will start eating our way through the courses. We will start with an appetizer, to an entrée and end up with a dessert, which we may be hard pressed to fit in, but we will give it our best shot and remember to pace yourself as you will want to try it all.

Day 15: Monday
This morning we will visit the Seawalls where we will bird on the mudflats where we are likely to find a range of waders as well as Scarlet Ibis, Black Skimmer, Brown Pelican and Magnificent Frigatebird. We may also visit a heronry where Black-crowned and Yellow-crowned Night-herons, Little Blue Herons and Cattle and Snowy Egrets breed alongside Snail Kites.

We have lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to the airport for our flight home, arriving in London the following morning.

What's included in your holiday price:

• return scheduled flight London – Georgetown and internal flights. Airport transfers.
• full-board accommodation at hotels and lodges, picnic/lodge lunches
• ground transportation, any National Park entry fees.
• the services of your leaders.
• The Heatherlea Pre-Flight Service offers everything you need at the airport, including hotels, car parking, airport lounges, regional flights, and upgrades. Let Heatherlea take the strain! Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge included free of charge, subject to terms and conditions. Read More..

What's not included in your holiday price:

• holiday insurance
• tips to guides
• drinks, and other personal expenses.
• Any additional expenses not covered by the itinerary above.

More holiday information:

Accommodation: is in basic but comfortable hotels and lodges. All accommodation is en-suite.
Food: is of a very good standard with fresh beef, chicken and fish and plenty of vegetables and fruit. Special diets can be catered for if we are advised in advance.
Walking: will be generally easy, on marked paths and trails. We may have to walk slightly further at times and on uneven ground with more of an incline. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended to be able to enjoy this departure to the full. 
Weather: Mostly hot and humid, though sometimes overcast. Temperatures will be mostly between 25°C and 35°C during the day and slightly cooler in the evenings. 
Insects: Biting insects, mosquitoes and ticks can be a problem in some areas. A good insect repellent is recommended, though some areas are pest-free.
Group size: is restricted to 12 clients maximum.
Entering Guyana:  Residents of European Union countries (including UK) do not need a visa. United Kingdom citizens will need a valid passport. Citizens of other nations should contact the nearest Guyana Embassy for entry requirements. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry. Please note, it is mandatory for tourists to carry a valid health insurance policy. 
Health: Although inoculations are not compulsory for entry from the UK, certain medication, including anti-malarial tablets, are recommended. Guyana is just one of many countries where the risk of contracting malaria is very real but this is an avoidable illness provided adequate precautions are taken. Before travelling consult your doctor about suitable anti-malarial medication, and on arrival take adequate precautions against mosquito bites. Please be aware of latest health advice regarding airline flights. If you suffer from a heart condition, deep vein thrombosis or other condition which may be affected by airline flight we recommend you consult your doctor before departure.
Flights: are by scheduled airline from London. We may be able to offer flight arrangements from another airport and/or or quote without flights. If you wish to add an extension either before or after your holiday, please contact us and we will be happy to arrange this for you. Internal flights are included.
Bird Photography: Opportunities are often superb with many species obliging but please note the focus of the tour is on observation. Photography is generally allowed, but not if it is associated with disturbance to wildlife or fellow travellers.