Guyana Birds: Birding, Rainforest & Savannahs

This tour features new birding habitats located in the Essequibo and Mazaruni Rivers where one may encounter many species of birds. Among these species are: Crimson Topaz Hummingbird, Agami Heron, Pompadour Cotingas, Golden-headed Manakins and Woodpecker. Karanambu and Iwokrama are also popular highlights where the birding population is diverse. One may encounter Jabiru Storks, Great Egrets, Agami Herons Kingfishers, and Great Blue Herons. In the ponds we may encounter the Green Ibis, Snowy Egrets, Boat Billed Herons and Purple Gallinuless and Wattled Jacanas and many others.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive at CJIA. Meet our representative and transfer to Georgetown.

Day 2: Georgetown
Early morning bird spotting in Georgetown. With over 200 species catalogued, Georgetown in among the foremost bird capitals of the world. Georgetown's colonial architecture is also remarkable with many 19th century buildings. Afternoon bird spotting in town. Transfer to your hotel. (Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 3: Kaieteur Falls
Depart at 10:00 a.m. for Kaieteur Falls. Birds we may see include: the Cock-of-the-rock and the Scarlet Macaw. Flight in the afternoon to Sloth Island, a 160-acre gem of nature. The lodge features large comfortable 2 bedded rooms, private toilet and bath, fans, and patios for relaxing. (Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 4: Sloth Island
Early morning bird watching at Sloth Island. Walk the Toucan Trail and spot Red-capped Cardinals, busy Woodpeckers, Chicken Hawks, brilliant Hummingbirds, Scarlet Macaw, Titras, Jacamars, Barbet, Black-headed Antbirds, Yellow-crowned Parrots, and a hundred more species. Hear and see the baboons, spider monkeys, two- and three-toed sloth, and more. Enjoy nature and take a refreshing dip in the Essequibo River. In the afternoon boat across to Parrot Island (five minutes) and see hundreds of parrots roost. Bird along banks on the mainland, as well as the various natural streams on the island. Return to Sloth Island. (Meals: breakfast, lunch dinner)

Day 5: Sloth Island
Early morning bird spotting and nature trail tour of the Amerindian villages of Fallmouth and Agatash (1 1/2 hours). Boat to the Mazaruni River to the Trutruba rapids and islands (2 hours). These locations offer the most incredible birding opportunities in the pristine rainforest. Return and picnic lunch in the forest at the inland waterfall of Baracara. Short visit of Bartica in the afternoon. (Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 6: Georgetown/Karanambu Ranch
Dawn departure by boat to Parika then by car or bus to Georgetown. Departure from Ogle Airstrip to Karanambu Ranch. (Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 7: Karanambu Ranch
Karanambu birding includes a rich variety of bird life both on the savanna and along rivers and ponds. On our guided tours we will most likely see the big birds, such as Jabiru Stork, Great Egrets, Agami Heron, Great Blue Heron and different species of Kingfishers. In the ponds we may encounter Green Ibises, Snowy Egrets and Boat-billed Heron. You may also spot Purple Gallinules and Wattled Jacanas, both stepping on the large Victoria Amazonian lilies. (Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 8 & 9: Iwokrama
Early departure to Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve, a one-million acre nature reserve. Guided birding walk to spot Screaming Piha, caiman and other wildlife. (Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner)

Day 10: Georgetown
Return to Georgetown, by flight or by road.  (Meals: breakfast)

Day 11: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.