Guyanese Online

For the adventurous – Tenth Pakaraima Mountain Safari promises a great experience

Georgetown GINA, March 19, 2012

Its success has been heralded far and wide and, as Guyana increasingly becomes known as an attractive adventure tourist destination, more daring visitors are responding to the lure of exploring the country’s beautiful and awe inspiring hinterland; through the Pakaraima Mountain safari that has never failed to instill the spirit of adventure in those who have been bold enough to participate.

For the daring, the opportunity will again be presented when the Tenth Safari kicks off on March 30, from Georgetown, destined for a 529-mile journey through rough, rugged terrain, where nature reigns supreme, where fresh untouched vistas against the backdrop of undulating mountains form beautiful pictures that take their viewers’ breath away.
This safari’s convoy will comprise 25 vehicles. Last year, 19,   4×4 vehicles, three All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), one Land Rover from Jamaica and one motorcycle from Canada were in the convoy.  

At its launch today, Minister of Tourism (ag) Irfaan Ali explained that this year, the organisers found it difficult to prioritise the number of persons who indicated interest in the event. Based on the logistics, they catered for approximately 25 vehicles, “and that is because of safety, logistics, and time …covering in excess of 500 miles on the trail is far different from covering it along the paved roadways,” he observed.
Nevertheless the increased interest is good news for the event, the Minister pointed out, “since it now gives us the opportunity to revisit the organisation of this event, and to see how we can plan to cater for the increased interest that is shown.”

Convoy going downhill on a trail.

The official launch of the adventure tourism event was done by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Rainforest Tours, GUYOIL/ CASTROL, Digicel, M & M, and MMC.

GTA’s Director, Indranauth Haralsingh said that the event billed as the ‘Adventure of a Lifetime’, has become the most courageous event in Guyana taking participants from Georgetown all the way through the Pakaraima Mountain range and concluding at the Orinduk Falls. The distance is the longest distance covered in Guyana in any kind of safari.
Haralsingh said the safari keeps growing in popularity judging from the number of persons interested in participating, both previous and new participants.
Minister Ali said this major event on Guyana’s Tourism Calendar began 10 years ago, mainly concentrating on locals.

“Many of our people along the coast never had the opportunity, or never sought to make use of the opportunity, to visit the beautiful interior of Guyana,” and added, “the interior as you would know, presents some of the most beautiful sceneries, some of the most magnificent features on earth and, I think that this safari has given Guyanese, in the first instance, an excellent opportunity in understanding, exploring and falling in love with their country,”
Minister Ali however, observed that the considerable growth of the safari has now brought regional and international participants who want to be part of a breathtaking life experience.

The Pakaraima Safari would explore 14 Amerindian communities, where participants would get a taste of the distinct, rich flavour of the indigenous people and their culture which would take them back in time.

They will enjoy the beautiful scenic view of the interior, getting glimpses of the black caiman, which Minister Ali cautioned shows “the red eye in the night that is not the stoplight, but it means stop and take a look at nature’s beauty.”  Bird watching along the way will also be enjoyed.

The Pakaraima Mountain Range.

There are various stopping points along the way for safarians, just to take in and enjoy the freshness of nature’s beauty. They would also be able to see the giant anteater, the river crossings, hills, mountains, and the beautiful geological features of the Pakaraima mountain range.

However, while the Safari fits broadly into plans for the Tourism sector, this year’s event is to be dedicated to the efforts of Harripersaud Nokta in transforming the hinterland communities.

Minister Ali singled out the former Minister of Local Government as the father and founder of the event. “This man has lived his life for the development of the interior and hinterland. I think every time, every year when we come around to the Pakaraima Safari, it gives him a new sense of energy, a new sense of life and he looks forward to this event,” the Minister stated.

The Safari begins on March 30 from the Guyoil Gas Station, Regent Street. Vehicles will be inspected on March 28 at 13.00 hrs at the gas station and are to be assembled on the evening of March 29 for departure at 01.00hrs.

Orinduik falls as it tumbles over jasper rocks.

There will be five overnight stops on the way to Orinduk, the first at Karasabai, where there will be a memorial service for the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan. The other stops will be at Morabaiko, Monkey Mountain, Kato, and Orinduk Falls the turnaround point.

Frank Singh, organising the logistics and technical aspects of the event noted that there are requirements to be met in terms of equipment needed by the safarians. He stated that within the convoy safety precautions include a medical team from the Ministry of Health and Air Services Ltd being on stand by in case of an emergency. Within the Amerindian communities health workers will also be on stand by to assist if needed.
Additionally, there is a high frequency radio and satellite phone to be used for health safety purposes and the Guyana Forestry Commission team to take care of other aspects of the trip.

Furthermore, if participants cannot start from day one, flight arrangements with Air Services, Roraima Airways and Trans Guyana will enable them to join the safari at another point.
Participants have been cautioned to respect the Amerindian culture and their customs, and as they pass through these communities, they will make contributions.

They turned up to have a view of the safari convoy .

“That is a very important part of the safari supporting the villages and communities; the GTA will also be sending in books to help with the literacy campaign and giving them opportunity to read materials.  Safarians are always encouraged to buy supplies etc, meals or anything else from the village.”

The Tenth Pakaraima Safari has been organised during the driest time of the year in Regions 8 and 9, unlike last year, when parts of the convoy got stuck and had to be winched out of trails.

— Post #1226