The Natural Highlights Of Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago
Tour Introduction
Combining two of Guyana’s best wildlife highlights with the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago, this is an itinerary of tropical wildlife, beautiful beaches, exceptional snorkelling/diving and friendly, English-speaking populations. Guyana’s premier wildlife lodge combines exceptionally well with the spectacular waterfall and cloud forests of Kaieteur and the colonial architecture of Georgetown, affording a comprehensive overview of the country and all its manifold attractions. Adding the famous Asa Wright Nature Centre on Trinidad and the white-sand beaches and coral reefs of Tobago results in a three centre holiday of great variety and attraction which should prove hugely stimulating and enjoyable.
Full Itinerary
Arrive in Georgetown, Guyana. Met on arrival and transfer to hotel.
Staying at Cara Lodge. Includes In-flight Meals.
Fly to Karanambu. Met on arrival and transfer to the ranch located in the northern Rupununi region - a cross over area for wetlands, forests and savannahs. Karanambu was the home of the indomitable Diane McTurk who is well known for her work in rehabilitating orphaned giant otters back to the wild. Afternoon excursion exploring the waterways searching for wild giant otters, primates, black caiman and other wildlife.
Staying at Karanambu Ranch. Includes All Meals.
Full day exploring the rivers and savannahs of Karanambu. Search for giant anteaters early in the morning on the nearby savannah. There will be further opportunities to explore the waterways and surrounding gallery forest in search of giant otters and birds such as the beautiful agami heron.
Staying at Karanambu Ranch. Includes All Meals.
Full day of exploration around the ranch in search of wildlife. Some great birding can be done around the lodge and a particular highlight is the capuchinbird lek only a short walk away. In the evening there will be a visit to oxbow lakes to see the world’s largest water lily, Victoria Amazonica, bloom at dusk. Returning to the lodge in the dark there will be the chance to find opossums, black caiman, Amazon tree boa and other exciting nocturnal wildlife along the rivers with spotlights.
Staying at Karanambu Ranch. Includes All Meals.
Fly back to Georgetown in the morning. Afternoon guided city tour of the principal sites including St Andrews Kirk, St George’s Church, Stabroek Market and the Botanical Gardens.
Staying at Cara Lodge. Includes Breakfast.
Charter flight to Kaieteur Falls. Full day to explore the area with guide. With a drop of 741 feet, it is five times the height of Niagara but benefits from very few visitors and virtually no man-made infrastructure. The falls have even produced a special microclimate that has resulted in a cloud forest ecosystem supporting the massive tank bromeliad – the world’s largest – which is home to the endemic Kaieteur golden frog. Return flight back to Georgetown.
Staying at Cara Lodge. Includes Breakfast and Lunch.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Port of Spain, Trinidad. Transfer to Asa Wright Nature Centre. The afternoon is free to explore the grounds and do some birdwatching. Over 180 bird species have been recorded on site, and you might be able to see up to 40 varieties on a single morning from the superb veranda alone.
Staying at Asa Wright Nature Centre. Includes Breakfast and Dinner.
Morning guided birdwatching excursions around the lodge to look for the diverse range of birds found in the nearby forest. The afternoon is at leisure, but a large number of birds can be seen in the garden of the lodge including many local specialties.
Staying at Asa Wright Nature Centre. Includes All Meals.
Guided visit to the Dunston Cave to see the famous colony of fascinating oilbirds, the world’s only nocturnal fruit-eating birds, which roost in the cave during the day: all very bat-like. In the afternoon visit Caroni swamp, an excellent example of a mangrove ecosystem. Many wetland birds can be seen here including large flocks of scarlet ibis returning to roost in the evening. With luck, the tiny silky anteater and impressive Cook’s tree boa can be seen on boat trips through the mangroves.
Staying at Asa Wright Nature Centre. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to the airport and fly to Tobago. Met on arrival and transfer to Blue Waters Inn on the north east coast of the island. Rest of the day is at leisure.
Staying at Blue Waters Inn. Includes Breakfast.
A day at leisure on Tobago. The hotel offers its own sandy beach and has 46 acres of gardens teeming with wildlife. There are optional activities on offer such as snorkelling and diving with chances to see hawksbill and green turtles, eagle and manta rays, and over 70 species of corals including some of the world’s largest brain corals. Little Tobago is the island’s largest bird sanctuary and is only a few minutes’ boat ride away, or take a longer boat ride to St Giles Island. Both islands have significant seabird colonies of red-billed tropicbirds and red-footed and brown boobies. Between March and June, turtle watching tours can be arranged that take guests to traditional nesting sites where the entire egg laying process can be witnessed.
Staying at Blue Waters Inn. Includes Breakfast.
Another day at leisure with optional activities available.
Staying at Blue Waters Inn. Includes Breakfast.
Another day at leisure with optional activities available.
Staying at Blue Waters Inn. Includes Breakfast.
Transfer to the airport and connect with your onward international flight home.
Includes Breakfast.
Tour Accommodation
Karanambu Eco Lodge
Overview
Karanambu Ranch was the family home of Diane McTurk who founded the Karanambu Trust and was the world expert on giant otters and their rehabilitation. Under Diane’s guidance Karanambu became a leading center for the recovery and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned giant river otters and attained worldwide recognition for its conservation work.
Over the years Karanambu has been visited by Sir David Attenborough, the late Gerald Durrell (Three Singles to Adventure), National Geographic and the BBC’s Really Wild Show. As well as tame resident individuals, wild otters are frequently seen here. The rainforested banks of the Rupununi River are also home to large numbers of birds, squirrel and capuchin monkeys and plenty of other forest wildlife. Diane is sadly no longer with us and the lodge is currently managed by Andrea and Salvador of American and Guyanan descent who make wonderful hosts.
Karanambu Ranch was previously a huge cattle farm and now covers 100 square miles of protected wetlands, rainforest and savannah.
Away from the river there are vast tracts of savannah, home to endangered giant anteaters which are commonly seen by guests in the early morning.
The lodge has twin-bed clay, brick and thatched roof cabins, 5 of which accommodate up to 2 people and one for families of up to 4, with private bathrooms (cold water only) and flushing toilets, comfortable beds, verandas and hammocks.
Drinking water, a laundry service, solar powered electricity (available 6am and 10pm) and a complimentary supply of rum punches are also provided. The main building houses the dining room, communal lounge area and a small library. The service and locally produced food is of high standard and hand-made snacks, water, juice and rum punches are always readily available both at the lodge and on excursions.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Private cabins and bathrooms with cold showers only. Dining room, laundry service, drinking water, generator-supplied electricity, complimentary rum punches, hammocks and turn down service.
Local Wildlife
Both wild and orphaned giant otters can be regularly seen. Giant anteaters are frequently encountered on the savannah close the lodge. In the gallery forests surrounding the river and oxbow lakes red howler, common squirrel and brown capuchin monkeys and a wide diversity of birds are often spotted. Nocturnal boat trips reveal a high density of black caiman and snakes including the spectacular Amazon tree boa.
Fruiting mango trees around the lodge attract the elusive tayra in the early mornings and paca after dark. With luck a tapir, herd of collared peccary, armadillo or one of the six species of cat present in the area can be encountered.
Optional Activities
Excursions along the river by motorised boat during the day and night. Treks across the savannah and through the gallery forest. Fishing. Camping.
Cara Lodge
Overview
Built in 1840, Cara Lodge is one of the oldest buildings in Guyana’s capital, Georgetown, and is steeped in history having hosted many world leaders, royalty and other dignitaries.
Built in the style of a traditional plantation house, Cara Lodge has spacious wooden verandas and large bedrooms with private facilities. There is a good restaurant serving good food, bar and comfortable communal area and the service is always attentive and friendly.
All rooms have air-conditioning, ceiling fans, cable TV, international direct dial telephones, minibars, hair dryers, tea and coffee facilities, private bathrooms with hot water and are decorated in colonial style. The rooms vary in size but all offer adequate space: some have verandas, and deluxe superior rooms are now available.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant and bar, 24-hour reception desk, internet access available: rooms have mini-bars, cable TV, direct dial telephones and tea and coffee making facilities.
Optional Activities
City tours of Georgetown and birdwatching excursions to the nearby Abary River. Charter and scheduled flights to Kaieteur Falls can be arranged.
Asa Wright Nature Centre
Overview
Having recently been taken over by Hadco Experiences, the world famous Asa Wright Nature Centre has had a modern refurbishment and been beautifully spruced up. It was set up in 1967 by a group of passionate conservationists and birdwatchers to protect part of the biodiverse Arima Valley. Asa Wright is located in a remote part of Trinidad’s northern range which rises to a little over 3000 feet and is mostly covered by tropical rainforest.
Asa Wright Nature Centre has an exceptionally diverse fauna. Over 180 bird species have been recorded around their site, and you might be able to see up to 40 varieties on a single morning from the superb veranda alone, which looks down the Arima Valley. There are multiple bird feeders that attract a constant stream of colourful and exciting species. The close proximity of the feeders affords guests rare photographic opportunities of species ranging from purple honeycreepers to bay-headed tanagers and copper-rumped hummingbirds.
The main building is actually an old coffee plantation house with décor reminiscent of its colonial past. There is a large dining room and lounge where an extensive collection of natural history books can be browsed. The most famous feature of the centre is its veranda which looks down the Arima Valley and onto multiple bird feeders that attract a constant stream of colourful and exciting species. The close proximity of the feeders affords guests rare photographic opportunities for a great diversity of species ranging from purple honeycreepers to bay-headed tanagers and copper-rumped hummingbirds.
The world’s second smallest bird, the tufted coquette, can often be seen feeding from flowering bushes just below the feeders.
Accommodation is in 29 recently modernised rooms with private bathrooms. Units cater for varying amounts of guests, and are private cottages amongst the picturesque grounds, along with a few rooms in the main house.
The main house has free Wi-Fi and a dining room that serves buffet meals – there is also a sandwich bar service. A natural swimming pool in the forest is available to guests and in the evenings there are often talks by the local naturalist guides concerning the work of the centre.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
24/7 guest services, restaurant, bar/lounge, gift shop, laundry facilities, housekeeping services, front desk,
porter service, airport shuttle (surcharge), Wi-Fi.
Rooms are each unique, in a variety of sizes and sleeping arrangements. They all have Wi-Fi access, mini fridges, air conditioning, coffee and tea making facilities, a private bathroom, and complimentary toiletries.
Local Wildlife
Asa Wright Nature Centre is most known for its bird life and in particular its feeders that attract some of the most beautiful and localised birds on the island. Some of the avian highlights include Trinidad motmots, bearded bellbird, tufted coquette, collared and green-backed trogon, white-necked jacobin, and golden headed and white-bearded manakins. Red-rumped agoutis, red-tailed squirrel, golden tegu lizard and green iguanas are seen quite regularly too. The centre also has the world’s most accessible colony of oilbirds, the only nocturnal fruit eating (frugivorous) birds in the world. Night walks can often reveal many exciting creatures including the Trinidad chevron tarantula, whip scorpion spider, fer-de-lance, Cook’s tree boa and various species of owls.
Optional Activities
Guided walks through the reserve and local forest. Excursions further away are also available to other key wildlife sites and turtle nesting beaches. Evening lectures about the centre and its wildlife and night walks are often held.
Blue Waters Inn
Overview
Blue Waters Inn is a small, 38-room hotel nestled in a secluded horseshoe bay in the quiet north-eastern end of the island, with a beautiful sandy beach plus 46 acres of wildlife-filled tropical gardens. The hotel benefits from friendly service and pleasant, well-kept rooms, each with air-conditioning, ceiling fans and sea views from every room. Some have a private balcony overlooking the beach, others have a private patio area.
Blue Waters Inn offers safe swimming and excellent doorstep snorkelling and diving on reefs featuring over 70 species of coral as well as turtles, eagle rays and manta rays. There are hummingbird feeders and nature trails through the forest at the back of the property where many birds can be seen including rufous-vented chachalaca, Trinidad motmot and orange-winged parrot.
The restaurant, Aqua, is situated on a deck right on the beach, a superb setting for a Caribbean dinner. A freshly updated menu including delicious locally caught fresh seafood, as well as a selection of Caribbean and western cuisine, is wonderfully prepared and cooked. On certain days a BBQ with a steel drum band performance is offered.
The well-stocked bar serves a wide range of cocktails and beverages as well as snacks with a picture perfect, sea view backdrop. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the communal areas.
Other facilities include a games room, tennis court, infinity pool and Jacuzzi, TV and tea and coffee facilities in the lobby, dive centre, sun loungers, currency exchange and a safety deposit box.
Little Tobago, with its impressive bird sanctuary is only a few minutes away by boat, where red-billed tropicbirds and magnificent figatebirds can be found. Half an hour away is St Giles Island, the southern Caribbean’s largest seabird colony.
Swimming Pool
Air Conditioning
Rooms
Facilities
Restaurant, bar and lounge, infinity pool, Jacuzzi, sun loungers, dive shop, gift shop, tennis court, room service, currency exchange, BBQ, games room, free Wi-Fi in the communal areas and air-conditioning.
Rooms all have Wi-Fi, a private balcony or patio (or both), tea and coffee making facilities, safety deposit box, private bathroom with a hairdryer.
There is the option of larger studios and bungalows also.
Local Wildlife
The coral reef just offshore from the beach is teeming with a large diversity of reef fish including jacks, groupers, kingfish, angelfish, moray and spotted eels, octopus, cuttlefish and the endangered hawksbill turtle.
In deeper waters, eagle and manta rays, sharks, jacks and other large fish can be seen. Night dives can also be arranged which provide a completely different underwater experience and give a chance to encounter eels, lobsters and sharks. For those who prefer to stay dry, glass bottom boat tours are also available.
The forest around Blue Water Inn is a good spot to see the beautiful ruby topaz hummingbird, Trinidad motmot and range-restricted rufous-vented chachalaca. The nearby island of Little Tobago has a large colony of nesting seabirds with magnificent frigatebird, red-billed tropicbird, brown noddy, sooty tern and red and brown-footed boobies all easily seen depending on the season. There is also the possibility of seeing the rare Audubon’s shearwater and roosting white-tailed nightjar.
Optional Activities
Birdwatching tours, cocoa tours, glass-bottom boat trips, kayaking, waterfall excursions, swimming, snorkelling and diving, and excursions to Little Tobago and St Giles Island. Longer excursions to the main ridge forest reserve (Tobago’s largest area of rainforest), Charlottesville and turtle nesting beaches are also possible.
Route Map
Departure Dates
Travel Information
Are International Flights Included?
No. Please contact us for a quote if required.
Flight Info:
Caribbean Airlines flies 3 times a week from London Gatwick to Port of Spain, Trinidad with onward connections to Georgetown, Guyana.
Best Visited:
January to January
Are you ATOL Registered?
Yes. This means we are legally able to book your international flights in conjunction with your ground arrangements so you can book with us with complete confidence. Read more about our ATOL license here.
John Melton
Area Specialist
Upgrade accommodation at Blue Waters Inn to a private bungalow.
If you have any questions regarding this Tour, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
We really enjoyed this tour – every location was thoroughly enjoyable for different reasons. [WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS] River otters at Karanambu (wild and tame); macaws from the top of Turtle Mountain at Iwokrama (nice to look down on them for a change!); St Giles Island, Tobago – literally thousands of birds, frigate, boobies, tropic etc; cock-of-the-rock and golden frog at Kaieteur Falls. We have now taken 5 trips with Reef & Rainforest – all great!
