Kaieteur Falls Overland - as featured on BBC's "The Big Trip"

The overland trip to Kaieteur Falls offers the excitement of trekking and camping in the forest, and amazing views of the Kaieteur Gorge. The arduous climb up the mountain is well rewarded by the first glimpse of the falls. This trip can vary in length depending on the season, size of group, route taken and activities along the way. The following trip is a sample of what is available.

From Georgetown we take a local bus through the bauxite town of Linden and on to Mabura Hill. The road then heads to the Essequibo River where we cross by pontoon and continue into the Konawaruk Mountains.

The bus terminates at the mining township of Mahdia and we join a 4X4 for the last section of the journey to the Potaro River. A boat then takes us to our overnight camp on the banks of the river overlooking Amatuk Falls.

Our second day is filled with the challenge of trekking along a forest train that parallels the river. As we progress we enter Kaieteur Gorge where steep mountains rise 2000 feet on either side of the river, some with bare rock faces resembling ancient temples. The day ends with a dip in the river and we camp in the forest near Waratuk Falls.

The following day, our trek through the forest continues, as we negotiate the remaining creeks that must be crossed before we make our camp at the base of the mountain at Tukiet. This camp site offers great swimming and spectacular views of the gorge.

The ascent to the top of the mountain takes you through different ecosystems and offers refreshing dips in streams cascading down the mountainside. The tough trek is rewarded by your first view of Kaieteur from an almost frontal vantage at Johnson's View. 

Here, early morning mist gives way to fabulous views of the falls and many trails wind through the rainforest on the tabletop to give a variety of spectacular views of Kaieteur.

The little Golden Frog spends it's entire life in the Giant Bromeliads. At dusk thousands of Swifts gather in the sky like dark clouds, then plunge into the torrent of water to roost on the rock face behind the falls. Amongst huge boulders and vines the Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock performs an amazing mating ritual in it's lek.

Day 1: Arrive in Guyana and transfer to Cara Lodge.
Day 2: Georgetown city tour.  Overnight at Cara Lodge.
Day 3: Bus and jeep to Potaro River. Camp at Amatuk Falls.
Day 4: Trek through forest. Camp at Waratuk Falls.
Day 5: Trek through forest and to top of mountain to Kaieteur Falls.
Day 6: Day to explore area around Kaieteur Falls.
Day 7: Fly back to Georgetown.
Day 8: Transfer to airport for departing flight.

Scheduled departures:
Monday 14th July 2008
Monday 8th September 2008
Monday 6th October 2008
Monday 17th November 2008

Rate:
US$ 4,006.00 for one person.
US$ 4,072.00 per person, minimum 2 persons.
US$ 5,927.00 per person, minimum 4 persons.
US$ 8,095.00 per person, minimum 6 persons.
US$ 12,136.00 per person, minimum 10 persons.
US$ 14,572.00 per person, minimum 12 persons.

Includes: Airport transfer - double or twin accommodation - all road, river and air transport, most meals, camping equipment, local guides and hotel tax.