Iwokrama The Iwokrama forest is a centre for rainforest conservation and sustainable development. This is an extremely worthwhile project because the 1,000 metre high Iwokrama Mountains are the focal point of the forest and provide a refuge for both the native people and wildlife. The wildlife here is spectacular and includes red howler monkey, wedge- capped capuchin, black spider monkey, black caiman, tree boas, pacas and hula tree frogs. There are over 500 species of birds including screaming piha, grey- chinned hermit, black-necked aracari, scarlet macaw, Guiana toucanette and channel-billed toucan. Iwokrama is also considered to be one of the best places to see wild jaguars. Iwokrama Field Station MID Iwokrama consists of eight large timber and thatch cabins - each beautifully situated on the banks of the mighty Esequibo River with private facilities and solar powered electricity. It is equipped with a lounge, bar and library, and whilst it is remote, it has all that you could possibly need for a comfortable stay; there are strategically placed hammocks for daytime relaxation and the bird- watching here is excellent. Atta Rainforest Lodge MID Atta is a simple hammock camp situated close to the entrance of the canopy walkway. It consists of two open- sided buildings in pristine forest. Sleeping is in hammocks - going to sleep to the night sounds of the forest and waking to the sound of howler monkeys will be one of the trip highlights, although alternative sleeping accommodation in buildings is due to open as we go to press. Iwokrama Canopy Walkway is a series of suspension bridges and decks high above the forest fl oor offering commanding views out over the forest and the chance to see a number of the canopy- dwelling species. The Surama Community The Amerindian village community of Surama is in the heart of Guyana where eight square kilometres of savannah are surrounded by the forest- covered Pakaraima Mountains. Surama's inhabitants are mainly from the Makushi tribe and still observe many of the traditional practices of their forebears. It's an isolated and idyllic location, which provides a fascinating insight into Guyana's rainforests due to the guides' knowledge - it's their home. And that's also why they welcome tourists - tourism means they can be employed at home without having to move away for work, and eco- tourism maintains their land as the forests are why people come to stay. It's a very worthwhile addition to an itinerary. Surama Eco- Lodge MID Surama Eco- Lodge has four simple cabins with en- suite bathrooms and a central dining, bar and lounge area offering fantastic views across the savannah, rainforest and mountains. Surama guides lead dawn nature walks up Surama Mountain, revealing a multitude of birds and fantastic vistas, and short nature walks in the nearby forest. THE AMERICAS | GUYANA 165 SUGGESTED ITINERARY Day 1 Depart UK for Georgetown, 2- nights, Cara Lodge Day 2 Enjoy a city tour of Georgetown and visit Kaieteur and Orinduik Falls ( BLD, only breakfast and lunch included on day two) Day 3 Iwokrama, 2- nights, Iwokrama Field Station. Good bird- watching opportunities ( BLD) Day 5 Iwokrama Canopy Walkway, 1- night, Atta Rainforest Lodge. Four- wheel drive excursion to spot jaguar ( BLD) Day 6 Surama Village, 2- nights, Surama Eco- Lodge. Learn about the traditions and culture of the Macushi tribe ( BLD) Day 8 Annai Landing, 2- nights, Rock View Lodge. Explore the forests and mountains or simply relax at your lodge ( BLD) Day 10 Rupununi River, 2- nights, Karanambu Ranch. Explore the Rupununi River in search of giant river otters ( BLD) Day 12 Yupukuri Village, 1- night, Caiman House. Spot black caiman on a river trip ( BLD) Day 13 Georgetown, 1- night. Cara Lodge ( BL) Day 14 Return to UK ( B) Day 15 Arrive home We also have set group departures on this itinerary. Please ask us for details. Departure dates Daily, throughout the year Cost per person From £ 3875 ( Jan - June, Sept - Nov), £ 4175 ( July - Aug) What's included Flights, transfers, meals as indicated, thirteen nights lodge accommodation, guided activities LOST LAND OF THE JAGUAR An exciting itinerary which journeys through the main highlights of Guyana and affords ample opportunity for you to hopefully sight the elusive jaguar. TAILOR- MADE Or visit us on the web www. wildlifeworldwide. com

Annai Landing This Amerindian Village is in the foothills of the Pakaraima Mountains 420 kilometres south of Georgetown. There is plenty to do here with four- wheel drive explorations to the forest, savannah, mountains and Rupununi River on offer, as well as simply relaxing in a hammock, or maybe some horse- riding. Located near to Surama and the Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve, it is a worthwhile stop on any itinerary, and is home to howler monkeys, hummingbirds and a myriad of other wildlife, too. Rock View Lodge MID Rock View Lodge is a working ranch in the village, making a perfect base from which to explore. Guests are accommodated in eight well- furnished suites in two guesthouses. The lodge is surrounded by acres of lush gardens, which attract hummingbirds and other wildlife and at dawn you can often hear the howler monkeys calling nearby. Rupununi Rupununi is an area where working ranches have opened their doors to visitors, with cowboys still working the land in the age old way. It is a unique addition to a holiday for any visitor, with each lodge described below offering a different experience. It's also here that you can see many endangered species including black caiman, arapaima fi sh, harpy eagle and giant river otter. Excursions are by four- wheel drive, canoe, horse-back or on- foot. This is also a good place to see the world's largest water lily and Guyana's national fl ower, Victoria Amazonica. Karanambu Ranch MID This ranch is an eco- tourism resort well- known for its tranquillity, abundant wildlife and legendary hospitality. Guests are accommodated in six en- suite cabanas each with a veranda. The facilities here are comfortable but basic, with no hot water and limited availability of electricity. Diane McTurk, ranch owner, is well- known for her work in rehabilitating orphaned giant river otters to the wild, and there are good chances of seeing both orphaned and wild giant rivers otters from here, and helping her with her work. Caiman House MID Caiman House is upstream from Karanambu on the Rupununi River in the village of Yupukari. The accommodation at this ecological research station is rustic with electricity and running water. During your stay you will go out on night trips on the river. You may well see black caiman, as this river has South America's second largest population as well as tree boas and frogs. Dadanawa MID On the Rupununi River deep in the southern savannah, Dadanawa Ranch is the largest and most isolated ranch in Guyana, covering some 1,500 square kilometres. It is the perfect base for expeditions in search of harpy eagle in the rainforest, and Amerindian paintings and petroglyphs on the savannah. 166Talk to an expert 0845 130 6982