Arrival in Guyana – The group met up at a hotel in Georgetown, the capital. The first night we meet each other, we make sure to have time for any last questions and queries before departure into the interior.

No meals included, sleep in a bed in a shared room

Depart into Guyana’s Interior – In the morning, we go to Ogle Airport, where, after check-in, we will get into a small prop plane. From the moment we fly away from the capital, one will truly see why Guyana is one of the most forested countries in the world. The rainforest stretches down to the little village of Surama, where we will land. After the plane journey, we have a short stop in Lethem where equipment is issued, and then we will begin our journey south towards Parabara in 4×4. This will be a whole day of driving, and the goal will be to reach the Parabara community at the edge of the Wai Wai territory.

Dinner included, sleep in a hammock

Rest Day in Parabara Village – Today we will relax in the little, remote village of Parabara. Here, we will be doing small tours around the community to experience daily life. There will be a chance to see their traditional farming, how they sustain themselves from small scale gold mining, and learn about their lives in this little village.

All meals included, sleep in a hammock

Traveling to Wai Wai – Today we continue our journey deeper into the rainforest. Depending on the height of the water, there will be two options for how we will get to the community.

• Option 1: We will board dugout canoes and head towards Masakenari village if the river’s height permits it. This trip will take around 5 days, and we will set up camp each afternoon at the shores of the river. Here we will also be spending time fishing, looking for wildlife, and exploring the river system.
• Option 2: If there is unexpectedly low water, we will transfer from Parabara to a Bedford truck, which will transport us to the next river system. This is an extremely adventurous off-road ride through trails deep within the jungle. This trip is estimated to take around one full day of travel. Once we reach the next river system, we will camp for the night. The following day, we will board dugout canoes and head for Masakenari village. We will camp along the way.

(We will only be able to tell which option is chosen until arrival at Parabara)

All meals included, sleep in a hammock.

Stay in Masakenari Village – Once we arrive in the village, we will start to explore traditional village life. During this stay, we will accompany the Wai Wai to understand their way of life. This will include going with them to their traditional and sustainable farm in the forest, going hunting with them using traditional bows and arrows, fishing with them, and learning more about their cultural ties to the jungle that surrounds them. We would not have to travel far from the village to reach the almost-untouched rainforest, and we will have boats available to explore. We want to go to a cultural site near the village that is supposed to be in some caves, and we will also travel into the jungle with a villager who is said to be able to imitate the jaguar call to see if we can get a response.

As the nature of this type of expedition dictates, we will undoubtedly encounter a plethora of exciting opportunities while we are there, and there will also be the option of going out in smaller groups for special interest trips arranged while we are in the village.

All meals included, sleep in bed in shared rooms

Traveling out back – Depending on the height of the water, we’ll begin our journey back. Once again, the height of the river will determine our route and whether we are using the river all the way to Parabara or if we have to utilize Bedford trucks to get back from Kassikaituy. One thing is for sure: we will be back in our expedition-style camps, exploring the river systems as we go. We will eventually arrive back in Parabara, where we will once again will have a night in the community.

All meals included, sleep in a hammock

Traveling to Lethem – Today we start our travel back towards Lethem. This journey will take us back through the South Rupununi Savannah, and once we arrive in Lethem, we will be accommodated at a local hotel for the night.

Breakfast included, sleep in bed in shared rooms

Back to the capital – On this day, the group will travel back to the capital, Georgetown, and will have one final night out in town.

No meals, sleep in a bed in a shared room

Continue travel or departure back home – On the final day, the participants say goodbye, and they continue their travel either home or to their next destination.

No meals included, no accommodation included

COST DETAILS

• Price shown is in US Dollars, subject to change without notice
• Quoted prices are per person based on sharing in double accommodation

Rates are subject to change due to currency fluctuation Tour prices are based on quoted costs from the lodges (in our local currency), estimated fuel costs, and the rate of exchange the time of itinerary publication. The erratic nature to global financial markets makes it difficult to predict changes in costs and foreign currency exchange rates over the long term. Since tours are priced well in advance of the actual operation of the tour, tour costs, fuel costs and exchange rates can change, sometimes drastically. Depending on the extent of such changes, it may be necessary to implement a surcharge on this tour. If a surcharge is necessary, every effort will be made to minimize the amount

INCLUDED

• 47 Meals (16 Breakfast, 15 Lunch, 16 Dinner)
• 20 Days / 19 nights
• Domestic flights with 25LB included luggage
• Vehicle and truck hire in Rupununi
• Boats, Guides, expedition leader, 4×4 transfers
• Village fee
• Kit for jungle see below

NOT INCLUDED

• International airfare
• Meals in the capital (Georgetown)Taxi from airport to the capitol (cost approx. 70 USD each way)
• Alcohol
• Excess luggage for domestic flight
• Tips for guides (Is paid collectively to one portion and shared equally among guides)
• Personal travel insurance (Will have to be sent in advance)
• Cost of medical clearance (If needed)
• Malaria Prophylaxis (Consult personal doctor)
• Anything not mentioned in the document

YOU MUST BRING

• Torch: Small using AA or AAA batteries. Head torches are ideal, especially those with a red filter, which will stop bugs bothering you at night. Ensure you have spare batteries.
• First Aid kit We will have a group medkit, but you need to be able to look after small injuries like cuts and blisters from your gear: You will need Zinc oxide tape, antiseptic wipes, assorted plasters, wound dressings, lip balm, rehydration sachets, blister dressing, hydrocortisone cream, antifungal foot powder, pain killers, Vaseline. Most high street pharmacists sell a ready-made kit.
• Strong string:Paracord is ideal, bringing about 10 meters, it has loads of uses. It must be a dark color (green) and fine – 5mm maximum.
• Mosquito repellent: Preferably with 50% DEET. No more. 1 x 50ml bottle is ample.
• Sun cream: Including sunblock if necessary. Get UVA & UVB sunblock, no more than factor 30 which is waterproof and non-scented, so as not to attract insects.
• Notebook & Pencil: A pencil is better as it will not run out or explode all over the notebook etc. Waterproof, breast pocket size notebooks are ideal. Check out www.riteintherain.com
• Sarong /Towel: Multiple uses include a towel and hiding your modesty! The neoprene, water-absorbent travel towels are good, but a small normal towel is fine, though a sarong is best.
• Sandals: Do not bring the flip flop variety or diving/surfboard slipper type. You will need to wear them when swimming in rivers so need to be fixed to your feet as Teva type do, but also allow your feet to dry and air. A pair of Crocs is perfect!
• Sewing kit: For those running repairs. Not too bulky, but enough to last. Most repairs will be the likes of clothing rips.
• Sun hat: The full brim is best, keeps the sun off in the heat of the day.
• Washing kit: Keep to a minimum. Do not use pop-top caps; get screw top otherwise, your toothpaste will explode in your pack – nice! Bring all the sanitary items you need too. A 200ml bottle of liquid soap is ideal. A small pack of wet wipes is also very useful.
• Boots: Comfortable boots. Do not bring Gore-Tex lined boots. US Army jungle boots are by far the best. Get If you possibly can, you will be grateful. They are pretty cheap at about 100 USD and after the trip you can always leave them for the locals’ jungle guides, who love them. They are black with a speedlace system. Do not bring the cheap copies; the soles tend to come off quickly. Get the real thing. But the crucial thing is that your boots are comfortable and don’t rub your feet to blisters!
• Trousers: Bring two (2) pairs. Lightweight, which dries quickly and is full leg length. You wear one pair during the day and change into your spare pair for the nighttime. You may want a basic cloth adjustable belt if they do not come with one already. Do not bring leather belts! Do not bring bright colors or flowery patterns. They attract insects.
• Shirt x 2: Lightweight, long-sleeved with breast pockets and collar to keep the sun off your neck if possible. Ensure pockets can be buttoned so your gear does not fall out. Do not bring heavier jackets. Ensure shirttails fit into your trousers well and do not always pull out, leaving a nice bit of skin for bugs to bite! You wear one during the day and change it into your spare one for the nighttime.
• Underwear x 2 pairs: Whatever is comfortable and quick drying. Non-padded cycling shorts and standard boxer shorts are the best, as they tend to prevent chafing problems. Everyone needs to think about this as chaffing of the thighs is painful, so prevent it with the right underwear. You wear one pair during the day and change into your spare pair for the nighttime.
• Socks x 2 pairs: Hiking type. Ensure they do not have too many man made fibers in them. You wear one pair during the day and change into your spare pair for the nighttime.
• Lighters: Plastic cheapo types. Zippo’s etc will be lost. Just bring one or two.
• Sweat rags: Old T-shirt cut up is perfect, or a bandana – neutral colors: nothing bright and flowery!!!
• Watch: Waterproof, alarm and light on it.
• Photocopies: A good idea generally when traveling is to have copies of passport, vaccination card, flight tickets, etc. We will store any valuables and spare kits you do not want to take into the jungle.
• Cash: US$ cash is best, we can change it into GY$ cash for you as you cannot get this easily outside of Guyana. Traveler’s cheques and credit cards are no good outside of Georgetown as you need a bank, and you will be at least 450kms from the nearest one in the jungle. Depending on your course and how many souvenirs you want anywhere from US$200 to $400 will suffice.
• Vaccination Card: Essential, Yellow fever vaccination is an entrance demand upon arrival.
• Shades: The cooler the better.

OPTIONAL KIT
The following are items you may want to bring but are not essential. Don’t forget you have to keep your luggage weight to 25lbs or less.

• Cameras/memory stick: Bring it! The main thing is to protect your equipment from the wet and knocks. A bag, which is 100% waterproof, plus a load of silica gel bags to keep moisture down, then pad the lot out with useful items, like a sarong. It is worth the risk! Small, waterproof digital cameras are great, but make sure you have spare batteries and memory cards, there is limited recharging available. The new Lithium batteries are excellent. AAA/AA/C/D Cell all available now – they last ages! Bring the download cable too. And make sure you bring a decent size memory stick/external hard drive to get everyone’s photos. With GoPro and other movies, it can be around 100GB at times!
• Books: For those quiet nights. It would be great if you could bring a few to leave behind so we can build a small library for the local people. Anything at all is great, novels, pictures, biographies, travel guides – anything if they are in English! A kindle is great.
• Extra clothes: T-shirts, shorts, warm tops, extra sarong, trousers, shirts, etc. for last night’s drink-up, international travel, and so on.
• Goodies: The likes of a favorite snack bar, sachets of coffee, sugar, your favorite tea, and so on. Keep it very basic and to a minimum, it is purely a little luxury for you when you get out of the jungle. If you have a multi-tool like a leatherman, bring that too. Centrum type multivitamin tablets are a good idea as is a tube of superglue. You never know what precious item will break, like the sole of your boot, and only superglue has a chance of working in the jungle!!

WHAT WE WILL PROVIDE
If you have some of this kit yourself and wish to bring it as you are more comfortable with it then fine, bring it. Please keep your kit to the minimum and as light as possible. Some of the small planes will not take off if you bring the kitchen sink, so it will be left behind. All the gear you bring with you should weigh no more than 10kg

• Hammock Lightweight, with a built-in mosquito net
• Basha/Tarp To keep the rain off.
• Rucksack You can bring your own or we will provide it. It needs to be robust and big enough to carry your gear plus group stores. A 75 Liter pack is fine.
• Belt kit PLCE belt to carry a machete, fish kit, fire kit, water bottle, etc.
• Iodine: 1 x 20ml bottle of iodine droplets. Do not bring anything else including iodine tablets unless you have an allergy or other such medical problem with iodine.
• Blanket We will provide a lightweight sleeping bag. If you do have your own, please feel free to bring it along, but it must be very small and lightweight.
• Hydration bag They hold 2 or 3 liters. It means you can sip water on the move.
• Canoe Bag To line your rucksack and keep the contents dry during river crossings etc
• Machete/knife With leather sheath
• Bow and Arrow Locally made bow and arrow
• Dry bags Water-resistant bags you use to compartmentalize your kit within your rucksack.
• Eating kit Mess tin and spoon.
• Sleeping mat For powdering your feet under your basha and the likes
• Compass/Whistle Silva type, marked in degrees and or mils + orange emergency whistle.
• Safety kit: As needed and includes climbing helmets, lifejackets, karabiners, light sticks, radios, satellite phones, med kit, rope, etc.
• Miscellaneous kit: We will provide all sorts of odds and ends like ziplock bags, duct tape, extra string, fishing kit, etc.

PAYMENT PROCEDURE
You are required to make a non-refundable 20% deposit of the cost for the tour based on the number of clients and reservation made upon confirmation of the tour. And the balance no later than 90 days of the tour date. All payments should be addressed to Leon Moore via wire transfer. Please advise journeyguyana@gmail.com when the deposit is made in writing.

CANCELLATIONS
Should any reservation or payment provision not be observed by the reserving party, Leon Moore Nature Experience will be entitled to cancel the respective reservation with immediate effect. This will be done by way of written notice.

CANCELLATION CONDITIONS
Should a cancellation be received before 95 days prior to arrival, no cancellation fee will be charged. Should a cancellation be received 85 days prior to arrival a 50% cancellation fee will be charged. Should a cancellation be received 70 or less days prior to arrival, no refund will be given.

Cancellation fees are calculated on the rate per person and on the total value of the trip. No refunds will be made for unused meals, accommodations, or other trip features. All reservation amendments or cancellations are valid only if advised and accepted in writing.

Leon Moore Nature Experience strongly recommend that guests consider a travel insurance policy, which may assist in offsetting any unforeseen cancellation charges. You may have the opportunity to transfer your booking to another tour or another person, provided you are unavoidably prevented from coming on the tour. In this case, you will bear any extra costs that such changes may incur.

Leon Moore Nature Experience will not be responsible for paying any bank fees or responsible for any exchange rates that may offset or affect any refund. Whatever the refund amount is, all clients will be responsible for paying those changes during the refund process. These fees will be calculated based on the amount and be deducted from your refund.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• All requests for provisional or confirmed reservations are to be made by the Guest/Tour Operator by way of e-mail.
• No reservation will be deemed confirmed unless acknowledged and accepted in writing by Leon Moore Nature Experience. Leon Moore Nature Experience will respond to all reservation applications in a timely manner and will reply using the same medium of communication whereby the request was made.

Please review our full TERMS AND CONDITIONS on this website. Participating our tours indicates your acceptance of those Terms and Conditions.

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

The cost of this tour does not include the price of your international flight to and from Guyana. You are responsible for arranging these flights to and from Georgetown. I recommend that you arrive a day early to rest and adjust to the time zone.

DOMESTIC FLIGHTS

On domestic Schedule flights within Guyana, passengers are allowed a total of 20Lbs or 9kg of luggage on Aircraft; if one is over the limit, he or she is charged US$1 or GY$ 200 Guyana dollars for every pound over weight. It is important that clients must provide his or her body and luggage weight in advance so this can be provided to the domestic airline in Guyana.

TRIP INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

The purchase of trip cancellation insurance is strongly recommended. Leon Moore Nature Experience (LMNE) cannot accept liability for airline cancellations or delays or penalties incurred by the purchase of nonrefundable airline tickets or other expenses incurred by tour participants in preparing for this tour.

• Clothing Because most of our clients comes from either north America or the UK; we know that clients would sometimes have to travel with weather clothing/extra jacket for cold weather; these and any other clothing or items he or she wish to leave within our storage, arrangements can be made to facilitate this.
• Tips The cost does not include any tips however, it is totally up to you, if you feel that an individual/staff performed excellent and you wish to leave a tip please do. If you feel that your tour leader provided you with excellent service, you are free to tip him as well.
• Weather Guyana is generally hot and humid. We can expect all types of weather from warm and hot to cool and rainy at times. Please be prepared for this.
• Early Starts On most morning we will be up and out very early to take advantage of the cooler temperature and wildlife activity.
• Fitness This tour does not require a high level of fitness but participants should be in good general health as some of the birding will be done on foot and may require walking for several hours at times but at (slow pace). Should you have any physical limitation please let us know in advance before you leave your destination.
• Accommodation Accommodation is generally simple but comfortable, throughout they are no air conditioners at the interior lodges, you should not expect luxury accommodation, the lodges we use range from basic to very good, Caiman House Field Station, Surama Lodge, Atta Lodge, and Iwokrama River Lodge to name a few!
• Hot water Apart from your hotel in Georgetown, none of the interior Lodges have hot shower.
• Roads Some interior local roads can be bumpy at times based on condition.
• Vehicles The vehicle we used are generally 4×4 and sometime open tops so at times we can be either sitting or standing to get a better view of possible wildlife or the forest.
• Credit Cards None of the Interior Lodges accept Credit cards, on arrival and Can get money from a Bank, Cambio etc.
• Biting insects Mosquito nets are provided throughout the lodges, you can expect some biting insects like mosquitos, sandflies, (noseeams).
• Malaria The risk of catching Malaria is low.
• Electricity Electricity is available at all the lodges, Generator or Solar power. Although the lodges are 110V and the outlets/plugs are USA type.
• Immigration Please treat immigration checks as international standards e.g. no liquid, bug spray, cream etc. etc.
• Clothing & footwear Light material clothing that can dry quickly, long sleeve, shirt and trousers for trail walks and tour activities. No brightly colored clothing, you must bring clothing that blends with the forest. Ankle height hiking boots and sneakers, with socks.
• Trail Walks For extended period of tour activities, we recommend that you bring a 3 legged stool for you to sit on. Some tour excursions include standing for long hours. You will find having a 3 legged stool would come in handy. So please try your best to bring one with you.