Rupununi Savannahs

About the Rupununi The Rupununi Savannahs is situated in the south of Guyana, 300 miles inland from Georgetown its capital and extends into Brazil.  Stunning and unique, the Rupununi Savannahs of Guyana is considered the largest open range of savannah lands in the world and is found sprawled between the country’s expanse of pristine tropical rain forest in the North and the southern entrance of the Amazon Jungle. This vast open savannah is scattered with mountains, fresh water river systems, Amerindian reservations/villages and fields of majestic anthills, which can be over 6ft tall. Standing like a solitary mountain in the mists of the South Savannahs is the famous SHEA ROCK. On this scenic frontier you will find rustic cattle ranches with all the trappings of open plains, from horse back riding, working the range and exploring the wild life to humble, but comfortable home styled guest houses that offer a once in a life time opportunity to experience firsthand a rugged and vanishing lifestyle.   

People Native People : The Rupununi is the home of two of Guyana 's 9 indigenous Amerindian tribes, the Wapishana and Mucushi people. They reside throughout the savannahs and mountains in more then 20 widely dispersed Amerindian reservations. Their culture is simple and exemplifies the charming nature of these people and their simplicity, resourcefulness, bashfulness and sadly, their plight. In the more remote regions of the Rupununi , visitors can observe the way of life of the indigenous Wai Wai Amerindian tribe in its most primitive form.  Tours to these places can be arranged under a special package.  <Back to top>

Climate The seasonal changes of the Rupununi provide a varying experience to visitors, and the dry season is best suited for tourism. As the rivers of Rupununi recede, gold and white sand beaches are exposed, and the pristine mountain waters provide the ideal settings for recreational activities such as swimming, canoeing, rafting, fishing and picnics.  <Back to top>

As the region undergoes a transformation during the rainy season, the river waters swell and areas of the Rupununi plains are nourished by floodwaters.  During the rainy season this transformed scenery is best captured from the heights of the Moco Moco Hydro Site or other mountaintops where one is bound to be filled with awe at the beauty of the Rupununi .

Savannah Ranch stay: Two of the most popular and interesting destinations are the Dadanawa Ranch in the South and the Karanambo Ranch in the North which provides guests an authentic experience of Rupununi hospitality in a working ranch nestled in a national park like setting.    

Native Culture: During the year the Rupununi features exciting cultural events such as the Rupununi Rodeo , Amerindian Heritage Month celebrations, Sajiwang and Rupununi Day. Apart from these events, the more adventurous visitors are welcome to visit these hospitable people and experience their unique lifestyle. <Back to top>

Wildlife: The Majestic Kunuku Mountain Range separating the North from the South Savannahs is the home of approximately 80% of the known mammal species in Guyana and exotic birds including the endangered Harper Eagle. The Mountains are reserved as conservation areas, and managed by Conservation International Inc.  <Back to top>

Rain Forest:  Also of particular interest is the reserved Iwokrama Rain Forest Concession just north of the Rupununi savannah. This Concession of approximately 360,000 hectares of pristine rain forest have been set aside, in a pioneering effort by Guyana , to demonstrate to the world that tropical rain forests can provide social and economic benefits without compromising the ecological integrity of the forest.  Interesting to tourists is the recently constructed Canopy Forest walk way which gives persons an ‘up close and personal' contact with the wildlife of the rainforest. <Back to top>

Frontier Town Stay:   Lethem is the administrative and cultural center of the Rupununi is Lethem which sits on the Brazilian border. Lethem is a charming and exotic frontier town populated with settlers from the coastal regions of Guyana and the natives beautiful mixed offspring.  Lethem is also the Jump off point for entering Brazil and the Brazilian Amazon.   Here, guests enjoy comfortable, safe and affordable accommodation at our base in the Takutu Hotel and its rebound family style of hospitality. <Back to top>

Annual Events:

1. Rupununi Rodeo   Easter Weekend

2. Amerindian Heritage  1 st - 13 th September

3. Rupununi Day   3 rd weekend of November

For more information on this and any other place mentioned please Contact us at info@guyana-tourism.com or call (592)-223-6351

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