Guyana

Rainforests, Watercourses & Wilderness

26 February to 12 March 2011

Leaders: Tony Pym and local guides

Maximum of 9 clients.

Cost £4,699 single room supplement £400

This small country on the northeast shoulder of South America is seldom visited by birdwatchers, yet it offers all the avian richness of the lowland forests and savannas of adjacent Venezuela, and a tourist infrastructure that makes it accessible in greater comfort. Indeed, tourism in the country is experiencing a rapid development and some new lodges provide accommodation in pristine forest settings and interesting savanna habitats. This tour makes an ornithological reconnaissance of the country, visiting Guyanascoastal plain and its wilderness interior of untouched rainforest and intermediate and grassland savannas. Not only do these habitats hold over 800 bird species, but they are home to mammals such as the Jaguar, Puma, Giant River Otter, Giant Anteater and more than six species of monkey. Just over 70 of the country's bird species are endemic to the Guiana Shield (an area of ancient rocks shared with Brazil and Venezuela). Among these, perhaps the most colourful are the Blood-coloured Woodpecker, Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, White-throated Toucan, Red-shouldered Macaw and Green Aracari. The itinerary includes travel on a number of small watercourses and on the great Essequibo River, as well as a visit to Kaieteur Falls, surely one of the world's most imposing scenic wonders.