I slept most of the time on the flight to Georgetown but was awake prior to arrival. Upon the descending towards Georgetown, it was amazing to see how we entered the city airspace and all you could see for miles outside the city was green. Most of the country's population is located in the capital, Georgetown, and the rest is wilderness. I knew this was a good sign that I'd be able to capture beautiful fauna and flora through my camera's lens. But the flight was a bit late landing and I thought that I would never make the transfer to Ogle Airport in time to meet the connection to Kaieteur Falls.
Upon arrival, passing through customs and immigration seemed to take eternity as my worries about the falls continued. I finally made it through the airport and my ride was waiting for me. He was well aware of the time issue and quickly threw my bags into his car and off we sped to Ogle Airstrip. He tried his best to abide by the speed limits but occasionally pushed it in areas he knew were safe and vacant of the local police. Unfortunately, on the way, a vehicle in front of him tossed up a loose rock which put a huge crack in his windshield. The poor guy informed me that he was responsible for the repair as his insurance didn't cover it. This would amount to several weeks' wages.
He got me to the Ogle airport with minutes to spare for the scheduled flight only to find out that the flight was delayed anyway due to fog. I tipped him well but in no way would that truly help compensate for his out of pocket loss. I was so pleased that I would get a chance to view the highest free-falling waterfall in the world (Venezuela's Angel Falls are higher but they drop in stages)!
A representative from the Cara Lodge took my bags at the airport to bring to the hotel and I boarded the flight to Kaieteur Falls. One of the guides couldn't get on due to weight restrictions probably due to my camera equipment! What an amazing short flight seeing totally unspoiled rainforest from above. We landed at Kaieteur Falls and our guide Michael took us down the paths to the falls stopping at the better viewpoints along the way. It wasn't a long walk and for Michael it probably was nothing as he informed me that it was a three day walk from his village to the Kaieteur Falls Ranger Station. It was a postcard perfect day and each view seemed to be better and better. The falls were spectacular! I was hoping to get a glimpse of a Cock-of-the-Rock but I guess they were in the shade of the rainforest canopy staying out of the bright sun. I did manage to spot several small yellow poison dart frogs near the top of the falls and some swifts flying over the gorge where the Potaro River flows below.
We had lunch at the Ranger Station then got back on the plane to fly to Orinduik Falls on the Brazilian border. These are much smaller falls but were absolutely beautiful. Some in the group swam in the pools formed below the falls but I decided to photograph the scenery and search for wildlife. There is one family who resides at the falls and met us at the plane. It is a very secluded area and I was amazed on how this family maintains their livelihood yet treated visitors with such a level of hospitality. The weather had recently been bad and they were awaiting supplies that were now 3 days late.
From Orinduik we flew back to Georgetown for dinner and a night at the Cara Lodge, a turn of the century Victorian structure that embodies Guyana's colonial past, before the early morning flight into the interior the next day.
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.