Karanambu Lodge is in the south/middle Guyana, on the banks of the Rupununi river, the edge of the rainforest and besides the savannah.
Karanambu Lodge was established in 1927 and has been the home of the McTurk family. The lodge is home to Dianne McTurk and her adopted son and some other interesting characters.
Once you settle in you are treated to copious amounts for rum punch – on demand and as a matter of course. You are then likely to watch Dianne McTurk take her daily swim in the water with her pet giant otter, which is blind, as well as any she may be rehabilitating.
In two days we went monkey, jaguar, giant otter, caiman and bird spotting with Dianne and a guide via boat. Additionally, there is the chance to track giant anteaters in the savannah as well as watching a giant Victoria Amazonica open. And these are just the activities for a two day stay. With more time you can see the wider area and more of the local wildlife.
Sorry, I lifted this part from the website as it says it best: We are dedicated to conservation of the Rupununi savannah and wetlands ecosystem and preservation of the traditional way of life of the indigenous Amerindians who make the area their home. Karanambu is a nature lovers paradise and we welcome visitors to this remote corner of South America to experience its untouched natural beauty.
True Guyana is found only outside of Georgetown. Home to a select few English settlers, environmental and wildlife researchers and, of course, the local Amerindians; you are welcomed from the outset and doted on as a matter of course. Couple that with the umpteen anecdotes up the sleeves of everyone you meet and you will find yourself awe struck and full of smiles.
Dianne is just as much a draw than the wildlife and location are! Before we met Dianne we were informed by everyone on our journey to Karanambu that she is truly one of a kind. And this was true. Her aristocratic charm and kindness are evident from the outset as you quickly realize that Guyana and her are truly one while her life story is utterly remarkable Moreover, the fact that she can call David Attenborough a friend is quite special. Oh yes, and then there's the pet raccoon as well... ;o)
We booked through Last Frontiers, who were very helpful and extremely passionate.
www.lastfrontiers.com/
We booked our own flight from Gatwick to Barbados with Virgin, before taking the connecting flight(s) arranged by Last Frontiers to Georgetown, Guyana’s capital. From Georgetown we took a small 6 seat single prop to Iwokrama Lodge in the rain forest, journeying to the Surama in the savannah by 4x4 for a few nights, before heading to the luxurious Rock View Lodge by 4x4 and then onto Karanambu by river boat (this gave us the chance to see a lot of birds and other wildlife). We then flew from Karanambu to Georgetown. Alternatively, you can just take a cruise around the Carribbean, get off at Georgetown and fly to Karanambu and back - obviously you will need to make sure your timings work though - private charters are available as well as the regular scheduled flight by Trans Guyana Airways. (Both are reliable and actually quite fun. While if you leave from Karanambu you are given a packed lunch and some rum punch for the flight...happy days...)
Comfortable to basic. All the items you need together with free soaps, toothbrushes, towels etc. Impressive considering your location! Moreover, there is the option of twin and double rooms.
In all honesty, you spend little time in your hut as you are either out and about, swinging in one of the hammocks outside your hut, in the main social area or eating/drinking - in you hammock, on the boat or at the dinner table.
www.karanambu.com/
Nearest major town is Lethem, Guyana
savingotters.wildlifedirect.org/tag/karanambu-ranch/
Google map: tinyurl.com/yahg7wr
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