KARANAMBU RANCH

North Rupununi

Karanambu Ranch is situated where the north savannah grassland, swamp and flood forest meet on the Rupununi River and the horse flats stretch towards the Pakaraima Mountains and into Brazil.

The settlement has the flavour of an Amerindian village, with its clay brick and palm thatched cabanas set in a compound between the bush and the open range. Diane McTurk, well known for her work in rehabilitating orphaned Giant River Otters to the wild, can accommodate guests in five cabanas with verandah, twin bedded rooms and ensuite bathrooms. Meals are served around a large dining table in the open hammock-swagged living room of the main ranch house.

Outstanding tropical freshwater fish and teeming bird life abound. Bird watchers intrepid enough to brave the flood and insects of the wet season (June - August) are rewarded with water birds breeding in the nearby nursery. The area is also a last refuge for the Giant River Otter and Diane often has orphans in residence. The river reveals Black Caiman and for the lucky the huge Arapaima, the world’s largest fresh water fish.

Diane has started the Karanambu Trust in an attempt to create a private protected area at Karanambu. The primary purpose of the protected area will be the protection of the habitat for the otters and ensuring their survival. This project has created such interest that filmmakers from around the world, such as BBC, Yorkshire Television and Wild Things, have travelled to Karanambu to film Diane's work. As a visitor you can join in with Diane's efforts and help her in the daily feeding and care of the otters, and even swim with them in the Rupununi River. Your overnight rate also helps in funding Diane's work.

Guyana's best inland fishing is close by at Simoni Pond, where Peacock Bass is a favourite catch.  Boating through the flooded forest offers unparalleled opportunities to observe the unique ecosystem. Excellent bird watching is available on the savannah, in the gallery forest and in particular in Crane Pond.

Guests at Karanambu Ranch are treated as friends rather than as clients and the atmosphere is that of ‘living as family’ in a remote settlement on the banks of the Rupununi River. This approach is reflected in an all-inclusive tariff with few supplementary charges.

ACCOMMODATION
Is in five Amerindian style claybrick, thatched huts with verandah, twin bedded bedroom and bathroom with cold shower and flushing toilet.  One of these huts has two bedrooms with shared bathroom facilities.  Electric lighting is generated until shortly after bedtime. (Bring flashlights).

MEALS

All inclusive and taken in the main house at family mealtimes around the large dining table.

ACTIVITIES

Not formally scheduled, but tailored to guest’s interests or preferences and vary according to season - wet or dry.  For those who prefer regular hours, including a tropical siesta, basic provision is made for two guided excursions each day.  You can chose from :
1. Boat trip on the Rupununi River fishing or just observing the local bio-diversity.
2. Landrover on the savannah.
3. Walking forest trails with guide – Karanambu is surrounded by forest.

The emphasis on water transport increases as the land floods during the wet season – usually between mid-May and mid-Sept. (Pack rain gear, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, insect repellent and antihistamines for this season).

Dependent on enthusiasm, endurance and circumstances, additional activities can be arranged early and late:

1. To glimpse a giant anteater in the savannah.
2. Before breakfast for birdwatching or to observe a group of otters when sighted nearby.
3. To spot black Caiman by torchlight.
4. A river trip may be prolonged from dusk to dark in order to watch the opening of Victoria Amazonica waterlilies.

SUPPLEMENTARY CHARGES

Are made for fishing, primarily Peacock Bass (Chicla ocellaris) and for visits to Amerindian Communities, which receive a contribution to the Village Council of G$1,000.00 (approx. US$ 5.50) per person, for community development.

      
Sports fishermen       Catch and release using own tackle.

Yupukari Village        Landrover Transport - 20/30 miles round trip depending on conditions, diversion to see termite hills at Quatata.  Plus G$1,000.00 (approx. US$ 5.50) per person to the Village Council.

Kwaimatta Village     Landrover Transport - 10/12 miles round trip depending on conditions. Plus G$1,000.00 (approx. US$ 5.50) per person to the Village Council.

Number of rooms:     4 double room cabins with ensuite bathroom.
                               1 cabin with two rooms and a shared bathroom.

Getting there:             By aircraft or vehicle only or combination of vehicle and boat.

Connects well with:   Surama, Rock View Lodge, Atta Rainforest Lodge, Dadanawa Ranch, Maparri Wilderness Camp and Iwokrama.