My Rupununi Experience Part 1 | Places to visit when in Region Nine

Before November, I had traveled to regions 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and 10. 8 and 9 were the two outstanding regions I was yet to experience in Guyana. Of the two, 9 was the one I was most excited about.

This year, I said to myself, this year is the year I wanna go to Lethem, as I would have seen glimpses in the media and in cKush's music video for his hit song 'Moco Moco', of some of the beautiful sceneries in the region. Especially during the time of the Rupununi Festival, Rodeo, etc, it just seemed like an experience I'd enjoy and I was absolutely right!

During last month (November), the Ministry of Tourism, Industry & Commerce organised several activities for tourism awareness and one of the activities was the media familiarisation tour, where they took members of the media to various tourist destinations across Guyana to provide extensive, quality coverage on said destinations. 

Thankfully, Region Nine was included as one of the regions that will be touched for the familiarisation, and I got the opportunity to travel with the contingent! 

When I received the itinerary, the scream I 'screamt', my neighbours were probably prompted to call the police. I saw Rock View Lodge (sadly this was later taken off), Moco Moco Falls, Pakaraima Mountain, Caiman House, Iwokrama Canopy, and other places I wasn't familiar with like Waikin Ranch, Karanambu Lodge , and more. 

This itinerary was so packed, looking at it should have brought on some amount of exhaustion, especially since we were covering all those places in just 3 days, but it didn't. I was pumped and readyyyy! 

But hold up, I was so blinded by the excitement, I completely missed the part that mentioned we were going to be driving through the trail! 

Jahhh, so no plane?????? LOL I was really anticipating the view from above. 

That was the only sad part about the trip haha, the drive was longggggggggg (16 hours we took from GT to the Hotel we were staying at) but we made a stop, to eat, and about two other washroom stops.

When we arrived, I was floating. So much so, I forgot to notify my mother that I was going to be out of town and possibly out of reach for a few days. *hidesface*

I blog like I speak (full of of theatrics), but I'll change course for the sake of making this short and easy to read. 

Here are some highlights (photos included) from the trip. Reasons why and places you can visit whenever in Lethem:

Ps: my photos were taken with a phone, most through the windscreen of a speeding bus, so they are not the best.

• The scenery

Every inch of the Region is a breathtaking scenery. I was sleeping most of the ride through the trail, and when I finally woke up and looked through the window, I was so mad I was asleep. Like this is what I was sleeping through??? I was literally imitating Will when he was driving through Bel Air. Everything was so beautiful!!!

[caption id="attachment_3945" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Somewhere along the road en route to Takutu Hotel[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3944" align="alignnone" width="1600"] The air is different in Region Nine. Pure.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3943" align="alignnone" width="1600"] The red road is major highlight. It adds a rustic but artistic splash to the aesthetic and landscape of the region[/caption]

• The Itaipava Beer

This Brazilian beer was everywhere! Every stop we made, we were offered Itaipava. And I'm not a beer fan, but this has an interesting taste and kick after you've had about three. LOL. This beer had me talkative, laughing, socialising and feeling nice! I think the best part is knowing that you've experienced the taste of Brazilian Beer!

      .               

• Iwokrama River Lodge 

A few minutes over the Kupukari crossing, to your right, is Iwokrama River Lodge and Research Centre. We stopped there for breakfast and everything tasted amazing! Especially the pepperpot. We didn't stay here long but I noticed that there are accomodation for you to stay overnight. The place is extremely clean, has wifi access, phone service, kind staff, and many historical pieces for you to learn about. It's spacious enough to house large groups and facility to play outdoor games, a nice peaceful getaway spot to disconnect from the city and reconnect with nature. 

[caption id="attachment_3952" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Kupukari Crossing[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3951" align="alignnone" width="1600"] The entrance of Iwokrama Lodge[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3955" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Some of the cabins at Iwokrama Lodge[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3954" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] A section of the view from the mess hall[/caption]

• Karanambu Lodge

This was one of the most interesting and informative tour options. Karanambu was actually the home of the late Diane McTurk (the otter lady)I know her from the painting in the zoo, and there is a similar painting on one of the buildings in the compound of the Lodge.

The tour guides here were so hospitable and educated on all the facts about everything that you can find and experience in Karanambu, and as part of the Lodge visit, you get a tour of the Rupununi River which includes bird watching, rowing through the flood forest, spotting caimans, the black caiman in particular, if any surfaces and giant river otters. But one of the most exciting parts in my opinion, is you get a close up view of Guyana's National Flower, the Victoria Regia Lily!

For me, the boats were a tad bit scary, because they are narrow (2 in a seat), and the sides of the boat are practically the same height as the seats, and I can't swim so I had a slight phobia. But the water was calm and the ride was slow, so it was not as terrifying as I thought it would have been.

Free tip: BE SURE TO WEAR SUNSCREEN!

[caption id="attachment_3971" align="aligncenter" width="850"] From my smile you can tell how mesmerised I was[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3965" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] This woman is a boss! We were on the Rupununi River, about to go through the flood forest[/caption] [caption id="attachment_3968" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] Guyana is blessed![/caption] [caption id="attachment_3966" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] A close up of the National Flower[/caption]

• Random shots in the compound of Karanambu Lodge: 

• Yupukari Village | Caiman House 

Yupukari is an indigenous village, home of Macushi and Wapishana Amerindians, we drove through the village and everyone seem to have a simple life, in tuned with nature, wildlife and culture. We stopped at Caiman House (but didn't get to see any Caimans), however there were so many other attractions that I didn't even realise we didn't go to see the Caimans, until after we left. The destination managed by local villagers, houses a library, conservation of wildflowers, aquatic wildlife and many historic elements. There is also a local craft shop in the compound with unique, handmade items made by people in the village.

• Waikin Ranch

I think this was my favourite stop! When we arrived here, the first thing I said was. "I'd live here!" Though it's a livestock ranch and farm of various crops and fishing ponds, the facility still has a modern touch which gives a perfect balance of rural and urban life. With your stay at the Ranch, you can enjoy horseback riding, birdwatching, fishing, trail walking and so much more!

[caption id="attachment_3995" align="alignnone" width="2560"] This photo was taken off their website.[/caption]

Next week I'll share part two, with more exciting places we visited!

Thank you for reading. Let me know in the comments which of these you'd love to visit!

If you need additional information on any of these places, all of them are online. Most of them have their own website and social media pages that you can see and ask more.