Holidays to Guyana

When to go

It is worth mentioning that the climate of Guyana changes several times a year, so deciding on the right time to go should be based mainly on wildlife-watching preferences. The dry seasons are considered prime wildlife viewing times.

The best times for viewing wildlife in Guyana are therefore from September to November and February to April. These are the months with less rain when the animals are more active and weather conditions are more conducive to spending the day in the open.

We would recommend a visit to Guyana from late August to September or February to March, just after the end of the rainy seasons. You will find a lush, green landscape, the Kaieteur Falls will be full of water, and rainfall not too high.

Must see and do

Kaieteur Falls – The World’s Largest Single-Drop Waterfall

One cannot afford to miss visiting Kaieteur Falls because where else could one see a river fall 741 feet into a deep canyon? The Falls are also home to the Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, Golden Frog and four species of swifts which roost behind the waterfall.

Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve – A Biodiversity Hotspot

Take time exploring the Iwokrama Rain Forest reserve, which boasts an incredible number of different species cohabitating in such a small area. This biodiverse richness is attributed to the high levels of rainfall received annually, which foster the growth of diverse plants that in turn attract various animals to make the Rain Forest their home.

Rupununi Savannah – A Wildlife Paradise

Rupununi savannahs offer open grassy plains scattered with trees, providing perfect cover from which to observe large scrubland species, such as Giant Anteaters or Capybaras.

Kanuku Mountains Wilderness Area – A Pristine Wilderness Exploration Site

For those looking for more adventure, the Kanuku Mountains wilderness region provides an opportunity to trek through dense forests still untouched by human activity. You will find hidden flora and fauna along the way as well as an opportunity to see some rare wild creatures that are generally never within an approachable distance! Here there is also a chance to see the Harpy Eagle and Goliath bird-eating spider.

Birds of the Guiana Shield

The Guiana Shield is an area covering 270 million hectares within Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Venezuela, parts of Colombia and northern Brazil. It is one of only four remaining pristine rainforests to be found in the world.

Being part of the Guiana Shield explains why Guyana has more than 800 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Look deep into the forest and discover toucans, parrots, and the dazzling Guianan Cock-of-the-rock with its bright plumage. Looking up at the treetops you are likely to see Harpy Eagles – the largest and most powerful of eagles and known as the flying wolf and a rainforest sentinel.

The Best Birdwatching Spots

The Iwokrama Forest is known to be among the best places for birdwatching due to its size and diversity. This rainforest reserve covers almost one million acres and sits within the Guiana Shield.

Within its thickets hide amazing and unusual creatures such as the Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, different types of macaws and even Harpy Eagles – which thrive in these parts. 

Kaieteur National Park also offers excellent sighting opportunities for ornithologists visiting Guyana; being adjacent to Kaieteur Falls (one of the highest waterfalls on earth). The falls themselves attract numerous bird species such as Orange-breasted Falcons, as the surrounding areas serve as breeding grounds as well as providing year round shelter. Additionally, thanks to the region’s peculiarly humid climate, enthusiasts may have the unique chance of seeing the endemic Golden Frog.

White-chinned Swifts can often be uniquely observed here, darting through spray columns created by the cascading waters.

If you require more variety in terms of environment, while still enjoying fantastic avifauna, then consider visiting the Rupununi Savannahs instead, where the contrast between habitats is much more marked compared to the parts of Guyana frequented by birdwatchers. This area offers both grasslands and wetlands, thus attracting many bird species, including Jabiru Storks, Red Siskins, and various ibises.

Patches of small woodlands are scattered over these plains, known as gallery forests. These act like oasis providing additional birding opportunities for viewing species at different points in their life cycles. Visitors can explore on foot or take boat rides since much of the land here is submerged during the rainy season. Approaching by water makes it possible for people to reach remote corners of the habitat where some of the most elusive birds can be found.