So you have decided to make those dreams come true and plan a trip to Karanambu Lodge. The first thing to remember is that though there are ways to cut costs, things in the Rupununi are not cheap. The remoteness of this part of Guyana’s hinterland, the bad infrastructure, the inherent difficulty sourcing even basic vehicle parts and the reliance on commodities such as fuel which must be brought from the Coast means that transport costs across the region are high and there is little that can be done at the local level to mitigate these costs, so make sure that you are prepared.
Your Options
Flying to Lethem: 5 – 6 Hours
Air Service Ltd. Aircraft
By far the fastest way to get to Karanambu Lodge is by travelling in the combination of small aircraft and off-road 4×4. This is the priciest option and can run you as much as GY$200,000 if you are a single traveller, the cost can be cheaper per person if you are travelling in large groups. The total travel time can be completed in about 5hrs tops.
Both Air Services Limited (ASL) and Trans Guyana Airlines (TGA) offer daily flights to Lethem. ASL flights are slightly cheaper and will tend to sell out first, while TGA offers a larger more comfortable plane and the flexibility of multiple flights throughout the day.
Variation 1 –If you like things easy and predictable then at no extra cost you can ask Karanambu Lodge to help you book the flight as well as the overland transfer and a 4×4 vehicle will meet you at the airport and take you directly to Karanmabu Lodge. To help reduce individual costs, plan to travel with a group, overland costs are by vehicle and not by person and vehicles usually cater for up to 4 individuals.
Variation 2 – If you’re a good negotiator or planning to spend some time in Lethem then after arriving by plane you can arranging overland transport in Lethem: The Lethem hotels can usually help you find a 4×4 willing to make the journey to Karanambu and there are various Taxi’s around town who may also be willing to try it by car in the dry season. Just make sure that before you set out you message the Lodge so they know when to expect you.
Variation 3– If you are really up for an adventure then you can really cut costs by hoping on one of the village buses for as low as GY$3000. These often congregate in the vicinity of D&D Hardware obliquely opposite the Army base in Lethem and often travel back to communities around 2pm daily. The schedule is not fixed so its all up to luck and skill. Having arrived in the village you will however still need to find further transport to get you to Karanambu, it can be around GY$20,000 if your hiring a vehicle from Yupukari or Massara and less for a motorcycle. But remember you have to plan and budget to get in as well as out of Karanambu so consider carefully.
MINI-BUS (Overland) from Georgetown: 12 – 15 Hours
Buses Crossing @ Kurupukari
A number of mini-bus services offer daily travel to the Rupununi for as low as GY$22,000 round trip. The journey starts off from Georgetown at about 5pm and arrives in the Rupununi around 8-10am the following day. The buses travel directly into Lethem or can drop you off at the nearby village of Massara for the same price. There are a number of security checks and periodic breaks on route so make sure that you travel with valid ID and a bit of money for snacks and drinks for the trip.
If you are going to do a drop off at Massara make sure to ask the agent if the bus can take you into the village when you book your seat, not every bus driver will do it and you don’t want to be walking the 1 ½ miles into the village with heavy bags. Also remind the bus driver when they are loading your bags that you are dropping off as it will determine where on the bus your bags are packed.
Once you have arrived in Massara village ask at the shop for the Toshao. He can help you arrange a bus or a motorcycle to take you to Karanambu. It is also a good time to make a call to the Lodge to let them know that you have made it this far and when they can expect you to arrive. With this option you can also ask Karanambu Lodge to help you book both your mini-bus as well as Massara transport in advance.
Personal Vehicle Overland from Georgetown: 12 – ? Hours
Off-Road Capable 4×4
If you have the time for the journey and truly want to experience the beauty of the Rupununi then over-land in a private vehicle is the most rewarding and adventurous way to get to Karanambu Lodge. Estimate that it will take you 12 to 15 hrs in one go. You can also choose to break the journey with stops on route. Locations like Iwokrama River Lodge, Canopy Walkway, Surama Eco Lodge and Rock View Lodge are all on route as are a number of smaller village hostels like the Kanuku Mountain Inn (about an hour outside of Annai). When ever possible try to pre-book, though most places will accommodate walk-in travellers, it’s still a risk at peak times like Easter or other long weekends.
A Bus or 4×4 Charters: 12 – ? Hours
You can charter a vehicle and driver – either 4×4 vehicle or even a whole bus. Costs will depend on the size of the party, type of vehicle and number of stops on route etc. Especially for large families or groups this can be a great way to control costs and have things a little bit more personalised and comfortable. For a bus charter the same companies that offer seats can provide you with a quote on same, and most local tour operators or Karanmabu Lodge itself can usually provide you with a list of names for persons offering 4×4 charters. Make sure when you are negotiating and before agreeing to costs to explain where and when you want to stop.
Rent a 4×4: 12 – ? Hours
For ultimate flexibility you cannot beat self-driving. Even if it does require a bit more planning it is well worth the extra effort. You will need a vehicle with 4×4 capacity and we highly recommend good company and a sense of humour. Check the rental services in Georgetown, or for a more international brand, Eurocar now has an office in Georgetown care of Wilderness Explorers.
Before you leave the city there are a few things that you need to make sure you have:
- Make sure that you have basic supplies; a tool kit, some extra fuel, a med kit, good torch, water and a few snacks for the long drive.
- Before you leave Georgetown make sure to buy your pass for the crossing at Kurupukari – it’s about $7000 for a 4×4. You must get it in Georgetown because they do not sell it at the crossing. There is a branch on Sheriff Street above Survival Supermarket that open daily.
- Make sure that you have all your vehicle documents and valid ID for all the persons travelling with you; there are check points at Mabura and Iwokrama that you will need to present them at. (If you are travelling with the family pet make sure to walk with the vaccination card or you could encounter problems or have the animals taken from you.)
- Have some money put aside for tolls: the Wismar bridge at Linden is about $200 and Mabura also has a toll of $1000. Linden town sometimes also has a toll of up to $3000.
- A GPS can take a lot of the stress out of travel especially as most main routes are now marked including those to Karanmabu.
58 Mile – Linden – Lethem Trail
Between Linden and Kurupukari plan to stop at Mabura – for police check in and at 58 Miles for a fuel top up and (clean) washroom break. Peter and Ruth at 58 Miles do have the best food on the trail.
Once you cross Kurupukari, you’re into the Iwokrama forest and there are 2 check police points – one as you enter and the other as you exit the reserve. It takes about 3 hrs to cross the Iwokrama reserve and another 1hrs driving into Annai. The Annai sub-district has grown considerably in recent years and from Wowetta to Aranaputa you can find a variety of cafeterias and shops as well as a number of vulcanising services and fuel stations. It makes Annai an ideal spot to take a break refresh and check your vehicle.
From Annai to Karanambu: about 2-3 hours
Here are your route options:
The Massara Short Cut– when its dry one of the shortest routes into Karanmabu. The new road into the village is well marked and will appear on the left side of the road about 1 ½ hrs outside of Annai. As you approach the village the trail veers off to the right effectively going around the village. The trail from Massara to Karanmabu takes about 30 minutes and passes through Binuni River and the village of Kwaimatta.
The trail across the savannah: If Binuni is high or you’re a little nervous about leaving the main road so soon, then you can take the trail across the savannah. Staying on the main road at about 5 minutes past Point Ranch over the Binuni River, opposite the mountain foot this trail veers off the main road on the left across the savannah and is marked by a break in the fence. During the dry season, it will take about an hour from the main road to Karanambu Lodge.
If you have decided that you are visiting Karanambu after travelling direct to Lethem then plan for the journey to take you 2-4 hrs depending on the season and the condition of the trail.
Nappi Flats: If it is high dry season then the trail across the Nappi Flats is the best and fastest route. Nappi Flats is found on the right side of the road as you travel from Lethem and is conveniently marked as opposite the turn off for Waikin Ranch on the main road. In the area, there are a number of trails but they all lead to the same point eventually so pick one you like and drive. Take your time crossing any creeks and a word to the wise avoid bridges if the creek bed is passable. Rupununi rule: call Karanambu Lodge to let them know you have left Lethem so they know when to expect you and when to send help in case of a breakdown. This route is flat and unpopulated emerging at the crossing with the Hunt Oil road heading into Quatatta Village and through Yupukari Village. Its recommended to speak to people along the trail in Yupukari to get more specific directions between Yupukari and Karanmabu as there are slight variations based on the time of year.
Hunt Oil Road: If the various options of the Flats makes you nervous then stay on the main road until you come to a large turn off a short ways after the entrance to Santa Fe Farms opposite the fence. This is affectionately know as the Hunt Oil Road and is the one route guaranteed to be dry year round. The road is long with no diversions so you can be confident that you are on the correct path until you get to the single turn off to your left leading into Quatatta Village and on to Yupukari and Karanambu Lodge.
The trip to Karanambu is sure to be the adventure of a lifetime and the rewards at the end of it are worth the effort. Karanmabu has for 100 years and is still considered today to be the showcase of the Rupununi with unparalleled hospitality and nature experiences. It is a place that is truly blessed and worth protecting and experiencing.
Resources:
- Eurocar: https://www.europcar.com/location/guyana
- The Best Stop on the linden-Lethem Trail: https://www.thingsguyana.com/the-best-stop-on-the-linden-lethem-trail/
- 10 Top Reasons Why You Need To Visit Karanambu Lodge: https://www.thingsguyana.com/10-top-reasons-why-you-need-to-visit-karanambu-lodge/
