The Dadanawa Ranch – One Of The Oldest, Largest And Most Isolated Ranches In The World

Are you thinking about escaping to a faraway village or even more interesting, a faraway ranch? Well, think no further, the Dadanawa Ranch is said to be one of the oldest, largest and most isolated ranch in the world. Extending over 1750 square miles of natural savanna in the South Rupununi, the ranch is lush and unspoilt. It is also a unique place for involvement and insight of a working ranch. It serves as a great base for wildlife spotting such as jaguars and giant anteaters. As you continue to read, you will find out some interesting facts about the Dadanawa Ranch that would make your visit worthwhile but first examine its origin.

Origin Of Dadanawa

Ranch Building – Picture of Dadanawa Ranch, Rupununi – TripAdvisor

About 1865, Dadanawa started out as a trading post by a man of the name DeRooie and was sold with 300 head of cattle in the late 1880s to H.P.C. Melville, a gold prospector from Barbados who found himself lost and near-dead of malaria in the area several years before. The ranch was sold to investors and was established as the Rupununi Development Company in 1919. English ex-cavalry Harry E Turner was the manager of Dadanawa up to 1965, and retired to England that year. It was also at one time managed by Stan Brock who was one of the host of the wildlife show, ‘Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom.’

Did You Know? Dadanawa Ranch is one of the most remote ranches in the world containing about 5,000 to 6000 head of cattle.

Five Interesting Facts About Dadanawa

1. Cowboys: Ranch cowboys are called “vaqueros”, most of whom are Wapishana Amerindians. The ranch supports over 40 people in the main compound including the direct and extended families of the manager and staff, some of which extend for 3 generations.
2. Working Ranch: The cattle are wild and the vaqueros are barefooted as they head out on cattle drives to round up steers and wild horses, using the same techniques they used a hundred years ago. The ranch buildings are comprised of a small group of stilted wooden houses typical of the region, deep in the savannah with views of the beautiful Kanuku Mountain range.
3. Entrepreneurs: The ranch is now run by Duane de Freitas, his wife Sandie and son Justin along with his Irish partner, Erin Earl. They run an Ecotourism business from the ranch and visitors from all over the world come to birdwatch or go on river trips in the savannahs and Amazon rainforest.
4. Eco-tourism: Duane and Justin have set up the Rupununi Conservation Society to protect the highly endangered siskins and other bird and river turtle species. The people at Dadanawa are ethical, responsible and aim for sustainable eco-tourism. All livestock is free range and the ranch’s electricity is powered by solar panels. On day trips and expeditions they aim to have minimal impact on the environment, using ancient techniques to track or hunt for food, and leaving nothing behind but footprints.
5. Wildlife and Exploration: You can enjoy birdwatching, caiman spotting, canoeing, fishing, hiking, seeing petroglyphs, and visiting Amerindian communities. You will also find harpy eagles, jaguars, giant anteaters, anacondas and the red siskin finch.

Tip: The name “Dadanawa” is a distortion of the local Wapishana Amerindian name of Dadinauwau, or “macaw spirit creek hill”.

How To Arrive At Dadanawa

Visitors can take scheduled flights to Lethem on the Brazilian border and utilize pre-arranged ground transport to the Ranch. The preferred means of travel to Dadanawa is by jeep. It takes about 3.5 hours to drive from Lethem to Dadanawa in the dry season, and as much as 3 days in the wet season. Tourists often stay at Dadanawa and use the ranch as a base for further journeys throughout the South Rupununi.

Dadanawa’s Environment

DADANAWA RANCH – Prices & Reviews (Guyana/Rupununi) – TripAdvisor

You can use Dadanawa as a base to launch on a River Adventure down the Rupununi River, passing through Sand Creek Village (Suburun Tao) which sits between two rivers and close to the mighty Kanukus. Going further south from Dadanawa Ranch, there are villages such as Rupunau that is set in a hilly, quartz area, also set against the backdrop of the blue Kanuku and to the east of the village there are outcrops of black crop set strikingly against the blue sky.

Things To Try At The Ranch:

• Damooriid (pepperpot) – Local dish made from fresh cassava water and fish, but can be served with other meats and cassava bread.
• Parikari (Cassava Beer) – Delicious, strained thin, sweet and strong, the local beverages in south Rupununi have no competition in Guyana.
• Farine: Local staple food made with cassava.
• Tasso: Dried, salted meat – often fried or roasted on open fire – a traditional cowboy food.
• Passock: Influenced from Brazil, pounded tasso, mixed with farine.
• Boily: A recipe with fresh beef, seasoning and water, slow cooked to perfect deliciousness.
• Local Fruits: There are various local fruits found in Rupununi that are simply delicious.

Dadanawa Ranch In Guyana

At the ranch, they have beds for up to 15 people but have in the past accommodated more with the use of hammocks. Mosquito nets are provided. As you stay, you can travel with cowboys over the Savannahs looking for cattle on the open plains and seek wildlife between the Kaiambe trees. You can take part in the action of bringing the cattle into the corral, parting the herds and watching the cowboys compete with each other in a mini rodeo, showcasing their skills and bravery. Feel free to take a peaceful, scenic canoe ride or relax in the creeks and rivers around the ranch. This ranch that has been about for years is indeed a beautiful place for you to take both literal and mental pictures – pictures that will stay with you for a long time.

Article References:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dadanawa_Ranch
• https://www.bradtguides.com/destinations/central-south-america/guyana/dadanwa-ranch.html
• https://rupununi.org/tourism/lodges/dadanawa/
• https://www.dagron-tours.com/hotels/dadanawa-ranch.htm
• http://www.visitrupununi.com/news/the-unexplored-south-rupununi/