Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region 9) – The Largest Region Of Guyana!

Region Nine is the largest region of Guyana and possesses some of the most stunning places to explore. Visiting this region will be one of the best decisions to make; it will leave you feeling satisfied with no regrets. From the beauty of the Rupununi savannahs to the serenity and excitement of the Lodges and Ranches, Region Nine is a sight to behold. This article will also reveal the lifestyle of the people residing in this region along with the population and communities.

About Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region 9)

Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo is a region in the county of Essequibo bordering the region of Potaro-Siparuni (Region 8) to the north, the region of East Berbice-Corentyne (Region 6) to the east and Brazil to the south and west. It contains the town of Lethem, and the villages of Aishalton, Nappi and Surama. Sir John Noe was an English missionary there. The Kanuku and Kamoa highlands and the vast Rupununi savannahs make up the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo region. The forested Kanuku Mountains divide this Region in two. The north savannahs are about 2,000 square miles in area, and the south savannahs are 2,500 square miles.

Tip: The Rupununi savannah is located between the Rupununi River and the Brazilian border.

Dadanawa Ranch

Communities In Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region 9)

There are a number of communities in Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo; they are:

• Achiwib (Achiwuib Village)
• Adelair
• Aishalton (Aishalton Village)
• Ishalton
• Altora Village
• Ambrose Village
• Annai (Anwai)
• Apoteri
• Arakwai Outstation
• Atamadpau
• Awariwaunau (Awaruwaunawa)
• Basha Village
• Biloku
• Bon Success (Bom Sucesso)
• Burisanawa Village (Village Burisanawa)
• Cajueiro
• Dadanawa
• Good Hope
• Hart
• Hawkins Mission
• Hiawa
• Illimir Village
• Imprenza
• Isherton
• Jacaretinga (Jakaretinga)
• Johi (Johi Village)
• Kaibarupai Village
• Karanambo
• Karasabai (Karasabai Village)
• Kataliriwau Outstation
• Konashen
• Kotoewau
• Kumu Village
• Kurukuru-Baibari
• Kwaimatta (Kwaimatta Village, Kwaiwatta Village, Kwamatta)
• Kwatata (Quatata)
• Lethem (Lethen)
• Lumidpau
• MacDonald
• Macusi Village
• Mamir Pawa
• Manari
• Marakanata
• Mariwa Village
• Maruranau (Maruranawa, Marurawaunawa, Marurawaunawa Village)
• Massara (Massara Village)
• McTurk
• Melvilles Ranch
• Meritizero
• Moco-Moco (Moco-Moco Village)
• Moreiro (Moreiru)
• Mountain Point
• Mountain View
• Muriwa Village
• Nappi Village (Village Nappita)
• Parabara
• Paricaranal (Parikaranal)
• Parishara (Parishara Village)
• Patarinau
• Peropo
• Pilanawa (Pilinawa)
• Pirara
• Powisanau Village
• Pukasanta Village
• Sabernawau Village
• Saint Ignatius (Saint Ignatius Mission)
• Sand Creek Village
• Santa Fe (Santa Fe Ranch, Santa Fé Ranch)
• Sawariwau (Sawariwaunawa)
• Shea (Shea Village, Shoa)
• Shulinab (Shulinab Village, Village Shulinab)
• Sunnyside
• Surama (Surama Village, Surumatra)
• Tamtom (Tamton)
• Taruma (Taruma Village)
• Tiger Pond Village
• Tipuru (Tipuru Village)
• Toka (Toka Village,Tuka)
• Wai-Wai
• Waiwoi Village
• Wakadanawa
• Wakakulud (Wakakulud Village)
• Warimure
• Wariwau (Wariwiau Village)
• Waruma (Waruma Outstation)
• Wichabai
• Woweta (Woweta Village)
• Yakarinta
• Yepi Village (Yepu Village)
• Yupukari (Eupukari, Yupukarri)

Population In Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region 9)

The population lives in scattered Amerindian villages and land settlement schemes. The Government of Guyana has administered four official censuses since the 1980 administrative reforms, in 1980, 1991, 2002 and 2012. Official census records for the population of the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo region are as follows:

• Year 2012: 24,212
• Year 2002: 19,387
• Year 1991: 15,058
• Year 1980: 12,873

A Shop in Karadaranau Village

Lifestyle Of Persons Residing In Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region 9)

Because of the grassy savannahs, the Rupununi is considered to be a ‘cattle country’. Most of the cattle are farmed to produce beef, and a few are kept for milk. There are large ranches at Aishalton, Annai, Dadanawa and Karanambo. Much of the beef produced here is sold in neighbouring Brazil, because transportation to the other regions of Guyana, especially Region Four, is very expensive. (See Also: “Cattle Industry” https://www.thingsguyana.com/how-the-cattle-industry-has-a-major-impact-on-guyanese/)The people of this region also mine semiprecious stones among the foothills of the Kamoa Mountains and among the Marundi Mountains. A wide variety of craft is produced in many of the seventeen Amerindian villages, and sold mainly to Brazil.

Did You Know? In Region Nine, you can see the Giant River Otter, the Arapaima (the largest freshwater fish in the world) and the Black Caiman.

Places To Visit In Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region 9)

• Lethem – This is the main airstrip and the administrative centre for the region. Lethem is also a border town between Brazil and Guyana. (See Also: https://www.thingsguyana.com/top-10-reasons-why-you-should-visit-lethem-for-your-next-vacation/)
• Dadanawa Ranch – The Dadanawa Ranch is one of the most remote ranches in the world containing about 5,000 to 6000 head of cattle. (See Also: https://www.thingsguyana.com/the-dadanawa-ranch-one-of-the-oldest-largest-and-most-isolated-ranches-in-the-world/)
• The Kanuku And Kamoa Mountain Ranges – The Kanuku Mountains has been described as a group of mountains in Guyana. The name means ‘forest’ in the Wapishana language which refers to the rich diversity of wildlife found there. The Kamoa Mountains are another spectacular sight to see. (See Also: https://www.thingsguyana.com/the-awe-inspiring-kanuku-mountain-range-video/)
• Aishalton – Aishalton is an Amerindian village that is situated in the Rupununi savannah of southern Guyana, in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region of the country. It is the administrative centre for the southern sub-district of Region 9. (See Also: https://www.thingsguyana.com/aishalton-the-mysterious-petroglyphs/)
• Rock View Lodge – Precisely, the Rock View Lodge is nestled between the two Amerindian villages Annai and Rupertee. (See Also: https://www.thingsguyana.com/here-is-why-the-rock-view-lodge-is-the-perfect-vacation-spot-in-guyana/)
• Rewa Lodge – Rewa lodge is an enterprise which provides their people with employment opportunities while adding value to the incredible resource known to be the forest’s biodiversity. (See Also: (https://www.thingsguyana.com/rewa-lodge-simply-beautiful-most-pristine-eco-system-on-earth/)
• Karanambu Lodge – Karanambu is a 117-square mile former cattle ranch in the North Rupununi, a region of southwestern Guyana known for its expansive wetlands and savannah, as well as its biological and cultural diversity. (See Also: https://www.thingsguyana.com/10-top-reasons-why-you-need-to-visit-karanambu-lodge/)
• Caiman House – Here you can learn about Caimans. Visitors have many opportunities to observe – or become involved with – the projects at the Caiman House. (See Also: https://www.thingsguyana.com/caiman-house-the-best-place-in-the-world-to-learn-about-caimans/)
• Maipaima Lodge (Nappi) – The Lodge was established on the 23rd February 2006. It was a tourism project identified by the Nappi community which was enacted through the village council with funding and support provided by Foster Parrots Foundation. (See Also: https://www.thingsguyana.com/maipaima-eco-lodge-one-of-guyanas-most-remote-lodges/)
• Karasabai – Karasabai is a Makushi village located in the South Pakaraimas district of Guyana and it is one of the largest communities in the area. (See Also: https://www.thingsguyana.com/discover-karasabai-things-you-need-to-know/)
• Takatu Bridge – The Takatu Bridge (Portuguese: Ponte do Rio Tacutu) is a relatively small bridge between the sprawling giant, Brazil, and its neighbour on the Atlantic Coast, Guyana. (See Also: https://www.thingsguyana.com/takatu-bridge-the-link-between-guyana-brazil/)
• The Savannahs Themselves – Rolling plains, interspersed by shrubs are a special natural attraction. Sunsets in the Savannahs is another eye-catching sight.

Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo (Region 9) Guyana

This is the largest of the ten (10) administrative regions in Guyana. The lifestyle of the people varies from cattle ranching to craft making. The places to visit in this region are astonishing. Another fascinating thing about this region is the Rupununi Rodeo that is kept every year. (See: https://www.thingsguyana.com/top-5-tips-for-enjoying-the-rupununi-rodeo/) Plan a trip with your family to visit this vast region and explore these breathtaking places for yourself.

Article References:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upper_Takutu-Upper_Essequibo
• https://moc.gov.gy/category/region-9/
• Main Image: Cowboy In Region Nine | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)