For decades waterfalls have created an environment that is both scenic and calming. Waterfalls are so alluring, that people spend a lot of time planning and saving just to visit them. They crave the sound of the roaring water that splashes to the ground repeatedly – there is something about that sound that is very relaxing. They are captivated by the greenery that compliments the rocky, wet background against the bright blue sky. A beautiful waterfall found in Guyana is called the King George VI Falls. This article will give further details about this breathtaking waterfall.
About King George VI Falls
King George VI Falls, also known as Salto Oshi, Oshi Falls, Ushi Falls or Utshi Falls, is located on the Oshi River in western Guyana. This waterfall is rarely visited. Its height has not been reliably determined, but is believed to be between about 500 and 700 feet. Though it is not as tall as it has long been thought to be, it is notable for its combination of height and great volume of water, along with its being a sheer plunge.
The falls were reportedly discovered in 1938 by American entomologist and physician Paul A. Zahl. Height of this waterfall has often been reported to be 1,600 feet, and that figure has been published many times over several decades, but it is greatly exaggerated. The error originated from imprecise measurements of Paul A. Zahl who estimated the height of falls by throwing large rocks and counting seconds until the stones fell down.
How The King George VI Falls Was Found (Paul A. Zahl)
The falls were found by Paul A. Zahl who most likely the first white man to reach this and the nearby Kamarang Falls which have a similar size. Zahl wrote a book “To The Lost World”, describing his adventures in the spectacular highlands of Guyana, Venezuela, and Brazil. Later he became a prominent author, writing many articles to geography magazines and taking great pictures of the natural world.
Zahl made a mistake when estimating the height of the King George VI Falls. He dropped large stones and counted seconds while these stones were falling – and calculated that falls are some 1600 feet (some 490 m) tall. Thus, the falls was listed among the tallest waterfalls of the world and often mentioned in different almanacs and books of records.
What The King George VI Falls Is Like
In May 2014 an expedition reached the falls. It was organized by a team of explorers and companies, including Bosie Vincent, Patrick Greaves and broadcast production company “Electric Sky Productions”, with the participation of Monty Halls and Leo Houlding. The aim of the expedition was to produce a new “Discovery” channel series named “Lost Worlds” depicting some of the least explored areas of the world. Vicinities of the King George VI Falls definitely fell into this category.
Explorer Patrick Greaves writes: “The area was absolutely incredible, truly untouched. However, the falls were far more challenging than we initially predicted. The area around the base simulated conditions close to a hurricane and was truly ferocious and the rock which formed the waterfall was new to even the climbers, like shale rock it was thin and broke away easily. This made climbing extremely dangerous and eventually we abandoned this attempt and instead descended down from the top in order to see what life lived around the cliff.”
“We measured the falls at being 214 meters in height. The initial view of the falls is slightly misleading and almost forms a natural illusion due to the rock contour lines which create an overhanging cliff face. Our estimated were based on rope lengths, calculations by clinometers and the use of an altimeter which was calibrated before use.”
Did You Know? The King George VI Falls are fed by the Kamarang or Oshi River and make for a great excursion to Guyana’s southern lands. The nearest village to these falls is Paruima and you need to obtain information, and permission, from the Office of Indigenous Affairs to visit. Once there, count on a fairly long hike to the falls, but your efforts are rewarded with an up-close experience with one of the country’s tallest waterfalls.
Hike To The King George VI Falls
According to a comment on ‘lonely planet’, you must first arrive at the village Paruima. The commenter stated that the falls was a 5-7 hours walk from the village. It is a very remote location. He stated that the village has its own charm, truly a serene place engulfed by spectacular sights all around it. The people are kind, peaceful, gentle spirits. He went on to say that arriving at the falls was not an easy hike, but the trail itself is not a difficult one for the average backpacker. No words can describe the arrival to the falls (this is how amazing the falls is).
In addition to the falls, next to the village one can enjoy birding, and the famous “Cock of the Rock”, also a short hike to the small but rewarding Otwanda falls and also Konok-Tepui, a small Table Mountain offering amazing panoramic views with a relatively easy hike. In fact, the village is surrounded by table mountains.
Tip: Paruima is a true Amerindian village, not a tourist hotspot/trap. The villagers are kind and inviting, curious and respectful, quiet and peaceful.
King George VI Falls (Paruima Village) In Guyana
Paruima is an Amerindian village, so first one must obtain permission to arrive, not only from the Office of Indigenous Affairs, but also from the village council itself. So, first one must send an email well in advance. Also, write a letter to the office mentioned before and gain permission from all parties. Afterwards, either by direct flight to Paruima, or flight to Kamarang and a boat to Paruima (not a regular thing, so check in advance). Lastly, it’s a custom to bring a symbolic gift to the village, there’s also a symbolic fee for entrance to the village, a small cost of accommodation and meals if you desire. Visit this beautiful village and falls and see it for yourself.
Article References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_George_VI_Falls
- https://www.wondermondo.com/oshi-falls/
- https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forums/americas-south-america/guyana/paruima-village-and-oshi-falls-a-k-a-uchi-falls-or-king-george-vi-falls
- https://www.worldwaterfalldatabase.com/waterfall/Oshi-Salto-40
- https://traveltips.usatoday.com/waterfalls-guyana-106347.html
