Mabaruma is a town of Guyana that is found in Region One – Barima Waini, near to the Aruka River and the Guyana/Venezuela. The name is derived from two of its main rivers in the region, the Barima and Waini rivers. Mabaruma is known for its famous beaches such as Shell Beach, Almond Beach and Foxes Beach. Mabaruma is the capital of Barima Waini region. It has the main airstrip and it is the administrative centre of Region One Guyana.
MV Kimbia – Image Source: https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2010/08/29/benn-denies-food-and-water-shortage-aboard-vessel/
How to Get to Mabaruma
By Boat – the MV Kimbia
Sometimes the journey is as good as the destination. To access Mabaruma, you can go by airplane or on a supply boat, the MV Kimbia. The vessel has been recently recommissioned and traverses the route from Georgetown to Region One-Barima Waini. This journey takes about twenty (20) hours aboard the MV Kimbia and this itself can be an adventure for many. At the time of writing, the cost is only GY$2000 ((USD10) compared to the GY$20,500 (USD100) for one-way plane ticket to Mabaruma. You will find modern amenities onboard this thirty-four years old vessel, including newly installed seating accommodation. If you find yourself getting seasick, make use of MV Kimbia’s updated washroom. Need a refill of water? Water dispensers are there to quench your thirst. And if you can’t sleep, enjoy a movie on flat-screen televisions with other passengers. This ferry leaves the T&HD Goods Wharf at Water Street, Georgetown, passes through the Demerara River, Essequibo River, then into the Atlantic Ocean. The journey also takes you through the Barima River, Waini Point, Mora Passage, and the Aruka River. The last destination is the Kumaka waterfront, where the ferry unloads its goods and passengers.
Transport and Harbour Head Office:
- Address: Water Street, Georgetown, Guyana
- Telephone #: 592-225-9350
By Air
The fastest way to Mabaruma is by air. If long journeys bore you, you have the options of taking a one hour flight from Georgetown straight to Mabaruma airport. Trans Guyana Airways offers daily flights from the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle East Coast Demerara to the Mabaruma airport. Enjoy the view from overhead, pondering on the lush green below, spot the homes of the Mabaruma people and glimpse the famed beaches.
Trans Guyana Airway:
- Address: Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle East Coast Demerara, Guyana
- Telephone #: 592-222-2525 Monday –Friday 8am -4:30pm and Saturdays – 8am-11:30am
- Email: [email protected]
Villagers having a splash at the Hosororo Falls – Image Source: https://www.stabroeknews.com/2013/08/04/sunday/beyond-gt/hosororo/
Visit the Hosororo Falls
The Hosororo Falls is located in a community in the Mabaruma sub-district on the outskirts of Hosororo Hill. The falls provide clean, water for domestic purposes to residents of Mabaruma. On weekends and holidays, the Hosororo Falls transforms into a popular destination, mainly for villagers. However, if you find yourself at the Hosororo Falls, keep an eye out for company. Baboons, swinging on the vines overhead also frequent the Hosororo Falls. As in the past, people and animals would settle near a waterway, this waterfall is no exception. These old world monkeys have always been around and about this waterfall. These baboons are usually heard at sunrise, their howling added to the chirping of the birds.
The newly rebuilt Broomes Guest House – Image Source: http://guyanachronicle.com/2019/06/23/the-working-women-of-mabaruma
Stay at Broomes Guest House
Broomes Guest House is located about fifteen minutes from Mabaruma on Broomes Hill. This is one of the only lodgings for visitors in the area. Monty Broomes, the owner, and his daughter Zeanni Broomes oversee the management of the hotel which has been in the family for generations. The hotel is surrounded by a lush green expanse and gives you a view of the villagers’ homes. The kitchen is open until ten o’clock in the night, so if you need a midnight snack, you know where to find it. If you desire an alcoholic beverage to relax after a long day, the Broomes’ bar is open to serve you.
Monty Broomes Guesthouse and Catering Service
- Address: Broomes Hill, Mabaruma, Region One, Guyana
- Telephone#: 592-777-5118
Try Birdwatching in Mabaruma
There are many bird species in Guyana, some of which can only be found on the Low Coastal Plain. Because of the sturdy mangroves, luscious forests and extending sandy beaches, this area makes the perfects habitat for many birds. This is the reason Barima Waini is a popular destination in Guyana for birdwatchers from all over the world. Flycatchers, ibises, egrets, finches and orioles are native to the Barima Waini region. Walk with a pair of binoculars to Mabaruma and you may be lucky to spy hawks and herons sailing by overhead.
A Finch – Photo by Girendra Persaud
Take a walk on Shell Beach
Before making your way back to the city, make sure you visit Shell Beach in the Barima-Waini Region in the northwest of Guyana. A boat can be hired from the Kamaka dock to transport you here. Shell beach got its name from the shells that form this ninety-mile beach. It is located near Venezuela, along the Atlantic Coast of Guyana. Female Leatherback, Olive Ridley, Hawksbill, and Green turtles make their way to the shores of Shell Beach from March to August to lay their eggs. Anytime during these months are the best time to visit but be careful not to disturb the nesting turtles. Shell Beach is the home of four of the world’s seven marine turtle species. Most of these are endangered species and are under the protection of the Guyana Marine Turtle Conservation Society.
Mabaruma has recently been given the status of a town and residents are working hard to keep the title. This little haven hides many waterfalls and creeks, perfect for an afternoon splash, with family, friends or even by yourself. Sample homemade ice-cream in the neighbouring Kumara and return in time for a delicious dinner at Broomes Hotel. Visit Mabaruma and you will experience all this and more.
Article References:
- https://www.guyanatourism.com/experience-shell-beach-protected-area/
- https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/shell-beach-turtles
- https://dpi.gov.gy/hosororo-falls-being-used-to-improve-mabaruma-water-distribution/
- http://guyanachronicle.com/2016/04/03/a-visit-to-the-hosororo-falls
- http://guyanachronicle.com/2019/06/23/the-working-women-of-mabaruma
- http://guyanachronicle.com/2019/06/23/mv-kimbia-the-journey-from-georgetown-to-region-one
- Main Image: Department of Public Information, Guyana.
