By Rupa Seenaraine
As Guyana emerges as a leading eco-tourism destination in the Region, there are a few hidden treasures — from pristine waterfalls to majestic wildlife in the interior regions — which have captivated the eyes of many.
Just beyond the Pomeroon River at Akawini Creek in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) lies Adel’s Rainforest Resort, promising an unforgettable experience to tourists and the local community.
During a recent media tour, some of the wonders which could be experienced were revealed, from swimming in refreshing creeks to bird watching in the early afternoon hours. If you’re lucky, majestic scarlet ibises can be spotted at the mouth of the Essequibo River where the milky brown waters meet the blue Atlantic Ocean.
Resort owner Zena Stoll said her family has owned the land on which it is situated for over a century. The resort is named after her grandmother, and the original property was solely farmland which had remained dormant for some 45 years until she took up the mantle of revamping it as a destination to be explored.
This decision was taken primarily owing to the decline in eco-tourism some years ago. As such, Stoll explained that she returned from Barbados and developed the property into a prime eco-tourism site that could accommodate visitors.
Despite many challenges at first, the resort has been successful in providing all services to those who visit and can accommodate up to 20 persons in a comfortable atmosphere. Breakfast, lunch, and supper are provided along with any other services which visitors may request.
“There was a time when you heard that Adel’s was going down and it bothered me terribly. It was either to sell which I couldn’t answer to my family and superiors. After 145 years, how could I take it out of the family? Hence, I’m here. Quite honestly from March to now, I couldn’t do it without the help I’ve gotten,” she reflected.
Opening up about this hidden treasure, Stoll said all you need is a “cup of tea” on a bench outside to enjoy the tranquillity and peace. Rare sightings can be had, including those of baboons and parrots. The wildlife is most prevalent when the trees are laden with succulent fruits.
“My meet-greet is that you will be greeted with a glass of coconut water…In the evening at 06:30h, you just come out here with a cup of tea and the parrots are coming. They’re so gorgeous. Last week, we had a lot of baboons. I think it depends on what trees are producing. If you go to the mouth of the river in the afternoon, the trees are littered with scarlet ibis and the white egrets,” she explained.
While some may opt for this picturesque scenery, other thrilling options are available, including fishing or swimming. But Stoll has cautioned that caimans have been spotted in the water – a natural occurrence which should not be disturbed.
“We do fishing and night-spotting…. The water is black and, of course, the black water is from the tannin of the leaves. I’m asked ‘Are there caimans?’ Of course, these things got to live, because we are in their territory. But we do have people who swim and I make someone sit out here to see if anybody is in difficulty,” the resort owner highlighted.
“We do have solar systems which give us ample lighting. I think security-wise, we are protected. Our dogs are our protection. When we hear them bark, it doesn’t mean it is human. We get agoutis walking on the dam, the labba. A couple of weeks ago, they caught the anteater.”
She also spoke the affordability of spending some time at the eco-tourism destination. The farmlands surrounding the resort is managed without pesticides, everything is organic. However, what complements the attractions most is the staff, who are always willing to assist and ensure that hospitality is up to par.
“My staff are the best. They work endlessly for me, because they too like the idea of tourism. I look forward to having them as partners and not workers.”
To visit the resort, the journey starts with a boat ride from Parika in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) to Supenaam. Thereafter is a drive from the Ferry Stelling to Charity where another boat will conclude the trip up the Pomeroon River. For the boat rides, most persons choose a slower boat, so they can take pictures and enjoy the view.
In March 2019, Guyana was named the “Best of Ecotourism” destination in the world. The award was presented to Guyana at the ITB global travel trade fair in Berlin, Germany.
