The Pakaraima Mountain Safari Club, in collaboration with Rainforest Tours, the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and Sonic Hunters Motorcycle Club, on Friday launched its safari expedition for 2018.
This year, adventure lovers can expect four safaris, commencing with the Moraikobai Safari which runs from February 23-25. This safari is in its second year.
Moraikobai, the only Arawak village in Region Five, is populated by approximately 1000 residents, who are mainly engaged in logging activities. Toshao Colin Adrian
GTA Director (ag) Carla Chandra (2nd from right) along with Coordinator from the Pakaraima Mountain Safari Club, Frank Singh, among other officials at the launching on Friday
describes this village as ‘a slice of paradise.’ “I would term Moraikobai a home away from home. We are (a) very quiet, peaceful people, and somebody has something to offer to you. The hospitality, I can say, is very nice,” Adrian has said.
Moraikobai’s very special delicacy is the tocuma worm.
There are plans to construct an ecotourism lodge which would introduce community-based tourism in the village.
Visitors from the safari can expect marvellous sightseeing, with possibilities of seeing the Giant Anteater. There are also exciting activities to be engaged in, like fishing, canoeing, and bird watching while experiencing the lifestyle of the villagers.
During the safari, villagers will demonstrate how cassava bread, pepper-pot and craft items are made.
The Sonic Hunters Motorcycle Club will be part of this expedition, and club President Terrence Lieben encourages persons with bikes to participate in these safaris, which he describes as “adventurous, but treacherous”.
Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) Director (ag) Carla Chandra revealed, “The GTA has been working with Moraikobai since last year. We continue to work with them in developing their skills in hospitality and training their members who will be working on the eco-lodge.”
Coordinator from the Pakaraima Mountain Safari Club, Frank Singh, explained that the purpose of the safaris is for persons who want to have a weekend getaway, or for those who would like to experience the Indigenous heritage. It is an opportunity to learn about the other cultures away from the coastland, he said.
Rainforest Tours’ representative Lisa Smith stated, “An important objective of these safaris is to promote domestic tourism, giving Guyanese the opportunity to experience the culture by the history, understand the heritage, and indulge in unique cuisines offered by the villages visited.”
Persons who wish to participate in these safaris can uplift tickets at the Guyana Tourism Authority. The cost per ticket for those who possess off-road vehicles is $8,000, and this includes a sticker. However, preparations are being made for persons to go via trucks with an all-inclusive food and accommodation package of $60,000. Persons who are joining the trip with their own vehicles are required to take fuel and camping equipment. While there are no limits to vehicles, there is a limit of rooms available at the village. Those who do not acquire a room will be accommodated in hammocks.
The next safari will be the North Pakaraima Safari, from March 25 to April 1, followed by the Bartica and South Rupununi Safari, which are set for later this year.
