Hidden gem of the Essequibo

TIMES INT'L

The Essequibo River is the largest river in Guyana, and the largest river between the Orinoco and Amazon. Rising in the Acarai Mountains near the Brazil-Guyana border, the Essequibo flows to the north for 1,014 kilometres (630 mi) through forest and savanna into the Atlantic Ocean. With a total drainage basin of 69,300 sq.km (26,757sq.mi) with average discharge of 74,303 cu ft/s (2,104 m3/s).
The river runs through the Guianan moist forests ecoregion. There are many rapids and waterfalls (e. g., Kaieteur Falls on the Potaro River) along the route of the Essequibo, and its 20-kilometre (12 mi) wide estuary is dotted with numerous small islands. It enters the Atlantic 21 kilometres (13 mi) from Georgetown, the capital city of Guyana. The river features Murrays Fall, Pot Falls, and Kumaka Falls.
Its many tributaries include the Rupununi, Potaro, Mazaruni, Siparuni, Kiyuwini, Konawaruk and Cuyuni rivers. For over 30 kilometres (19 mi) from its mouth, the river’s channel is divided by the large flat and fertile islands of Leguan, about 28 square kilometres (11 sq mi), Wakenaam, about 44 square kilometres (17 sq mi), and Hogg Island, about 60 square kilometres (23 sq mi). Fort Island is off the eastern side of Hogg Island. Fort Island was the seat of government of the country during the Dutch colonial era.
Now that we have some facts on the mighty Essequibo let us tell you about one of its many wonders. Not everyone is aware but there is a small beach that is only visible for a few hours of the day and those who are aware of this beach would use the time that it is visible to have picnics or tourist excursions. Photographer Deopaul Somwaru was fortunate to encounter this beach, that many have no idea of, and took some photos to share.

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