Outback Guyana – Exploring the Maparri wilderness

A paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and the eco- tourist alike, the Maparri wilderness of Rupununi boasts an irresistible combination of fascinating and breathtaking natural beauty, pristine Amazonian rainforests, and a kaleidoscope of plant life and fauna.

The Maparri River, also referred to as the Maparri Creek, is a tributary of the Rupununi River, and its source is high in the East Kanuku Mountains. These mountains have been recognised by Conservation International as being one of the few remaining pristine Amazonian areas.

The Maparri River leads to the Maparri Wilderness Camp, which is set on the banks of the river looking straight onto a set of breathtaking waterfalls. The area is rich in bird life, and the river water is crystal clear. Early risers will have the opportunity of searching for rarely seen tayra, an omnivorous animal from the weasel family, or even a black jaguar.

A morning’s excursion up the Maparri River may reveal river otters and other fauna, as adventure lovers wind their way through its narrow passage of clear water before arriving at the Maparri Wilderness Camp.

The camp faces one of the many waterfalls on the river.

At the Maparri Wilderness Camp, a morning’s walk in the rainforest includes observing birds such as macaws, parrots and toucans, and the rarely seen cock-of-the-rock. Maparri Camp sits on top of a high midstream sandy island.

Just upstream of the camp is a four- hundred-foot-long rock filled gorge topped by a waterfall.

At the campsite island, the river splits into two streams and flows over a sandy bottom with only occasional streamside ledges thereafter. Although shallow, the pools among the rocks in front of the camp are excellent for swimming and bathing.

This untouched piece of wilderness can only be reached by a combination of air, jeep and boat, and is rich with plants and animals; with easy sightings of macaws, herons, toucans, kingfisher birds and maybe a Harpy eagle.

Simple but nutritious meals are prepared by the camp cook over an open fire, and are supplemented by fish caught in the river.

An exciting trek along the river bank reveals waterfall after waterfall in which you can enjoy a natural Jacuzzi or, in the smaller falls, swim the white water. Strenuous trekking up mountain slopes is rewarded by the knowledge that this is unexplored terrain and you may be the first to traverse the area.

Spotlight trips at night along the river bank or by boat uncover black caimans and electric eels, or mammals coming to drink at the water’s edge.

Exploring the Maparri wilderness will forever leave an imprint on the minds of its explorers, as they traverse the trails and indulge in the beauty and serenity of the pristine locale. (Photos by Matt Hallett, Rupununi Learners Inc, Yupukari Village)