Strong overseas contingent for 13th Pakaraima Mountain Safari

The Tourism Ministry on Wednesday launched the 13th Pakaraima Mountain Safari. The event was launched at the Tourism Ministry’s office by the Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority Indranauth Haralsingh.

This year’s event promises to be “an adventure of a lifetime”. This year’s event will attract participants from Germany, Jamaica, the United States and Suriname. The event aims to promote Guyana’s pristine and wild interior in a 529 mile journey that will also showcase Amerindian villages and waterfalls.

Secretary of the Safari Club, Yonette Sahibdeen said the registration process has begun at Rainforest Tours, located at Avenue of the Republic and Robb Streets, Georgetown. The vehicles will have to adhere to strict recommendations for the safari and will have to be inspected on March 24. The vehicles will only be qualified if they have the necessities for the trip.

The Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority described the trip as a “raw trip”. He said “This would be a test of your off road abilities,” adding that the interior showcases Guyana’s clean and pristine nature. The safari will visit 11 Amerindian settlements and three waterfalls.

This year’s Safari promises to not only pass through Amerindian villages and take pictures, but to also support the villages by buying their produce and building facilities into the areas. Haralsingh stated that participants in this event will receive a special certificate at a special award ceremony after the completion of the safari.

The event is sponsored by Guyoil, Amazon Warrior Energy, Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company, Rainforest tours, MMC and Massy Distribution in collaboration with the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) and the Tourism Ministry. At the event, Haralsingh welcomed Amazon Warrior Energy Drink, a new sponsor that has come on board for the event. GT&T will be outfitting the team, Guyoil will be sponsoring some of the fuel and lubricants, while Amazon Warriors Energy will be providing energy drinks.

Secretary of the Safari Club Yonette Sahibdeen encourages persons to come on board and be a part of the Safari. Sahibdeen said “We have a beautiful country, it’s magical. We can’t see pictures, we have to be there.”

The Safari departs from the Regent Street Guyoil Gas station at 22:00h on the March 28 and will end on April 5. The event is also set to coincide with the Rodeo celebration in Lethem. There will also be an Air Services Limited flight out to Georgetown, affording participants both the option of returning to Georgetown for the Easter Monday celebrations or remaining in Lethem for the Rodeo.