Annai to Lethem

Introducing Annai to Lethem

The Rupununi Savannas are Africa-like plains scattered with Amerindian villages and an exceptional diversity of wildlife. Rivers filled with huge caimans, the world’s largest water lilies (the Victoria amazonica) and a mind-boggling variety of colorful birds, cut through plains of golden grasses and termite mounds. The heart of the Savannas is at Annai, a crossroads of Amerindian peoples with a police station and an airstrip, although the biggest settlement is much further south at Lethem, a cowboy town on the Brazilian border. Although the savannas stretch over an area of 104, 400 sq km, there’s a distinct feel of a tight community down here and you’d be hard pressed to find a safer place on earth. The region attracts and grows a collection of unique characters fanatical about wildlife, ecopreservation and living life to the fullest. The relatively nearby Kanuku Mountains harbor an extraordinary diversity of wildlife – 70% of all bird species found in Guyana reside here and ‘Kanuku’ means ‘rich forest’ in the Macushi language.

The whole area is home to Guyana’s vaqueros (cowboys), and there’s an annual Easter rodeo.

Technically you need permission to visit Amerindian communities but if you are traveling with Iwokrama or a tour company, this should be taken care of for you; inquiries can be made at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs in the Office of the President (226-5167; New Garden St & Vlissengen Rd, Georgetown).

Don and Shirley’s shop at the Lethem airstrip is the best place to get information about the local attractions, guides and other points of interest in the area. Pat Rash has an internet café right next to the shop and is another good source of information.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009