Guyana Accommodation,
The Rupununi

Karanambu Eco Lodge

Scroll

Karanambu Ranch was the family home of Diane McTurk who founded the Karanambu Trust and was the world expert on giant otters and their rehabilitation. Under Diane’s guidance Karanambu became a leading center for the recovery and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned giant river otters and attained worldwide recognition for its conservation work.

Over the years Karanambu has been visited by Sir David Attenborough, the late Gerald Durrell (Three Singles to Adventure), National Geographic and the BBC’s Really Wild Show. As well as tame resident individuals, wild otters are frequently seen here. The rainforested banks of the Rupununi River are also home to large numbers of birds, squirrel and capuchin monkeys and plenty of other forest wildlife. Diane is sadly no longer with us and the lodge is currently managed by Andrea and Salvador of American and Guyanan descent who make wonderful hosts.

Karanambu Ranch was previously a huge cattle farm and now covers 100 square miles of protected wetlands, rainforest and savannah.

Away from the river there are vast tracts of savannah, home to endangered giant anteaters which are commonly seen by guests in the early morning.

The lodge has twin-bed clay, brick and thatched roof cabins, 5 of which accommodate up to 2 people and one for families of up to 4, with private bathrooms (cold water only) and flushing toilets, comfortable beds, verandas and hammocks.

Drinking water, a laundry service, solar powered electricity (available 6am and 10pm) and a complimentary supply of rum punches are also provided. The main building houses the dining room, communal lounge area and a small library. The service and locally produced food is of high standard and hand-made snacks, water, juice and rum punches are always readily available both at the lodge and on excursions.

Facilities

Private cabins and bathrooms with cold showers only. Dining room, laundry service, drinking water, generator-supplied electricity, complimentary rum punches, hammocks and turn down service.

Local Wildlife

Both wild and orphaned giant otters can be regularly seen. Giant anteaters are frequently encountered on the savannah close the lodge. In the gallery forests surrounding the river and oxbow lakes red howler, common squirrel and brown capuchin monkeys and a wide diversity of birds are often spotted. Nocturnal boat trips reveal a high density of black caiman and snakes including the spectacular Amazon tree boa.

Fruiting mango trees around the lodge attract the elusive tayra in the early mornings and paca after dark. With luck a tapir, herd of collared peccary, armadillo or one of the six species of cat present in the area can be encountered.

Optional Activities

Excursions along the river by motorised boat during the day and night. Treks across the savannah and through the gallery forest. Fishing. Camping.

John Melton

Area Specialist

If you have any questions regarding our Guyana tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965

Excellent accommodation and food. We had a very enjoyable stay at Karanambu.

Mr A S - Scottish Borders