Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Iwokrama" mean?

At 1000 metres (3,281 ft.) high, the Iwokrama Mountains form the geographic focal point of the Forest; they once provided a "place of refuge" for the Makushi people. The Centre and Forest are named after this striking formation, now a refuge for people and wildlife... and an extraordinary mission.

How do I get to Guyana and the Forest?

Given the remoteness of this part of S. America, flying to Guyana is your best option.

Iwokrama can transport you to the Forest in a comfortable 4WD vehicle with A/C. There are also flights to nearby Annai as well as private buses.

>Learn more about Getting There

Where can I stay in Georgetown?

There are a wide range of hotels in Georgetown, from very expensive to inexpensive, and with varying levels of services and facilities. A quick internet search will yield a number of lodging choices, but we will also be happy to discuss your needs and help you identify a suitable hotel.

>List of Guyana Hotels & Resorts (2004) (.pdf)

Where can I stay in the Forest?

There are three options for Forest accommodations: the Field Station cabins, Satellite Camp huts and open-air Fly Camps. 

>Learn more about Accommodations

What should I bring?

Iwokrama will provide all of your meals while you are in the Forest. You should bring personal items such as sun cream, a sun hat, a raincoat, mosquito repellent, comfortable walking shoes, light, long-sleeved tops and light-weight long trousers, cameras, film and binoculars.

What is the best time of year to visit?

The best time is during low-water season, when the rains have stopped and available water is concentrated in ponds and rivers.  This concentration of water resources means that wildlife is less dispersed and therefore easier to see.  The water is lowest from January to early April at the height of the dry season.  The rainy season starts in late April and continues until early September, when the water is at its highest.

What can I do in and near the Forest? Oh so much!

You can look for Black Caiman in the dark by boat or view birds from the Canopy Walkway by day; visit Amerindian communities or go "back to nature" at a fly camp. Try an established tour or design your own.

>Learn more about Activities

>Learn more about Iwokrama Tours

Can I request vegetarian or other special diets?

Yes, but this should be discussed in advance of your arrival to make sure that we can accommodate your particular needs.

Do I need to take special precautions against malaria?

Although Georgetown and the coastal areas are malaria-free, precautions are very important in the interior.  Efforts to reduce the incidence of malaria have been successful, so that the numbers of reported cases have been drastically reduced over the years, however there is still a risk.

We strongly suggest you discuss your options for anti-malarial medicines with your healthcare provider, and recommend that you wear long sleeves and long trousers in the evening and sleep under the mosquito nets provided.

Are there are other health concerns?

First, it's important to remember that Guyana is a very poor tropical country with extremely limited healthcare and a very outdated water supply infrastructure.

With that in mind, you should be mindful of consuming water, ice and fresh vegetables.  Finer hotels and restaurants may have the capabilities for safeguarding these things, but there is no guarantee.  We encourage visitors to drink locally produced and inexpensive bottled waters such as Tropical Mist, Fountain Pure or Diamond.

An excellent resource for investigating regional health concerns and potential vaccinations is the web site of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; see Travelers' Health - Tropical South America.

What else is there to do in Guyana?

Guyana offers an extremely diverse array of things to do and see: Georgetown - classical colonial architecture

Rupununi Savannahs - sweeping plains with Amerindian villages

Kaieteur Falls - the world's tallest single drop waterfall

Shell Beach - turtle nesting site on the Atlantic coast

Lethem - annual rodeo on the Brazilian border

...and many other exciting opportunities!

To learn more, contact one of our partner Tour Operators, or visit the web site of the Tourism Association of Guyana.