Spend the Night at Turtle Mountain!

15 April 2004

Turtle Mountain provides one of Iwokrama Forest's signature vistas and visitors can now settle in for the night at the foot of the nearly 300m (950 ft.) tall mountain. The Turtle Mountain Base Camp, opened in March, offers accommodations for large groups or individuals who wish to stay in the heart of the rainforest, but with some conveniences.

The facility augments the accommodations Iwokrama now offers its visitors, including tourists, researchers and youth and other groups. The 3 huts at the camp accommodate up to 10 guests each. There are hammocks, running water, toilets, washrooms and a kitchen and dining area for the comfort of visitors.

The camp is located at the foot of Turtle Mountain near Paddle Rock Creek, a refuge for Brazilian Tapirs, occasional Jaguars, Peccaries, Agoutis, Pacas (see hoofed mammals and large rodents in the online mammal guide) and other wildlife.

Turtle Mountain Base Camp was built by Iwokrama in partnership with Trekforce, a UK volunteer conservation service organization. Construction cost about US$25,000 and took just over two months. The project reflects the level of cooperation possible between people from diverse backgrounds willing to work together for a common cause.

Panoramic view from the Turtle Mountain summit

with the Essequibo River in the distance

Iwokrama is particularly interested in educating Guyanese youth about the extraordinary values of Guyana's interior. Turtle Mountain Base Camp is part of Iwokrama's ecotourism business development strategy that includes greater accessibility for young people to visit and learn about the Iwokrama Forest. The camp will serve as a base for school and University groups interested in learning about and studying the Iwokrama Forest.

Individuals or groups interested in staying at the camp should contact the Ecotourism Office.

Visit Iwokrama and Turtle Mountain and experience the amazing Forest with the most beautiful and extraordinary plants and animals in Guyana!