10 Top Reasons Why You Need To Visit Karanambu Lodge

March 12, 2018

GxMedia
6 years ago
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Oldest Building at Karanambu

Karanambu is a 117-square mile former cattle ranch in the North Rupununi, a region of southwestern Guyana known for its expansive wetlands and savanna, as well as its biological and cultural diversity. There may be as many as 700 species of fish at Karanambu — more than anywhere on Earth.

Village neighbours include the Makushi villages of Kwaimatta, Massara, Yupukari, Toka, and Simoni.

Though remote, Karanambu is increasingly popular as an eco-tourist destination. Visitors stay at the award-winning Karanambu Lodge.

To summarise the highlights, here are ThingsGuyana.com 10 top reasons for visiting Karanambu Lodge.

Top 10 reasons to visit Karanambu Lodge

100yrs of Hospitality– now they say practice makes perfect and with almost 100 years of welcoming guests the folks of Karanambu make it look easy. From the moment you arrive it is like visiting with old friends. Every little detail has been remembered and catered for. Meals are shared at the family dinning table amidst relics of the McTurk family’s past and the hammocks hung around the dining room beckon you to indulge in an afternoon siesta. Walking around the compound, you are reminded that the McTurk family has been part of the living history of the region and the country itself since the 19^th Century with a legacy that in Guyana ranges from trail blazers and linguists to abolitionists and conservationists.
Birders Paradise– The 117 square miles, known as Karanambu sits between the Pakaraima Mountains and the Massive Kanuku. The Lodge is flanked by the vast flat Savannah and the bush islands that shoulder the winding rush of the Rupununi River. With 5 easily accessible habitats Karanambu’s bird list ranges into the 600s. This list continues to grow every year. For the novice, there are big birds that are plenty and easy to spot and easy to enjoy. The Jabiru stork, king fishers and some of the hundreds of water birds congregate at Crane Pond during nesting season. For the more seasoned birders, Karanambu never fails to impress: Agami Heron, Bearded Tachuri, Crested Doradito, Crestless Curasaw, Capuchin birds, and just last year, the Zig Zag Heron can usually be found without too much fuss.
Otter Nonsense – Karanambu may be most famous for the rescue and rehabilitation of the Giant Otters by famed conservationist and family icon Diane McTurk. Though orphaned cubs are rare these days Karanambu continues to protect and promote the conservation of the species and the river running through the Karanmabu area. The river is home to a number of families of Giant Otter. These gregarious creatures can some times be observed swimming, fishing or just playing around and are rarely afraid of visitors.
Ant-Bear babies– the largest species of anteaters, the Giant Anteater also known as the Ant Bears have called the savannah around Karanambu lodge home even before the Macushi moved to the region some 5000 years ago. These bizarre yet gentle giants can be up to 6ft long from nose to tail and carry up to 2 youngs on their backs while seaming to sail across the savannah’s waving grasses. This year, guests and locals were astounded to observe a fully grown animal which had climber some 20 feet high in a massive tree on the property.
Monkey business – Who doesn’t like monkeys? There are 6 species of monkeys commonly observed at the lodge. From the tiny squirrel monkeys (known as the saki winki locally) to the massive howler monkeys – these distant relatives of homo sapiens are always fascinating to watch.
Image: Buffalo Pond by Tim Mew McCartney

Lilies by starlight – the beautiful and fragrant Victoria Amazonia is the world’s largest waterlily at over 18 inches across. A majestic yet delicate blossom Victoria will slowly unfold her paper thing petals at dusk before your eyes. The intoxicating fragrance once released attracts golden scarab beetles to the lilies warm core. For the beetles, it is a good opportunity to find a mate and a good meal all in exchange for supporting pollination.
Sunset on the Savannah – the uninterrupted savannah offers breath-taking sunsets as the endless fiery skies kiss the gold emblazed savannah. The pre-dusk glow transforms the entire scenery to gold in the very place that men sought El Dorado. And as the sun descends, a new world awakens as the creatures of the night emerge. Crab eating fox, night jars and other wild dwellers of the ranging savannah emerge as the once golden lands are enveloped in the thick inky black night. Devoid of ambient light, the stars hang like jewels in the sky as satellites wiz by.
Creature comforts – though you may not come just for that, it is always good to have a comfortable bed and Karanambu prides itself at offering some of the most comfortable rooms in the Rupununi. It’s the little touches that distinguish Karanambu; from the array of toiletries to the complimentary turndown, it may be rustic but it certainly is no campy. Though cabins are available with zinc and tared roofs, by far the best are those with the thatched roofs using local palms which give the entire compound a feel of a traditional village. The main dinning hall also is housed under a massive palm roof which helps to keep the room both cool and visually soothing.
Image Source: Nigel Tisdall | www.telegraph.co.uk

Karanambu Rum Punch – across the Caribbean sun-downers of rum and fruit juice cocktails abound but there is something extra special about Karanambu Rum Punch. This famous brew has been attributed with soothing tempers, starting romances and washing away the cares of the outside world.
Exotic flavours – The Food– after all the nature-watching and photo-taking, there is hardly anything better than returning to the lodge for a truly sumptuous meal. Though all the meals at Karanambu are tasty. Breakfast is by far the most elaborate; from the table strewn with cutlery and a variety of community made jams and nut butters, to the buffet table showcasing seasonal fruit along with international and locally inspired dishes, it’s a feast for both the pallet as well as the eyes. You might just have to abandon the diet to try some of the fresh made bread with homemade marmalade. Plus, since every meal is made with fresh ingredients, Karanambu’s commitment to “buying local” means that chances are also high that you might just meet persons from the village visiting the lodge to deliver fruits or other ingredients. And if you are lucky enough to visit on BBQ night don’t miss the opportunity to eat under the stars. Dining in the shadow of one of the compounds ancient mango trees is a romantic end to the long active day.